Your garage door is one of the largest moving parts in your home and one of the most used entries. The average garage door opens and closes 1,500 times per year. Without proper maintenance, this constant use leads to wear, breakdowns, and expensive repairs.

The good news? Simple maintenance can extend your garage door's life by years and prevent most common problems. Here are 10 essential tips from Houston's garage door experts.

1 Visual Inspection (Monthly)

Once a month, take a few minutes to look at your garage door and its components. Look for:

• Rust or corrosion on springs, cables, and hardware
• Worn or frayed cables
• Loose bolts and brackets
• Cracks or damage to the door panels
• Weatherstripping condition

2 Lubricate Moving Parts (Every 6 Months)

Proper lubrication keeps your door operating smoothly and quietly. Use a silicone-based or lithium-based lubricant (not WD-40) on:

• Springs (torsion and extension)
• Hinges
• Rollers (if metal, not nylon)
• Bearing plates and pulleys
• Lock mechanisms

3 Test Safety Features (Monthly)

Modern garage doors have important safety features that should be tested regularly:

• Auto-Reverse Test: Place a 2x4 on the ground where the door closes. The door should reverse when it touches the wood.
• Photo-Eye Test: Wave an object in front of the sensors while the door is closing. It should immediately reverse.

4 Check Door Balance (Twice a Year)

A properly balanced door puts less strain on the opener and springs:

1. Disconnect the opener (pull the emergency release)
2. Manually lift the door halfway
3. Let go - a balanced door should stay in place
4. If it falls or rises, the springs need adjustment (call a professional)

5 Clean the Tracks

Debris in the tracks can cause the door to operate unevenly or get stuck. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside of the tracks. Do not lubricate the tracks - this can cause the door to slip.

6 Tighten Hardware

Vibration from daily use loosens hardware over time. Use a socket wrench to tighten:

• Roller brackets
• Hinge screws
• Track mounting brackets

7 Inspect and Replace Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping keeps out rain, pests, and debris. Check the rubber seal along the bottom of the door and around the sides. Replace if cracked, brittle, or missing sections.

8 Keep the Door Clean

Houston's weather means dirt, pollen, and humidity. Clean your door:

• Steel doors: Wash with mild detergent and water
• Wood doors: Check for water damage and repaint/reseal as needed
• Aluminum doors: Wipe with a non-abrasive cleaner

9 Test the Opener Remote and Keypad

Replace batteries in remotes and keypads before they die. Clean the keypad buttons if they become sticky or unresponsive.

10 Schedule Professional Maintenance (Annually)

Even with DIY maintenance, a professional inspection once a year catches problems you might miss:

• Spring tension adjustment
• Cable inspection
• Opener motor evaluation
• Safety feature calibration
• Complete system tune-up