Understanding the Importance of Regular Garage Door Care
Your garage door opens and closes over one thousand times every single year. It is easy to take this big, heavy door for granted until it suddenly stops moving. Most first-time homeowners do not realize that a garage door is actually a complex machine that needs regular attention. Taking care of it now saves you from a massive headache later.
Understanding Your New Garage Door
When you move into your first home, you might just see a big piece of metal or wood. However, many parts are working together behind the scenes to lift that weight, which is why professional garage door solutions in OKC focus on the entire system, not just one component. You have springs that hold the tension and cables that pull the door up. Some tracks guide the wheels, and a motor that tells everything when to move.
Knowing these parts helps you spot trouble before it becomes a disaster. For example, if you hear a grinding noise, a part might be rubbing against another incorrectly. If the door feels heavy, the springs could be losing their strength. Keeping an eye on these components is the first step to being a smart homeowner.
The Importance of Regular Inspections
You should look at your garage door system at least once every month. Start by standing inside your garage with the door closed. Open the door and watch it move along the tracks to see if it shakes or jerks. A smooth movement is what you want to see every single time. While these checks help spot early issues, many homeowners rely on garage door services in OKC to perform a more detailed inspection when something feels off.
Next, check the hardware to ensure everything is secure and tight. The vibration of the door moving can loosen bolts and screws over time. Use a wrench to tighten any loose parts you find during your walk-through. This simple task helps keep the door stable and prevents bigger problems that often require professional garage door services in OKC.
Lubrication Is Key for Smooth Operation
Metal parts that rub together will eventually wear out if they are dry. You should lubricate the rollers, hinges, and tracks every six months. Do not use heavy grease because it attracts hair and dirt, which creates a sticky mess. Instead, use a silicone-based spray or a lithium grease designed for garage doors.
Apply a small amount to the rollers and the pivot points of the hinges. This reduces the friction and makes the motor work much less. In addition, it makes the door a lot quieter, so you do not wake up the whole house early in the morning. A little bit of oil goes a long way in extending the life of your equipment.
Balance Testing for Your Door
A balanced door is easy to move by hand and does not put stress on the opener. To check this, pull the red emergency release cord while the door is closed. This disconnects the door from the motor so you can move it manually. Lift the door about halfway up and let go of the handle.
If the door stays in place, it is perfectly balanced. If it slams shut or flies upward, the springs have too much or too little tension. This is a sign that you need expert garage door services in OKC to fix the balance. Never try to adjust the springs yourself because they are under extreme pressure and can cause serious injury.
Keeping the Tracks Clean
The tracks are the metal rails that guide your door up and down. Over time, dust, cobwebs, and debris can build up inside these rails. This gunk can cause the rollers to slip or get stuck, which strains the entire system. Use a damp cloth to wipe out the inside of the tracks and remove any visible buildup.
You do not need to lubricate the inside of the tracks themselves. In fact, putting oil inside the tracks can actually make the rollers slip instead of rolling. Just keep them clean and clear of obstructions like brooms or garden tools. This ensures a clear path for the door to travel every time you press the button.
Signs You Need Professional Help
While you can do a lot of maintenance yourself, some jobs are too dangerous for a beginner. If you see a gap in your torsion spring, it is broken and needs immediate replacement. Do not try to open the door if a spring is snapped because it could fall. Other signs of trouble include frayed cables or a door that hangs crookedly in the opening.
- The door makes a loud bang when moving.
- The motor runs but the door does not lift.
- The door moves much slower than it used to.
- You see loose cables hanging from the sides.
If you notice these issues, it is time to call for garage door solutions in OKC right away. Professionals have the right tools to handle heavy springs and high-tension cables safely. Getting a pro to look at it early can prevent a small problem from turning into a full replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garage Door Service and Maintenance
Q1: How often should I have my garage door serviced by a pro?
A1: You should schedule a professional tune-up once every year. This ensures that all moving parts are safe and that the motor is functioning at its best for daily use.
Q2: Why does my garage door open back up right after it hits the floor?
A2: This usually means the “close limit” setting on your opener is too high. The door thinks it hit an object instead of the floor, so it reverses for safety.
Q3: Can I replace a garage door spring by myself?
A3: No, you should never attempt to replace a spring alone. These parts are under high tension and can cause life-threatening injuries if they snap or release during a repair.
Q4: What kind of lubricant is best for my garage door?
A4: Use a specialized garage door spray or a silicone-based lubricant. Avoid using WD-40 or heavy grease, as these can attract dirt and cause parts to stick over time.
Q5: Why is my garage door making a loud squeaking noise?
A5: Squeaking usually happens when the metal rollers or hinges are dry. Applying a proper lubricant to these moving parts should quiet the door down and make it move smoothly.
Q6: My remote is not working but the wall button is, what is wrong?
A6: Most likely, the batteries in your remote are dead. If new batteries do not work, you might need to reprogram the remote or check if the antenna is blocked.
Q7: How long does a typical garage door system last?
A7: With good care, a garage door can last 20 years or more. The electric opener usually lasts about 10 to 15 years before it needs to be replaced with a newer model.
Let Us Handle Your Garage Door Needs
A garage door that won’t work properly can throw off your entire day. 405 Garage Pros deals with these problems every day, and we know how urgent they can be. From broken springs to routine safety inspections, our technicians show up ready to fix the issue the right way- no shortcuts, no upselling.
Homeowners trust us because we explain what’s wrong, what actually needs to be repaired, and how to prevent repeat problems. When you need reliable garage door solutions that puts safety first in OKC, our team is ready to get your door back on track.