The average household raises and lowers the garage door several times a day. As long as it functions as it should, this massive moving part is easy to overlook. Without proper maintenance, however, the door will eventually get stuck, or the motor will fail. Thankfully, you can ensure the seamless operation of your garage door and extend its lifetime by performing the following tasks. 

3 Essential Maintenance Tasks for Your Garage Door

1. Tighten All Hardware

Whenever the door raises or lowers, the entire system vibrates. Over time, these vibrations can loosen the hardware. At least once a season, tighten the brackets holding the tracks to the wall and the fasteners anchoring the motor to the framing. Inspect the smaller bolts throughout the system, as well, and tighten any that have wobbled loose. 

2. Replace the Rollers

When tightening the hardware, inspect the rollers for signs of excessive wear, including chips and cracks. Depending on how often you open and close the garage door, these rollers will need to be replaced every three to six years. If the system is due for new rollers, but you're unsure how to replace them safely, a garage door technician can help. 

3. Clean the Tracks

Over time, the tracks can accumulate dust, dirt, and leaves, thereby hindering the door from raising and lowering as it should. As such, the tracks should be cleared periodically. After eliminating any debris, use a level to confirm that the tracks are still perfectly vertical. If they're not, you can make minor adjustments yourself, but you should call a professional if the alignment requires major modifications. 

If your garage door is due for service, contact Alaska Garage Door & Repair. Since 1973, this family-owned company has been serving homeowners and businesses throughout Anchorage. Their knowledgeable technicians are equipped to handle all kinds of preventive maintenance. They're also available 24/7 for emergency repairs. To schedule service, reach out on their website or call (907) 345-2350.