Maintenance

5 simple garage door checks you can do in 10 minutes

5 simple garage door checks you can do in 10 minutes

Most garage doors get used several times a day and never get a second thought until something goes wrong. A few quick checks every few months can catch small problems before they turn into a big repair bill.

1. Watch it run

Stand inside and open and close the door with the opener. It should move smoothly and evenly. Jerking, shuddering or one side lagging behind the other usually means something needs adjusting.

2. Listen for new noises

A little noise is normal. Grinding, squealing or loud banging is not. New noises are often the first sign of worn rollers, dry tracks or a loose fitting.

3. Test the safety reverse

Put a piece of timber or a rolled up towel on the ground where the door closes. When the door touches it, it should stop and go back up. If it doesn't, stop using the auto close and give us a call. This is the feature that protects kids, pets and cars.

4. Keep the tracks clean

Wipe dust, cobwebs and leaves out of the tracks with a dry cloth. Don't grease the tracks themselves, because grease collects dirt and makes things worse.

5. Check the remote and keypad batteries

If you have to press the remote twice or stand right next to the door, it's probably the battery. Remote batteries are cheap and easy to swap.

What not to touch

Springs, cables and the brackets they attach to are under serious tension. Leave those to a technician.

If anything feels off, a regular service is the easiest way to keep your door running quietly and safely for years. Call the team for a service or a quote.