Garage Door Maintenance Toluca Lake

Fixxed Garage Doors has been working with a homeowner in Toluca Lake, CA, for the past year. They installed their garage door just a year ago, and this client was concerned about keeping it functional. They even wanted a garage door tune-up at least once a year to address any issues before they became serious. So we performed a 12-step inspection of the entire garage door system. That included checking every inch of the metal frame and its moving parts, including all control panels and automatic adjusters (which keep the door balanced). The client was so pleased with the work that they asked us to service their garage door yearly. Of course, we were happy to oblige as it also helped us maintain our reputation as trustworthy professionals.

As with any other structure in your home, your garage door will experience wear and tear. While most people understand that regular garage door maintenance is important, they only sometimes get around to it. However, regular upkeep is necessary to ensure your garage door's longevity and prevent potential break-ins and theft. Here are some maintenance tips every homeowner should know regarding garage doors.

What Maintenance Does a Garage Door Need?

Inspect Your Garage Door

It is important to inspect the garage door twice a year. Look for any unusual noises or jerky motions when you do. The door should not squeak at all when moving. Also, other parts should align without any assistance from your hands.

When you are ready to perform maintenance, gather the necessary tools. Those include brake cleaner spray, safety glasses, screwdrivers, and a ladder. 

Our pro tip: Always unplug the automatic door opener before preventative maintenance. Clamp one of the rollers on the track under a table to keep it from slipping during maintenance work. Then, when done with all your tasks, plug it back in.

Test the Safety of the Garage Door

Run the following safety checks on your garage door system. Then, call a professional for repairs as soon as possible if you notice even the slightest irregularity. 

Garage door balance: Turning off the automatic garage door opener is the key to safely balancing your garage door. Gently lift and lower the door a few times, then release it. The door should stay in place without falling. You can use a spirit level to see imperfections in balance. If you need clarification, call a service technician on whether your new opener is balanced for your door and garage opening.

Mechanical reverse feature: To ensure your garage door reverses when it hits an object, you can block its path by placing a piece of wood or a brick on the floor. To test this, activate the door and let it close until it hits the block. When it contacts the block, it should immediately reverse direction. However, if it does not, you may need to call a garage door technician.

Test your garage door's photo sensors:

• Start by finding the two photo sensors at the base of the door.

• Check to see that they are properly aligned. You can tell that they are correctly aligned when they light up.

• Adjust as needed.

• Once you have activated your garage door, wait until it begins closing before waving an object across the sensor path. The door should immediately reverse upon sensing the object.

• Test this in at least three different places along the beam's path.

Our pro tip: Your garage door opener may be outdated and lacks safety features if it was manufactured before January 1, 1991. Upgrading to a newer model will ensure your garage door conforms to the entrapment protection requirements set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Inspect the Garage Door’s Hardware

Periodically check your garage door hardware for signs of wear and tear. That includes inspecting tracks and hinges for loose bolts or fasteners and checking rollers (both attached and unattached to lift cables) for wear. You may also look for rust, deterioration, or broken strands at lift cables. Any of these issues is a reason to call a garage door repair specialist for service.

Our pro tip: Replacing garage door cables is best left to the professionals. Attempting to do it yourself could result in serious injury due to the high tension the cables are under.

Pay Attention to the Opener’s Belt or Chain

Keep your garage door opener running smoothly by checking the drive chain or belt for slack. Adjust the tension until the chain or belt is about one-fourth inch from the rail's base. Lubricate the chain or screw regularly. It will help stave off corrosion and make the door operate more quietly. 

Our pro tip: There are different types of garage door lubricants available. So be sure to use a spray application of white lithium grease or another type of garage door lubricant recommended by the manufacturer.

Garage Door Service Near Me

Fixxed Garage Doors is the leading garage door tune-up provider in Toluca Lake, CA. We offer a number of services to keep your garage door in great condition, including regular garage door maintenance programs. We also provide emergency garage door repair services when your door breaks down. So whether you need a basic repair or a complete garage door replacement, let us help! Call us at (323) 364-6764 to schedule a free consultation.