Your garage door is one of the most important moving parts in your home, but it's often overlooked when it comes to maintenance. Most homeowners only think about their garage door when something goes wrong—when it stops opening, gets stuck halfway, or starts making strange noises. However, regular garage door maintenance can prevent these costly issues, saving you money in the long run. In this blog, we'll break down the cost savings of preventative maintenance versus emergency repairs and provide you with a simple maintenance checklist to keep your garage door in top shape.
The Cost of Ignoring Maintenance
Many homeowners assume that garage door maintenance is an unnecessary expense. However, neglecting regular upkeep can lead to more significant problems that are much more expensive to fix. Here are some common issues that arise when garage doors aren't properly maintained:
- Broken Springs
Garage door springs are essential for smooth operation. Over time, they wear out, and if not maintained, they can break. Replacing a broken spring can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 depending on the type of spring and labor costs. Preventative maintenance, such as lubricating the springs and ensuring they are properly balanced, can extend their lifespan and prevent the need for early replacement. - Worn-Out Cables
Garage door cables are another critical component. They support the weight of the door as it opens and closes. Without regular inspection, cables can fray or snap, leading to costly repairs. A snapped cable can lead to an emergency call to a repair service, costing upwards of $150 to $300. - Misaligned Tracks
Over time, the tracks on which your garage door operates can become misaligned due to daily use. This can lead to the door not opening or closing properly, or even coming off the track altogether. Repairing a misaligned or off-track door can cost anywhere from $125 to $350. - Motor and Opener Failures
The garage door opener motor can burn out or malfunction if the door isn't operating smoothly due to other mechanical failures. Replacing a garage door opener motor can set you back $300 to $600, depending on the model. Regular lubrication and inspection of the door’s moving parts can prevent stress on the motor, allowing it to last longer.
The Cost Savings of Preventative Maintenance
In contrast to emergency repairs, regular garage door maintenance is a relatively low-cost investment that can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars over the years. Here are some of the key benefits of investing in routine maintenance:
- Extend the Lifespan of Parts
When you regularly maintain your garage door, you can catch small issues before they turn into big problems. Lubricating the moving parts, tightening screws and bolts, and ensuring everything is aligned correctly can extend the life of your garage door's components. - Reduce the Risk of Emergency Repairs
Emergency repairs tend to be much more expensive because they often happen at inconvenient times, requiring immediate attention. By scheduling regular maintenance, you can prevent the need for costly emergency service calls. - Avoid Major Component Replacements
Replacing major components such as springs, cables, or the motor can be expensive. With proper maintenance, you can prolong the life of these parts, delaying the need for replacement and saving you money in the long run. - Improve Energy Efficiency
A well-maintained garage door also helps improve the energy efficiency of your home. If your garage door isn’t properly sealed or insulated, it can let in drafts, causing your heating and cooling system to work harder. Regular maintenance includes checking for gaps and ensuring the door is weatherproofed, which can reduce energy costs. - Increase Home Value
A garage door in good working condition enhances your home’s curb appeal and can increase its value. If you plan to sell your home in the future, a well-maintained garage door can be a selling point, making your home more attractive to potential buyers.
Maintenance Checklist for Your Garage Door
Now that we’ve established why regular maintenance is crucial, let’s take a look at what you can do to maintain your garage door. Here’s a simple checklist you can follow to keep your garage door in good working condition:
- Visual Inspection
Every few months, take a close look at your garage door and its components. Check for signs of wear and tear, rust, frayed cables, or any unusual sounds when operating the door. Make sure the door is opening and closing smoothly. - Lubricate Moving Parts
Garage doors have many moving parts, including rollers, hinges, tracks, and springs. These parts need regular lubrication to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation. Use a silicone-based lubricant or garage door lubricant (not WD-40) and apply it to all the moving parts every six months. - Check the Balance of the Door
A properly balanced garage door is essential for smooth operation. To test the balance, disconnect the garage door opener and manually lift the door halfway. If the door stays in place, it’s balanced. If it moves up or down, it may need adjustment by a professional. - Tighten Hardware
Over time, the hardware on your garage door, such as bolts, screws, and brackets, can loosen. Use a socket wrench to tighten all the bolts and screws to ensure the door operates smoothly and securely. - Test the Safety Features
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features such as auto-reverse and sensors to prevent accidents. Test the auto-reverse feature by placing an object in the door’s path while closing it. The door should reverse immediately upon contact. Similarly, check the photoelectric sensors by closing the door and waving an object in front of the sensor. The door should reverse if the beam is broken. - Inspect and Replace Weatherstripping
The weatherstripping on the bottom of your garage door helps keep out drafts, water, and pests. Check for cracks, tears, or gaps in the weatherstripping and replace it if necessary. This will improve your home's energy efficiency and keep the garage clean and dry. - Clean the Tracks
Dirt and debris can accumulate in the tracks over time, leading to misalignment or friction. Clean the tracks with a damp cloth and make sure there’s no buildup that could interfere with the door’s operation. - Check the Garage Door Opener
Make sure your garage door opener is functioning correctly. Test the remote controls and the wall switch to ensure they are responsive. Additionally, check the battery backup system, if applicable, to ensure it works in the event of a power outage.
When to Call a Professional
While many garage door maintenance tasks can be done by homeowners, certain issues require professional attention. If you notice any of the following problems, it's best to call us:
- The door makes loud, grinding noises or jerks when opening or closing.
- The door is uneven or won’t stay in place when manually lifted.
- The springs, cables, or rollers are damaged or worn.
- The garage door opener isn’t working, even after checking the power source and remote controls.
Conclusion
Investing in regular garage door maintenance is a small price to pay for the long-term benefits it offers. By preventing major breakdowns, reducing energy costs, and extending the life of your garage door, you can save significant money over the years. Follow the maintenance checklist provided, and don’t hesitate to call a professional if you notice any issues beyond your expertise. A little upkeep goes a long way toward ensuring that your garage door remains in good working order, helping you avoid expensive repairs down the road. If you want to keep your garage door in top shape and avoid costly repairs, contact us today! Our team of professionals is ready to provide expert maintenance and ensure your garage door is operating smoothly year-round. Don't wait for a problem to arise—schedule your maintenance service now!