Our Garage Door Maintenance Process
There are numerous tests that our Fawley Overhead Door, Inc. team completes during routine garage door maintenance. These tests or tune-ups may include:
- Checking the balance of your garage door
- Testing safety mechanisms
- Tightening loose hardware
- Lubricating all moving parts of the garage door
- Replacing or repairing worn or broken parts
- And more!
During your tune-up appointment, our experts will walk you through everything we complete and answer any questions you may have. We can even offer advice for at-home garage door maintenance tips that you can complete yourself! If any issues arise, though, just know that Fawley Overhead Door, Inc. is here for you!
Garage Door Maintenance Tips You Can Do Yourself
Regular maintenance doesn’t always require a professional. Here are some simple tasks you can perform yourself to keep your garage door in optimal condition:
- Clean the door’s interior and exterior with mild soap and water to prevent dirt buildup.
- Lubricate moving parts such as springs, tracks, and hinges using silicone or Teflon-based spray (never WD-40).
- Test the safety sensors regularly to ensure the door automatically reverses when there’s an obstruction.
- Check the balance of the door by disconnecting it from the opener and manually raising it halfway. It should stay in place.
By incorporating these easy tasks into your routine, you can help extend the life of your garage door and prevent the need for costly repairs.
A Brief Guide to Garage Door Maintenance
Professionals recommend having annual garage door maintenance performed to ensure the highest level of functionality and safety. In fact, some even suggest having your garage door serviced every six months, shortly before summer and winter months.
So, what does this include? We break down what maintenance is needed and when to help you stay ahead of potential issues and keep your garage door system in the best shape possible.
What to Maintain Every Six Months
- Wash the interior and exterior of the door and windows with mild soap (car wash or dishwashing soap) and water, then rinse thoroughly. Do not use harsh or abrasive detergents.
- Lubricate springs, tracks, and hinges with a silicone or Teflon-based spray. Do not use WD-40 or grease. Afterward, open and close the door to distribute the lubricant.
- Perform a garage door safety test. Press the button to close the garage door, then wave a broom or stick in the opening. The garage door should automatically reverse if the safety sensors are working correctly.
- Perform a door balance test. First, disconnect the closed garage door from the opener so that it can be operated manually. Then, open the door about halfway and release it. If properly balanced, the door should stay in place when you release it.
What to Maintain Every 12 Months
- Inspect springs, cables, tracks, and other hardware for signs of wear. Call for a professional inspection if you see signs of worn-out, rusted, or broken parts.
- Replace the battery and lightbulbs in the opener.
- Replace batteries in the remotes or keypads.
- Schedule a professional inspection with a local garage door company.
What to Maintain as Needed
- Clean road salt from interior and exterior surfaces using mild soap (car wash or dishwashing soap) and water, then rinse thoroughly. Do not use harsh or abrasive detergents. If surface rust appears, immediately contact a professional for inspection and repair options.
- Replace cracked or worn-out weatherstripping.
- Repaint the garage door exterior for weatherproofing and an updated look.
Why Regular Garage Door Maintenance Matters
Routine maintenance prevents costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns. Over time, springs, cables, and rollers can wear down, leading to noisy, unreliable operation or complete failure. With Fawley Overhead Door, Inc., our maintenance services identify and resolve small issues before they turn into expensive problems, saving homeowners time and money.
What’s Included in a Garage Door Maintenance Visit?
Our comprehensive maintenance service includes:
- Inspecting all moving parts
- Tightening hardware and fasteners
- Lubricating springs, rollers, and hinges
- Checking door balance and alignment
- Testing safety sensors and auto-reverse functions
We’ll also offer honest recommendations if any parts show signs of excessive wear.
Why Choose Fawley Overhead Door, Inc.?
As Kalamazoo’s trusted garage door specialists, we combine over 40 years of experience with reliable, friendly service. Homeowners turn to Fawley Overhead Door, Inc. for expert care and dependable results.
Contact us today to schedule your next garage door maintenance service in Kalamazoo and keep your home’s entry secure and efficient!
Schedule Your Garage Door Tune-Up Today!
If it’s been over a year since you had a professional examine your garage door system, it may be time to schedule a tune-up. Annual maintenance helps you stay ahead of repairs and prolong the life of your garage door system.
Schedule garage door maintenance in Kalamazoo using our online form or by calling us at (269) 443-1093. We serve all of Kalamazoo County!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use WD-40 on a Garage Door?
No, do not use WD-40 or similar penetrating oil on your garage door parts. WD-40 is a water displacement spray designed to clean metal that’s been exposed to moisture. This can soften plastic, nylon, or rubber components and damage many garage door parts like the opener’s rubber belt or nylon rollers. Instead, you should use a silicone-based lubricant for your garage door.
What Parts of a Garage Door Should be Lubricated?
Because garage doors have many moving parts and metal parts, they need to be regularly lubricated to prevent friction, rust, and wear.
The parts that need lubrication include:
- Hinges
- Rollers
- Bearing plates
- Springs
- Top rail
- Arm bar
Do You Offer Commercial Overhead Door Maintenance?
Yes! Our technicians at Fawley Overhead Door, Inc. are well-equipped to provide your commercial overhead door with top-notch maintenance, as well as other commercial overhead door services!
What maintenance should be done on garage doors?
Regular maintenance for your garage door includes tasks like cleaning the door, checking and adjusting the door balance, lubricating moving parts, testing safety sensors, and inspecting components for wear and tear. It's important to have a professional inspection annually to ensure everything is functioning properly.
How Often Should I Schedule Garage Door Maintenance?
To ensure utmost efficiency, our professionals recommend having your garage door serviced at least once a year. To increase the longevity of your garage door even more, then you should have garage door maintenance roughly every six months.
