Avoid Injury

The first step to avoiding possible injury when performing garage door maintenance tasks is to let someone know you are checking the garage door. Let all household members know not to open or close the garage door until you are finished.

Perform a Monthly Visual Inspection

• Stand inside the garage with the garage door closed.
• Look over the garage door springs, cables, rollers, and pulleys.
• Look over any mounting hardware like hinges for signs or wear or damage, paying close attention to cable wear or fraying.

If something doesn't look or sound quite right, it could be a sign of a more serious issue. When in doubt, have the garage door system inspected by a trained service technician.

Perform a Monthly Door Balance Test

If your garage door is equipped with an automatic opener system, close the door and disconnect the automatic opener. Once you can lift the door manually, lift it up. It should lift smoothly with little resistance and should stay fully open. If the door is difficult to open or does not remain open when lifted, it may be out of balance and should be serviced by a trained service technician.

Perform a Monthly Reversing Mechanism Test*

With the garage door fully open, lay a piece of wood like a 2x4 in the center of the garage door opening, where the door would touch the floor. Push the garage door opener's transmitter or wall button to close the door. When the garage door strikes the wood, the door should automatically reserve. If the door does not automatically reverse, it should be serviced by a trained service technician.

Perform a Monthly Photo Eye Test*

With the garage door open fully, push the garage door opener's transmitter or wall button to close the door. Wave a long object such as a broomstick in front of one of the door's photo eyes so it "breaks" the beam. The garage door should reverse. If the garage door does not reverse and reopen, pull the object out of the path of the closing door.

Allow the door to fully close. With the door in its closed position, clean the photo eyes with a soft, dry cloth. Gently adjust the photo eyes by hand if the appear to be out of alignment. The open the door and repeat the photo eye test. If the garage door once again does not reverse and reopen, it should be serviced by a trained service technician.

*These tests are for doors equipped with an automatic opener system. Garage door openers manufactured after January 1, 1993 are required by federal law to be equipped with a reversing mechanism and a photo eye or edge sensor. These are added safety measures to prevent entrapment. If your system does not include these features, we recommend replacing your automatic operating system.

Perform a Monthly Force Setting Test

With the garage door open fully, push the garage door opener's transmitter or wall button to close the door. As the garage door begins to close, hold your outstretched hands under the door area. If the garage door does not easily reverse and instead continues to close, pull your hands away immediately. This issue indicates the closing force of the garage door is excessive and should be serviced by a trained service technician.

Listening for Unusual Noises

Your garage door can tell you a lot—if you’re willing to listen. Grinding, squeaking, or scraping sounds often indicate a problem with the rollers or tracks.

Verifying Safety Sensors

Make sure the safety sensors are aligned and free of obstructions. Misaligned sensors can prevent the door from closing properly.

Lubricate the Garage Door Semi-Annually

Apply a small amount of spray lubricant to the garage door's hinges, springs, and rollers.

Dealing with Common Issues

Regular maintenance not only ensures its smooth operation but also prolongs its lifespan, saving you from costly repairs. Let’s explore the essential steps to maintain your garage door and keep it in excellent condition year-round.

• Fixing Squeaky Doors: A squeaky door is often a sign that parts need lubrication or tightening. Apply lubricant and check all bolts and screws.
• Addressing Slow Response Times: If your door is sluggish, check the opener settings and ensure the tracks are clear of debris.
• What to Do with Broken Springs: Never attempt to fix broken springs yourself—it’s dangerous and requires specialized tools. Call a professional instead.

Benefits of Professional Garage Door Maintenance

While DIY tasks can handle minor issues, professional maintenance ensures:

• Thorough inspection of all components.
• Accurate adjustments to springs and tracks.
• Early detection of potential problems.
• Increased safety and peace of mind.

Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Your Garage Door

Keep it clean, lubricated, and balanced. Avoid overusing the opener, and address small issues promptly. Maintaining your garage door isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, energy efficiency, and saving money in the long run. With these tips, Minneapolis homeowners can ensure their garage doors stay in top shape, no matter the season.

Contact All American Door Co. online or call (763) 244–1605 with any questions about how to maintain your garage door in and around the Minneapolis and St. Paul area.