How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend having your garage door professionally serviced at least once a year. Regular maintenance helps prevent costly repairs, extends the life of your door and opener, and ensures safe operation. During a maintenance visit, our technicians will inspect and lubricate all moving parts, check the balance and alignment, test safety features, and tighten any loose hardware. If you use your garage door more frequently than average, or if it's exposed to harsh weather conditions, you may benefit from more frequent servicing.

What should I do if my garage door won't open?

If your garage door won't open, first check if the opener is receiving power and if the remote batteries need replacing. Also check if the emergency release cord has been pulled. If the door still won't open, it could indicate a problem with the springs, cables, or opener mechanism. We strongly advise against attempting to fix these issues yourself, as garage door components are under high tension and can cause serious injury. Call us for a professional diagnosis and repair – we offer same-day emergency service to get your door working again quickly and safely.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A standard garage door installation typically takes 4-6 hours for a single door and 6-8 hours for a double door. This includes removing the old door, installing the new door and tracks, connecting the opener, and testing the system. More complex installations, such as those requiring structural modifications or custom doors, may take longer. We always provide a time estimate before beginning work, and our technicians work efficiently to minimize disruption to your day. After installation, we thoroughly test the door and walk you through proper operation and maintenance.

Essential Garage Door Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

5 min read Garage Door Rochester Team

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your garage door operating smoothly and extending its lifespan. While some tasks require professional attention, there are many things homeowners can do to maintain their garage door. Here are essential maintenance tips to keep your door in top condition.

Monthly Visual Inspection

Take a few minutes each month to visually inspect your garage door and its components. Look for:

- Worn or frayed cables: Never attempt to repair cables yourself, call a professional - Rust on springs, hinges, or tracks - Cracks or dents in door panels - Gaps in weather stripping - Loose bolts or brackets

Catching problems early can prevent more extensive and expensive repairs down the road.

Keep It Clean

Wash your garage door at least twice a year with mild dish soap and water. This removes dirt, debris, and salt (especially important in Rochester's winter months) that can damage the door's finish over time.

For wood doors, check for peeling paint or stain and touch up as needed to prevent moisture damage. Steel doors may benefit from a coat of automotive wax after washing to protect the finish.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Proper lubrication reduces friction, decreases wear, and keeps your door operating quietly. Every few months, apply a garage door lubricant (not WD-40) to:

- Hinges, Rollers (except nylon rollers) - Springs, Bearing plates

Wipe off any excess lubricant to prevent dripping and dirt accumulation.

Test the Balance

A properly balanced door puts less strain on the opener and operates more safely. To test the balance:

1. Disconnect the automatic opener 2. Manually lift the door halfway 3. Release it carefully

A balanced door should stay in place. If it moves up or down on its own, the springs need adjustment by a professional.

Check Safety Features

Test your door's safety features monthly to ensure they're working properly:

Auto-reverse test: Place a piece of wood on the ground in the door's path. When the door contacts the wood, it should immediately reverse direction.

Photo-eye test: With the door open, press the close button while passing an object in front of the sensors. The door should stop and reverse.

If either test fails, contact a professional immediately.

Inspect and Replace Weather Stripping

Weather stripping keeps out cold air, rain, and pests. Inspect the rubber seal along the bottom of the door and the weatherstrip around the door frame. If you see cracks, gaps, or areas where the seal doesn't contact the ground properly, it's time for replacement.

Bottom seals are relatively easy to replace yourself, while side and top weatherstripping may require professional installation for a proper fit.

Tighten Hardware

The average garage door moves up and down over 1,000 times per year, and this motion can loosen hardware over time. Periodically check and tighten:

- Roller brackets, Bolts on the door sections, Mounting brackets for the opener

Never attempt to adjust or tighten the spring mounting hardware, this is dangerous and should only be done by professionals.

Keep Tracks Clean

Dirt and debris in the tracks can cause the door to operate roughly or get stuck. Wipe down the inside of the tracks with a damp cloth to remove buildup. You can use a level to check that the tracks are properly aligned, they should be plumb on the vertical sections.

If the tracks are significantly out of alignment, call a professional rather than attempting to adjust them yourself.

When to Call a Professional

While regular maintenance can prevent many problems, some tasks require professional expertise:

- Spring replacement or adjustment, Cable repair, Track realignment, Opener repair or replacement, Panel replacement

At Garage Door Rochester, we offer comprehensive maintenance services that include a thorough inspection and tune-up of all components. Our preventive maintenance program can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Contact us to schedule your maintenance visit today.

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