Your garage door may open and close more than 1,500 times a year. A few minutes of maintenance each season keeps it running smoothly, extends the life of springs and openers, and catches small problems before they turn into a door that won’t open. Here’s a checklist built for the Puget Sound area’s long wet winters and occasional freezes.
Every month
- Watch and listen. Run the door and look for jerky movement, sagging or a side that lags. Listen for grinding or scraping.
- Test the safety reversal. Place a roll of paper towels on the floor under the door and close it. The door should reverse when it touches it.
- Test the photo eyes. Close the door and wave a broom handle through the beam. The door should reverse.
Every spring (March–May)
- Clean the tracks. Wipe out pollen, dust and debris with a dry cloth.
- Check the bottom seal. Look for cracks, gaps or flattened sections that let in rain.
- Clear the threshold. Spring rain can wash debris under the door; keep the area clear so the door seals.
Every summer (June–August)
- Lubricate moving parts. Damp Eastside garages break down lubricants and invite rust. Spray hinges, roller bearings and springs with garage-door lubricant.
- Check the opener. Clean dust and cobwebs off the unit and check that the light and sensors work.
- Inspect the weatherstrip. Sun and heat crack vinyl seals around the frame.
Every fall (September–November)
- Tighten hardware. Snug the hinge and track bracket bolts, but leave bottom brackets and spring hardware alone.
- Check the balance. Disconnect the opener with the door closed, lift it halfway and let go. A balanced door stays put. If it drops or shoots up, the springs need adjusting.
- Clean the photo eyes and make sure their indicator lights are steady.
Every winter (December–February)
- Watch for the first cold-morning failure. Worn springs often break during the first cold snap. If you notice a gap in the spring, stop using the door.
- Keep the bottom seal free. On frosty mornings, a seal stuck to the slab can strain the opener.
- Consider insulation. If the garage is very cold, an insulated door makes a noticeable difference.
Tasks to leave to a professional
- Adjusting or replacing springs.
- Replacing cables, drums or bottom brackets.
- Straightening bent tracks.
- Opener logic board and gear repairs.
Springs and cables are under extreme tension. A yearly professional garage door tune-up covers all of these, along with a balance and safety test and new seals where needed.
Signs you need service now
- A loud bang followed by a heavy door, which usually means a broken spring.
- A cable hanging loose or the door sitting crooked; see our cable repair service.
- Rollers popping out of the track.
- The opener humming without moving the door.
Keeping up with this checklist will save you money and stress. When you’d rather have it done for you, Redmond WA Garage Door Repair offers tune-ups across the Eastside.