Detached Garage Maintenance and Upkeep
Reliable Garage Door Repair Services in Chicago & Suburbs
As a key component of your home’s security, energy efficiency, and curb appeal, it’s vital to learn about garage door maintenance and upkeep in Chicago and the suburbs. Our garage door repair services can help ensure your garage door stays in peak condition year-round. With proper maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs while ensuring your garage door operates smoothly. So, if you’re a homeowner looking for practical tips to master garage door upkeep, we have the insight you need. Contact us to schedule an appointment with a certified technician for more complex repairs.
What Are the Key Steps for Garage Door Maintenance?
Garage doors endure daily wear and tear, braving harsh weather conditions, constant usage, and environmental debris. Garage doors can experience mechanical failures, such as worn-out springs, noisy operations, or even complete breakdowns over time. Non-functional garage doors can also leave your home vulnerable to accidents and burglaries. That’s why completing regular garage door maintenance and upkeep is essential for your peace of mind. Follow these garage door maintenance tips to ensure your garage door stays in peak condition.
- Perform a Visual Inspection—Every month, take a moment to observe your garage door in action. Open and close the door several times—both manually and with your garage door opener. Any unusual movements or noises could indicate the need for professional garage door repair services.
- Keep the Tracks Clear—Dirty or blocked tracks can disrupt movement. Check the tracks regularly for debris, dirt, or grime. Use a soft brush or damp cloth to clean the tracks thoroughly. If the tracks seem misaligned, call professionals for a garage door tune-up.
- Tighten Loose Hardware—Use a socket wrench to tighten nuts, bolts, and roller brackets holding your garage door in place. However, never attempt to adjust hardware painted red or located near springs, as this can be dangerous without the proper tools or expertise.
- Inspect Your Rollers—Rollers allow the door to glide smoothly along the tracks, so you should inspect them at least twice yearly. Replace cracked, chipped, or worn rollers. A trained technician should perform service on rollers attached to cables or springs.
- Lubricate Moving Parts—To reduce wear and noise while improving performance, apply garage-door-specific lubricant to the rollers, springs, hinges, and opener chain. If you have nylon rollers, skip the lubrication, as they’re designed to be self-sufficient parts.
- Test the Door’s Balance—To check your door’s balance, disconnect the garage door opener, then manually lift it halfway and release it. If it stays in place, the door is balanced. You’ll likely need professional garage door spring repair if it falls or rises.
- Replace Weatherstripping—Weatherstripping is the rubber seal at the bottom that keeps rain, dirt, and pests out. Check for cracks or wear every season and replace it if necessary. Proper weatherstripping can also lower energy bills by maintaining insulation in your garage.
- Test Safety Features—Regularly test mechanisms like photoelectric sensors and auto-reverse features to prevent accidents. For the photoelectric sensor, wave a stick or broom under the door as it closes; it should reverse instantly. For auto-reverse, place a block of wood beneath the door.
- Keep the Door Clean—Regularly clean both sides using mild soap and water to remove dirt and grime. For steel doors, sand and repaint rust spots as they appear. Wooden doors may require periodic restaining or repainting to prevent warping or fading.
Keep Your Garage in Tip-Top Shape with Better Built Garages
Sometimes, more than do-it-yourself maintenance is needed. The trained eye and skills in our professional services can perform a more complete check and perform repairs than you can do personally. Our crew stands ready to clean your garage, from routine to emergency repairs. We can offer services that would fit your needs, enabling your garage to always look its best.
Keep Your Garage Door Operating Smoothly
You can avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs by keeping up with garage door maintenance and upkeep in Chicago and the suburbs. Following the steps outlined above, you can enjoy a fully functional and safe garage door all year. If your garage door has a problem, you can trust Better Built Garages to get it back to optimal condition. Our technicians offer professional garage door maintenance and repair services to fix any issues you encounter. Established in 1956, we have the experience and skills to ensure your garage door operates like new. Contact us today to learn how we can help.