Coupons
Which door is used most in your home—the garage door or your front door? Day in and day out, your garage door works quietly behind the scenes: securing your home, allowing family to come and go, protecting your belongings, and occasionally even receiving a package or two. But when’s the last time you gave it any real attention? If you’re like most homeowners, it’s not until something screeches, sticks, or breaks that you think about it at all.
Ignoring garage door upkeep might not seem like a big deal until it suddenly won’t open, or worse, becomes a safety hazard. The good news? A bit of preventative care can go a long way. Regular garage door servicing, both DIY and professional—can help you dodge surprise repairs, keep your home secure, and ensure everything operates safely.
Let’s take a closer look at what regular garage door maintenance can prevent, what you can do on your own, and when to call in the pros.
Common Garage Door Problems That Regular Service Can Prevent
Think of your garage door like any major appliance in your home. It needs occasional attention to keep things working properly. Regular servicing helps catch the wear and tear that builds up over time.
Tension Springs & Cables
What They Do: These components work together to control the weight and balance of the door, making sure it opens and closes smoothly.
Why They Fail: Over time, springs and cables stretch and weaken. Rust, fraying, and a lack of lubrication accelerate this process.
DIY Tip: Look for rust on the springs and any fraying in the cables. If you spot damage, don’t attempt to repair it yourself! These parts are under high tension and can cause serious injury. This is a job for the pros.
Torsion Springs
What They Do: Torsion springs are mounted above the garage door and provide the necessary torque to lift the door’s weight.
Why They Fail: These springs are rated for a certain number of cycles (usually around 10,000). If your door is used several times a day, they may wear out within 5-7 years.
Red Flag: Hear a loud bang from the garage? That might be a broken torsion spring. If your garage door suddenly won’t open, this could be why.
Noisy Opening and Closing
What Causes It: Grinding, squealing, or rattling noises usually mean the door’s rollers are worn out or the tracks are misaligned.
DIY Tip: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and hinges once every six months. Avoid WD-40 or grease, they attract dirt and grime.
The Role of Lubrication in Garage Door Health
Think of lubrication as the easiest thing you can do to extend your garage door’s life. Just like oiling a squeaky cabinet hinge, it keeps moving parts functioning smoothly.
Where to Apply Lubricant:
- Rollers (except for nylon rollers without bearings)
- Hinges
- Springs
- Bearing plates
- Tracks (just wipe clean. Don’t lubricate)
This 10-minute task helps prevent costly repairs down the line–and quiets a noisy door.
Safety Features That Should Never Be Overlooked
Modern garage doors come equipped with critical safety mechanisms—but they only work if maintained.
Garage Door Auto-Reversal
Why It Matters: This feature prevents the door from closing on objects, pets, or children.
DIY Tip: Place a roll of paper towels or a 2X4 under the door. If it doesn’t reverse upon contact, the sensors might be dirty or misaligned.
Other Key Safety Features
- Photo-eye sensors (clean regularly)
- Emergency release cord (know how to use it)
- Manual controls (test in case of power outage)
If you’re unsure how these work and if they are functioning properly, a professional technician can walk you through them during an inspection.
The Cost of Garage Door Service—And Why It’s Worth It
Think of servicing like a dental cleaning for your garage door: a small expense now saves you pain and big expenses later.
Preventative Maintenance vs. Emergency Repairs
- Preventative Tune-Up: ~ $150 – $250 once a year
- Emergency repair or full replacement: ~$300 – $1000+
When parts fail unexpectedly, you’re not only paying more—you’re stuck dealing with the inconvenience. Regular servicing keeps surprises at bay.
How Often Should You Service Your Garage Door?
A good rule of thumb: once a year. Ideally, schedule it before winter, when cold temperatures and snow put extra strain on the system.
If your garage gets used more than average (think multiple drivers or keypad entrance for family and deliveries), consider a spring and fall checkup.
Weather Impacts to Watch For
- Cold Temperatures: Metal contracts, springs get brittle
- Rain and humidity: Can cause rust or electrical issues
- Heat: Expands components and stresses electronics
What Happens During a Professional Garage Door Inspection?
A reputable technician will:
- Inspect springs, cables, and rollers for wear
- Test the opener, auto-reverse function, and remotes
- Check door balance and alignment
- Tighten hardware
- Lubricate moving parts
- Recommend any necessary repairs
Think of it as a comprehensive tune-up that gives you peace of mind.
How to Choose a Reliable Garage Door Service Provider
Look for:
- Local reputation and reviews
- Certified technicians
- Transparent pricing
- Warranty on services
- Emergency service availability
Garage Doors of Indianapolis checks all these boxes—and has served local homeowners for decades.
Don’t Wait for Trouble—Get Ahead of It
Your garage door may seem like it can take care of itself, but regular maintenance is the key to safety, savings, and avoiding last-minute frustration.
Try a few of the tips above—then call the experts at Garage Doors of Indianapolis for a full tune-up.
Don’t wait until your garage door stops working—schedule your professional garage door service with Garage Doors of Indianapolis today and keep your home safe and functional all year long.