Garage doors provide convenient access to your home and protection from the elements for your vehicles. While they are reliable and require minimal maintenance, wear and tear can eventually cause vital components to fail. To ensure that your garage door will keep functioning smoothly for years to come, consider the following preventative maintenance tips.

A Guide to Preventative Maintenance for Your Garage Doors

1. Pay Attention to the Movement

Every time you open or close your garage door, take a moment to notice how well it functions. Pay attention to how smoothly it opens, and listen for crunching or grinding sounds that could indicate issues. At least once a week, take a look at the springs and cables on either side of the door to ensure they’re still symmetrical. If they aren’t aligned, this could indicate an issue with the track or mechanism that raises and lowers the door.

2. Inspect the Tracks

At least twice a year, inspect the tracks on either side of the garage door for signs of rust and debris. Dust can be wiped or vacuumed away, but you might need a sanding block to remove rust. The buildup of these materials can make it difficult for the doors to open and close. Also, use a level to check that the vertical sections of the track are perfectly straight. This ensures that each side of the door raises and lowers at the same speed and to the same level.

3. Tighten Loose Hardware

Over time, the vibrations of the door opening and closing will loosen the tracks, brackets, and the door itself. Loose components can cause the door to fall out of the tracks or be unable to open or close at all. During your inspection, pay close attention to these components, and check to ensure they’re securely fastened to the wall or ceiling. If any parts seem loose, tighten up the connections with a socket wrench.

As Dothan, GA’s, #1 name in garage doors, MP Garage Doors offers high-quality products, excellent craftsmanship, and fast repairs to homeowners throughout the Southeast Georgia Tri-State Area. Whether your garage door needs some minor adjustments or you’re ready for an upgrade, you can depend on their staff to deliver the results you expect and the service you deserve. Visit their website for more on their wide range of services, call (334) 793-2089 today to schedule an appointment, and follow their Twitter for more tips and advice.