How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend professional maintenance at least once a year to keep your garage door operating safely and efficiently. During a maintenance visit, our technicians will inspect all components, lubricate moving parts, test safety features, and make necessary adjustments. Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs by catching small problems before they become major issues. If you use your garage door frequently (more than 4-5 times per day), consider scheduling maintenance twice a year. Between professional visits, you can help maintain your door by keeping the tracks clean, listening for unusual sounds, and testing the balance and safety features monthly.

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

If your garage door won't operate, start with these troubleshooting steps: 1. **Check the power**: Make sure the opener is plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. 2. **Inspect the remote**: Replace the batteries in your remote control. If you have a keypad, try it or use the wall button to see if the issue is with the remote. 3. **Check the photo-eye sensors**: These sensors near the bottom of the door tracks must be aligned and clean for the door to close. Look for a steady light on both sensors. 4. **Look for obstructions**: Check the tracks and door path for any objects that might be blocking movement. 5. **Check the emergency release**: If you or someone else pulled the emergency release, the door is disconnected from the opener. Reconnect it by running the opener until the trolley catches. If these steps don't resolve the issue, or if you hear grinding noises, see a broken spring, or notice the door is off its tracks, call us for professional service. Attempting to repair springs, cables, or major components yourself can be dangerous.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A typical garage door installation takes 4-6 hours, but the exact time depends on several factors: **Factors affecting installation time:** - Removal of the old door (if applicable) - Size and type of the new door - Whether you're also installing a new opener - Any necessary modifications to the opening or framing - Weather conditions for exterior work **What's included in installation:** - Complete removal and disposal of your old door - Installation of new tracks, springs, and hardware - Door panel assembly and mounting - Weather seal installation - Opener connection and programming - Safety testing and adjustments - Clean-up of the work area We schedule installations to minimize inconvenience and always aim to complete the work in a single visit. Our technicians will give you a more accurate time estimate when they assess your specific situation during the quote process.

Essential Garage Door Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

2024-01-05 6 min read Mike Johnson

<p>Regular maintenance extends the life of your garage door, prevents unexpected breakdowns, and ensures safe operation. While some tasks require professional expertise, many can be done by homeowners with basic tools and a little time.</p>

<h2>Monthly Maintenance Tasks</h2>

<h3>Visual Inspection</h3> <p>Start with a simple visual inspection. Watch and listen as your door operates. Look for jerky movements, unusual sounds, or signs of wear. Check the springs, cables, rollers, pulleys, and other hardware for signs of damage or wear.</p> <p>Look at the door panels for dents, cracks, or rust. Check the weather stripping along the bottom and sides for damage that could let in drafts, water, or pests.</p>

<h3>Test the Balance</h3> <p>A balanced door is essential for proper operation and puts less strain on the opener. To test, disconnect the automatic opener by pulling the release handle. Manually lift the door halfway and release it. A properly balanced door should stay in place. If it falls or rises, the springs need adjustment by a professional.</p>

<h3>Test Safety Features</h3> <p>Modern garage doors have two important safety features that should be tested monthly:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Auto-reverse feature:</strong> Place a piece of wood or a brick on the ground where the door would close. The door should reverse when it contacts the object.</li> <li><strong>Photo-eye sensors:</strong> Wave an object in front of the sensors while the door is closing. The door should reverse immediately.</li> </ul> <p>If either test fails, don't use the door until it's repaired.</p>

<h2>Quarterly Maintenance</h2>

<h3>Lubrication</h3> <p>Proper lubrication keeps your door operating smoothly and quietly. Use a garage door lubricant (not WD-40, which is a degreaser) on:</p> <ul> <li>Hinges</li> <li>Rollers (if they're not sealed nylon)</li> <li>Springs</li> <li>Bearing plates</li> <li>Lock mechanism</li> </ul> <p>Avoid getting lubricant on the tracks, they should be clean and dry for the door to operate properly.</p>

<h3>Tighten Hardware</h3> <p>The average garage door moves up and down more than a thousand times a year. This vibration can loosen hardware over time. Use a socket wrench to check and tighten all roller brackets and bolts.</p>

<h3>Clean the Tracks</h3> <p>Wipe down the inside of the tracks with a damp cloth to remove debris. Check that the tracks are plumb (vertical) using a level. Small adjustments can be made by loosening the mounting brackets, but major track adjustments should be left to professionals.</p>

<h2>Annual Maintenance</h2>

<h3>Professional Inspection</h3> <p>Schedule an annual professional inspection. A trained technician can identify potential problems before they become major repairs, adjust spring tension safely, and ensure all components are working optimally.</p>

<h3>Weather Stripping Replacement</h3> <p>Inspect the rubber weather stripping along the bottom of the door and around the door frame. Replace any that is cracked, brittle, or damaged. This is an easy DIY task that improves energy efficiency and keeps out pests.</p>

<h3>Door Appearance</h3> <p>Give your door a good cleaning with a mild detergent. For steel doors, check for rust spots and treat with primer and paint. Wood doors may need refinishing to maintain their appearance and protect against moisture.</p>

<h2>What NOT to Do Yourself</h2> <p>Some garage door repairs are dangerous and should always be left to professionals:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Spring replacement:</strong> Springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury</li> <li><strong>Cable repair:</strong> Like springs, cables are under tension and dangerous to work with</li> <li><strong>Panel replacement:</strong> Doors are heavy and require proper equipment to handle safely</li> <li><strong>Track adjustment:</strong> Major track problems can affect door balance and safety</li> </ul>

<h2>Need Professional Maintenance?</h2> <p>Our maintenance service at Garage Door Mission Viejo includes a comprehensive 20-point inspection, lubrication, adjustment, and testing of all components. Regular professional maintenance prevents costly repairs and extends the life of your garage door system. Contact us to schedule your maintenance visit.</p>

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