Most people don’t think about their garage door until it starts acting up. But here in Petaluma, with our damp winters, salty air, and sunny summer afternoons, garage doors have a lot to deal with. A little bit of regular upkeep can keep yours running smooth, quiet, and safe for years to come.
Here’s a simple, homeowner-friendly garage door maintenance Petaluma checklist you can follow without turning it into a weekend-long project.
1. Tighten Up the Hardware
Your garage door moves hundreds, sometimes thousands, of times a year. All that motion can shake bolts and screws loose. Grab a wrench and give the brackets, hinges, and track hardware a quick once-over. Snug, but not overtight.
2. Lube It Where It Counts
Rollers, hinges, and springs love a little attention. A silicone-based spray or light oil keeps things gliding quietly. Skip the heavy grease, it turns into gunk that can slow things down.
3. Check the Balance
A well-balanced door is easier on your opener and lasts longer. Disconnect the opener and lift the door halfway. If it stays put, you’re golden. If it drops or lifts, the springs might need adjusting, call a pro for that one.
4. Give the Weather Seals Some Love
Petaluma moisture can sneak in anywhere. Look at the bottom, sides, and top seals for cracks or gaps. Replacing them keeps out rain, drafts, and critters, and can help keep your garage warmer in winter.
5. Clear the Tracks
Dust, leaves, and cobwebs can build up and make the door work harder. Wipe the tracks clean or vacuum them out. No need for lube here, dry and clean is best.
6. Test the Safety Features
Your garage door’s auto-reverse system is there to protect people and pets. Put a block of wood under the door, if it doesn’t pop back up when closing, it’s time for a tune-up. Also, wave a broom in front of the photo-eye sensors to make sure they work.
7. Look for Rust or Wear
The coastal air we get here can be tough on metal parts. Check springs, cables, and hinges for rust or fraying. Spot issues early and you’ll save yourself a bigger repair later.
8. Don’t Forget the Door Itself
Wood doors need fresh paint or sealant every few years. Steel doors just need a soapy wash and the occasional paint touch-up if they get chipped.
When It’s Time to Call in Backup
Most of this garage door maintenance Petaluma list is easy for homeowners, but some jobs, like spring replacements or major track fixes, are best left to the pros. Mark’s Garage Doors has been keeping Marin and Sonoma County doors in shape for over 24 years, combining solid craftsmanship with honest, fair pricing.
Need a Hand? Let’s Keep That Door in Shape
Why wrestle with stubborn bolts or mystery squeaks when you could have it all checked, tuned, and fixed in one visit? Call Mark’s Garage Doors today at (415) 497-0459 or contact us online for a full maintenance service. We’ll make sure your garage door runs like a champ; no stress, no surprises.
