When it comes to garage door maintenance, it’s easy to overlook garage door openers, even though they’re integral to a garage door’s function. Some homeowners neglect to maintain their garage door openers until they notice obvious mechanical issues. No matter how often you use them, the moving parts experience gradual wear and tear that warrants an eventual repair or replacement.
Incorporating routine checks and adjustments allows you to resolve minor issues before they turn into major problems. This guide about routine maintenance for garage door openers will review the simple steps to keep it operating smoothly.
Importance of Garage Door Opener Maintenance
Garage door openers are a key component of a larger system, and homeowners must maintain them alongside the door itself, springs, and tracks. Here are the key reasons why it’s important to keep up with routine care for garage door openers:
- Keeping parts clean, lubricated, and aligned helps the opener function consistently without disruptions.
- Regular inspections minimize safety risks by ensuring sensors, parts, and safety features are functioning properly.
- Preventative maintenance addresses minor issues early, saving homeowners time and money on major repairs later on.
- Maintaining garage door openers ensures it will last upwards of ten years before needing a replacement.
7 Routine Garage Door Opener Maintenance Tasks
Garage door openers require consistent upkeep to offer convenient benefits for homeowners. Follow these seven steps to keep your garage door opener to keep functioning safely and efficiently.
1. Visual Inspections
Inspecting the garage door opener and its components regularly helps identify issues early on. Check for visible wear around the motor, chains, and wires as well as other door system components the opener controls such as the springs and tracks.
Early intervention prevents more significant structural damage and ensures safety. Conduct visual inspections every month to keep your opener and garage door in top condition.
2. Tighten Loose Parts
Over time, the vibrations caused by daily use can loosen bolts, screws, and brackets. Tightening these parts provides structural stability, prevents slippage, and avoids misalignment. Pay special attention to the hardware located in the garage’s track system and brackets that connect to the wall and ceiling.
3. Lubricate Moving Parts
Moving components such as the chain, rollers, and hinges require regular lubrication to function smoothly. This minimizes friction between moving parts, reducing noise and preventing wear.
It is best to use a light penetrating oil lubricant, but you can also refer to the manual for a specific recommendation. Perform this task every six months or as needed if the door begins to grind or squeak.
4. Test Garage Door Balance
An unbalanced garage door can strain the opener and cause it to break down prematurely. To test balance, disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. A balanced door will stay in place, while an unbalanced one will move.
If the door moves, it’s a sign that the springs may need an adjustment. Reach out to a professional to reduce the risk of long-term damage.
5. Align Safety Sensors
Safety sensors at the base of the garage door make sure the door does not close on objects, pets, or people. To align sensors, clean the lenses to remove debris. Check that both sensors are in the correct position facing each other. Test the sensor by placing an obstruction in its path and ensure the garage door reverses as it approaches the item.
6. Replace Opener Battery
If the garage door opener has a backup battery, replace it to prevent inactivity. Weak or dead batteries can cause inconsistent operation or leave you unable to access the garage in emergencies.
Swap out the battery once a year or when you notice response issues. Keeping a fresh battery ensures reliable performance and eliminates the inconvenience of sudden malfunctions.
7. Routine Cleaning
Last but not least, it’s important to regularly clean the garage door opener and its surroundings. Dust and debris can clog components such as tracks and sensors, interfering with operation and reducing the system’s longevity.
Clean the tracks, rollers, and exterior of the garage door opener using a soft cloth. This attention to detail helps the garage operate smoothly.
Signs You Need Professional Service
While homeowners completing routine maintenance goes a long way, a professional technician should tend to certain issues for you and your family’s safety. If you notice any of the following signs as you perform a maintenance check, contact a garage door company as soon as possible.
Unusual Noises
Grinding or squeaking noises can stem from misaligned tracks, worn rollers, or a lack of lubrication on moving parts. Ignoring these sounds can lead to further damage, such as warped tracks or broken hardware.
Unbalanced Garage Door
After inspecting your garage door for balanced operation, hire professionals if you notice serious issues caused by worn-out strings. This imbalance puts extra strain on the opener, potentially leading to premature motor failure or snapped cables.
Door Opens and Closes Intermittently
Intermittent operation is commonly caused by faulty wiring, a malfunctioning motor, or worn-out components in the opener. These electrical issues can disrupt the system and pose potential safety risks.
Slow To Respond
A slow response time might indicate motor strain, sensor issues, or a failing opener system. These problems can worsen over time, eventually preventing the door from functioning altogether.
Years Without Professional Servicing
Neglecting routine maintenance increases the likelihood of unexpected malfunctions or safety hazards. Regular professional inspections can catch problems early, prolong the lifespan of your garage door, and ensure safe operation.
Partner With Garage Door Professionals
Routinely maintaining your garage door opener will guarantee it operates smoothly and safely. Not to mention, you can prolong the opener’s lifespan. By incorporating these routine tasks into your maintenance schedule and knowing when to seek professional help, you can keep your system in excellent condition.
At the Door and Fence Store, we have over 45 years of experience assisting homeowners with residential garage door installation, maintenance, and emergency repair. Contact our team to assist you with all your garage door opener needs so your home can benefit from a functional garage door for decades.
