Why Regular Garage Door Maintenance Can Save You Big Repair Costs

Your garage door probably isn’t something that you think about every day, until you find it stuck or malfunctioning someday. These issues can catch you off guard and may cost you hundreds of dollars if left unattended. Hence, it is advisable to get your garage door maintenance scheduled regularly.

During maintenance, the garage door company checks for any damage, wear, loose bolts, etc. that may have arisen due to longer use. You can also DIY the maintenance monthly, and if you find any issues, you can call an emergency garage door repair Fair Oaks.

This blog discusses why maintenance is important and what you can do yourself!

Common Problems That May Arise When The Garage Door Is Not Maintained!

Garage doors are built tough, but like any mechanical system, they are not invincible. Here are some common yet expensive issues that can creep up if you’re not careful. Remember, each one of them starts small!

• Broken Torsion Springs

Torsion springs do the heavy lifting every time your garage door opens or closes. If one snaps, your door becomes a dead weight. Trying to operate it can burn out the motor and even lead to injuries. Replacing broken springs is urgent – and not cheap. Ignoring early signs like squeaking or uneven movement can escalate costs fast.

• Worn Or Damaged Rollers

Rollers guide your garage door along the tracks. When they wear out or get damaged, the door may jerk, screech, or get stuck mid-motion. Over time, this extra friction can warp the tracks and burn out the opener. If the issue is taken care of early, it may cost you a little. But if left unattended, it might cost you hundreds, even thousands!

• Misaligned Or Bent Tracks

If your garage door tracks are even slightly misaligned, it puts pressure on the entire system. This may cause several issues, such as –

• The door can derail
• The rollers can pop out
• The opener can overstrain

You might even end up needing a full door replacement. Catching track alignment issues can help you take the necessary steps and promptly call licensed garage door contractors. They can help realign them quickly.

• Faulty Garage Door Opener

The opener is the brain of the garage system. When it malfunctions, your door might not open, close halfway, or even reverse unexpectedly. Small glitches, such as slow responses, loud operation, etc, often signal electrical or gear issues. If left ignored, you’ll likely need a full opener replacement, which can cost you hundreds.

• Frayed Or Snapped Cables

Lift cables help bear the weight of the garage door. Over time, they can fray from constant tension or corrode from exposure to moisture. If a cable snaps, the door may slam shut dangerously or hang unevenly. It poses safety risks and causes further damage.

• Worn Weather Seals And Insulation

The weather seal keeps rain, dirt, pests, and cold air out of your garage. When it’s worn or cracked, your garage becomes vulnerable to moisture and temperature. This can cause rust on moving parts and may result in higher energy bills. It also may cause damage to items stored inside.

Regular Maintenance Tasks Every Garage Owner Must Perform

Regular maintenance isn’t optional – it’s essential!

Every garage door service provider and homeowner swears by this saying. An overlooked issue, no matter how minor it is, can turn into a big problem. Hence, performing these tasks can prevent breakdowns, extend the life of your system, and keep repair costs at bay. Here are a few simple checks and tasks that keep your garage door running smoothly and safely.

• Lubricate All Moving Parts

Friction can damage your garage door systems, which causes rollers, hinges, and springs to wear down. This leads to weird noises and a reduction in performance. It is advised to apply silicone-based lubricant twice a year – it improves the functioning and prevents wear.

Here’s what you need to consider –

• Focus on rollers, hinges, springs, and the chain or screw on the opener
• Avoid using grease – it traps dirt and causes buildup

Lubrication helps keep the movement smooth and quiet, which reduces stress on the motor and other components.

• Tighten Loose Hardware

Garage doors open and close hundreds of times per year. All that movement causes vibrations, which can loosen screws, bolts, and brackets. Unchecked, these can lead to sagging, imbalance, or noisy operation.

Use a socket wrench to tighten the roller brackets, track supports, and opener mounts. If the components are properly tightened, it leads to minimal wear on the system.

• Test The Auto-Reverse Safety Features

This is an important feature that prevents injury and damage. Testing it monthly ensures your garage door is safe for children, pets, and vehicles. To test –

• Open the garage door completely.
• Place a solid object (like a wooden block) in the door’s path and then try closing the door.
• Watch if the door reverses upon contact, as a well-functioning door reverses back immediately.

If it does not stop, consult an emergency garage door repair company in Fair Oaks immediately, as it is a serious risk to your family.

• Clean And Inspect Tracks

Dirt, damaged, or misaligned tracks can prevent your door from functioning properly. Consider cleaning them to ensure the rollers glide smoothly.  Also, inspect for dents or warps to catch early problems. Here’s how to do it –

• Wipe tracks with a damp cloth to remove debris.
• Use mild detergent mixed with warm water, if needed
• After cleaning the tracks, consider wiping them dry with a clean towel.

Once cleaned, check that both tracks are straight and evenly aligned. A well-maintained track prevents jerky operation and premature wear on the rollers.

• Inspect the Cables And Springs (Visual Only)

Torsion springs and cables carry extreme tension. Even slight damage can cause the door to fail or even fall. While you should never touch them, visual inspection is still important. Here’s what to look for –

• Frayed or sagging cables
• Rust or corrosion on springs
• Gaps in the coils when the door is closed

If you notice anything off, call garage door contractors immediately.

• Check And Replace Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping protects your garage from external elements like water, dirt, pests, and cold air. Damaged seals can lead to rust on components and increased energy costs. Take a good look at the bottom and sides of the garage door.

If the rubber looks cracked, brittle, or loose, it needs replacement. When replacing the weatherstrip, consider opting for the best quality one, as it helps seal the door properly and also reduces stress on the opener.

If your Google search is filled with phrases like “garage door repair near me” and “best garage door repair in Fair Oaks,” get in touch with Eudy Door Co. for professional garage door repair and maintenance.

Why Regular Garage Door Maintenance Can Save You Huge Repair Costs?

Regular garage door maintenance can help you protect your investment. A well-maintained garage door system runs more efficiently and lasts longer. Plus, it is far likely to surprise you with a hefty repair bill. Homeowners often wait until something breaks to take action, but by then, the damage is usually more severe and costly.

Just like you wouldn’t skip oil changes on your car, the garage door also needs the same consistent care. As the best garage door company in Fair Oaks, trust us when we say – a little routine can go a long way!

What You Gain From Regular Garage Door Maintenance?

Here are some of the benefits of regular garage door maintenance –

• Smoother, quieter operation
• Improved home security and safety
• Fewer breakdowns and surprise repair bills
• Reduced wear and tear on the moving parts
• Better energy efficiency with intact weather seals
• Maintained warranty coverage (some require proof)
• Peace of mind knowing your door works efficiently and properly

How Often Should You Get Your Garage Door Maintained?

Did you know – 54% of people have had no garage door safety inspection by a  professional?

Most garage doors should be professionally maintained at least once a year. This ensures all moving parts are inspected, lubricated, and adjusted to avoid any early wear and damage. However, if you use the door daily, which is more than 4 cycles per day, it’s wise to schedule maintenance every six months.

Between professional visits, you must also perform quick monthly checks on –

• Springs
• Sensors
• Rolling tracks
• Garage door openers
• Auto-reverse functions

Regular tune-ups extend your door’s lifespan and keep it safe and quiet. Trusted garage door contractors can spot problems you might miss, which saves you stress and repair bills.

When Should You Call A Professional?

Even if you’re keeping up with the basic DIY maintenance plan, it is important to call a professional to catch issues that your eyes might have missed. Here’s when you should call a professional –

• Full System Tune-Up

The garage door, after a certain period, falls out of balance due to excessive use. So, when you call a professional, they tune up the springs, cables, openers, rollers, etc, and ensure they are well-adjusted. They’ll also check the tension, alignment, and safety settings, making sure the system works like new.

• Opener Calibration And Force Adjustment

Garage door openers need occasional recalibration to operate at the right speed and force. If your door hesitates, reverses unexpectedly, or feels sluggish, a professional can help fine-tune these settings. They also inspect motor wear, wiring, and backup batteries – which are often overlooked during DIY inspection.

• Spring Sensor Testing And Alignment

While you can spot visible damage, only a licensed and experienced technician can accurately test the strength, tension, and life expectancy of springs and lift cables. They’ll measure wear, inspect connections, and identify early warning signs. Search for “garage door repair near me” on your browser to find a technician equipped to handle these high-tension parts safely.

• Annual Preventive Maintenance Service

Even if nothing seems wrong, scheduling a yearly maintenance check with a certified technician is one of the smartest moves you, as a homeowner, can make. They’ll inspect the entire system top to bottom, lubricate where needed, make minor adjustments, and document everything.

DIY Vs. Professional Maintenance

 

Aspects	DIY Maintenance	Professional Maintenance
Tasks	Lubrication Track cleaning Visual inspection	Spring tensioning Cable replacement Opener calibration
Tools Required	Basic Tools (wrench, a cloth, lubricant)	Specialized tools and gears
Safety Level	Low risk when done carefully	Handles high-risk components safely
Skill Needed	Basic mechanical knowledge	Trained and certified expertise
Frequency	Monthly checks, seasonal upkeep	Once or twice a year, depending on door usage
Cost Efficiency	Lower upfront cost, but may miss hidden problems	Higher cost, but it is more thorough, and the results last longer
Warranty Impact	May not fulfill warranty conditions	Usually required for warranty validation
Problem Detection	Limited – visible issues only	Full system diagnostics and early detection of hidden issues

 

Note: DIY maintenance helps you stay proactive between professional visits, but some jobs require a trained hand. To avoid injury and costly errors, leave high-tension parts and complex repairs to experienced garage door contractors. It’s a small investment that will protect you and your home.

Takeaway

Garage doors work hard and require proper maintenance to stay reliable. This helps keep the door running smoothly and avoids any surprise breakdown. Don’t wait for things to snap, squeak, or jam. Always stay ahead of the problem with DIY daily/weekly maintenance, and also schedule an annual professional maintenance.

Need Maintenance Service? Don’t Hesitate To Call Eudy Door Co.!

Founded in 1976, Eudy Door Co. has been completely licensed since 1989. Since then, we have served the Sacramento and Fair Oaks area and have earned the name of the best garage door service company in the region.

We have an A+ rating from the BBB, and we also have 4.7 out of 5 shining stars on Google. Our customers praise us for our professionalism, promptness, and fair pricing. For annual tune-up service or emergency garage door repair in Fair Oaks and the Sacramento region, we are here to help!

Call us at 916-387-8664 to book a maintenance service!