When it comes to keeping a home in good shape, most Santa Rosa property owners remember to check the roof, paint, and landscaping. But garage doors? They’re often overlooked until something breaks, and by then, it’s usually a bigger problem than it needed to be. Regular garage door maintenance in Santa Rosa can save you money, improve safety, and extend the life of your door. Here are some quick, hands-on tips to help keep yours running smooth.
Check Your Door’s Balance
A door that’s out of balance puts extra strain on your opener and can wear out parts faster. To test it, pull the emergency release cord so the door is in manual mode. Lift it halfway and let go, it should stay in place.
If it falls or lifts back up, it’s time to call for a professional adjustment.
Lubricate The Door Tracks
A few minutes with the right lubricant can prevent grinding, squeaking, and premature wear. To properly lubricate your garage door, focus on hinges, rollers, and springs and skip the WD-40. Use a silicone-based or garage door–specific lubricant instead.
Inspect and Tighten Hardware
Your garage door moves up and down thousands of times a year. Over time, bolts and brackets can loosen. A quick check with a socket wrench can prevent rattling and misalignment.
Test Safety Features
Modern openers come with auto-reverse and photo-eye sensors to prevent accidents. Place a piece of wood under the door and close it, it should reverse immediately upon contact. For the sensors, wave an object in front of them while the door’s closing and it should stop and reverse.
Keep It Clean
In Santa Rosa, wind and rain can leave dirt and debris on your garage door. Washing it a couple of times a year not only helps with your home’s curb appeal but also helps to prevent rust and corrosion.
When Do You Need Professional Maintenance?
For the most part, you can take control of the basic maintenance stuff that will keep your garage door working. More major problems, like spring replacement or major realignments, should always be left to trained technicians. That’s because these parts are under high tension and can cause serious injury if handled improperly.
The Bottom Line
Regular maintenance isn’t just about avoiding costly repairs, it’s about safety, reliability, and keeping your garage door looking and working its best. If it’s been a while since your last check-up, scheduling a professional inspection could save you trouble down the road.
Ready to Keep Your Garage Door in Top Shape?
Don’t wait for a costly breakdown. At Mark’s Garage Doors, we’ve been helping Santa Rosa homeowners with reliable garage door maintenance for over two decades. Our friendly, experienced techs handle everything from tune-ups to repairs; no upselling, just honest work done right.
📞 Call us today at (415) 497-0459 or
💻 Contact us online now and enjoy a smooth, safe garage door all year long.
