Your garage door plays an essential role in protecting your home and providing convenient access to your garage space. Like any mechanical system, regular maintenance is crucial to ensuring that it operates smoothly and safely. One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: How often should I get my garage door serviced? The answer depends on several factors, including how often you use your garage door, its age, and any noticeable signs of wear and tear.
Annual Professional Garage Door Service: The General Recommendation
As a general rule of thumb, garage door professionals recommend having your garage door serviced at least once a year. During this service, a trained technician will inspect, lubricate, and adjust all key components to ensure the door is operating efficiently and safely. This routine checkup can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs, and potential safety hazards.
An annual tune-up typically includes:
- Inspecting and tightening hardware (bolts, nuts, and screws)
- Testing and adjusting the balance of the door
- Lubricating moving parts (rollers, springs, tracks, and hinges)
- Checking the garage door opener and remote controls
- Testing safety features, such as the auto-reverse mechanism and photo-eye sensors
These services help identify any potential issues before they become major problems, saving you time and money in the long run.
Usage Frequency and Service Needs
How often you use your garage door can significantly impact the frequency of maintenance required. Garage doors are typically rated for a specific number of cycles (one cycle is the door opening and closing once). Standard torsion springs, for example, are designed to last around 10,000 cycles.
Here’s a general guideline based on usage:
- Light Use (Less than 2 cycles per day): For households that use their garage door infrequently, annual servicing is usually sufficient to keep everything in good working order.
- Moderate Use (2-4 cycles per day): If you use your garage door several times a day, such as for multiple cars or frequent in-and-out access, you might benefit from service every 6-9 months to ensure optimal performance.
- Heavy Use (5 or more cycles per day): If your garage door sees heavy daily use, as with large families or businesses, servicing every 3-6 months is recommended to keep up with the wear and tear.
Age of the Garage Door
As your garage door gets older, the components begin to wear out more quickly. If your door is over 10-15 years old, it’s a good idea to have it serviced more frequently—perhaps twice a year—especially if it’s still in daily use. This allows you to keep an eye on parts that are prone to wear, such as springs and cables, and replace them before they fail.
Signs That Your Garage Door Needs Immediate Service
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s important to be aware of signs that your garage door needs immediate attention. Here are some common indicators that you should schedule a service call:
- Unusual Noises: If your garage door starts making grinding, squeaking, or rattling noises, it’s a sign that something’s wrong. Often, the issue could be as simple as needing lubrication, but it could also point to a more serious problem like worn rollers or misaligned tracks.
- Slow or Jerky Movement: If your door is moving slower than usual or appears to jerk as it opens or closes, there could be a problem with the opener, springs, or cables. A tune-up can address these issues and restore smooth operation.
- Imbalanced Door: If your garage door looks uneven or sags when partially open, it’s likely out of balance. An imbalanced door can put extra strain on the opener and other components, leading to further damage.
- Failure to Open or Close: If your garage door won’t open or close at all, it could be due to problems with the springs, cables, or opener. This issue requires immediate professional attention to avoid safety risks.
Why Regular Garage Door Maintenance Matters
Regular garage door maintenance isn’t just about keeping your door functional—it’s also about safety. A malfunctioning garage door can be dangerous, especially if it’s out of balance or has broken springs or cables. Ensuring that all safety features are working correctly, such as the auto-reverse mechanism and photo-eye sensors, can prevent accidents and injuries.
Additionally, regular servicing can extend the lifespan of your garage door and opener. By addressing minor issues before they become major problems, you reduce the risk of costly repairs or the need for a premature replacement.
Conclusion
In short, your garage door should be serviced at least once a year, with more frequent checks if you use it heavily or if it’s an older door. Keeping up with regular maintenance ensures smooth operation, improves safety, and extends the life of your garage door system. If you notice any unusual noises, movement issues, or other signs of trouble, don’t wait for your next scheduled service—contact Open Sesame Garage Doors Repair for professional, timely assistance.
With our expert technicians, we’ll help keep your garage door running smoothly and reliably, year after year.