Garage doors are often among the most neglected parts of a home. From making squeaking noises to hanging lopsided, there are many signs it’s time for some garage door maintenance.

Routine garage maintenance helps prevent later repairs or part replacements. It also improves safety — a properly functioning door is less likely to malfunction and cause damage or injury.

Below are key garage door maintenance tips that can save homeowners money long term. The first four are DIY, but the rest must be done by professionals.

Although you may be tempted to DIY some of the tasks that must be done by a professional, do not attempt. Some garage door maintenance tasks require proper training and specialty equipment. Otherwise, you risk damaging your garage door or injuring yourself or others.

Garage doors are constantly exposed to the elements, whether that’s moisture, dust, dirt, or other debris. Cleaning isn’t just an aesthetic choice — garage door rust or excessive dirt can block sensors or even erode the door over time. Clean your garage door regularly using dish soap or a mild detergent, and schedule service with a professional if you notice dirt and grime impacting its performance.

Maintenance Type: DIY

A protective door finish creates a layer that helps maintain its integrity and prolong its life. Depending on the material, you can restain or paint the garage door to restore the look before adding a protective finish. Some stains or paints might include protective properties to simplify the process.

Maintenance Type: DIY

Test all the operating switches, remotes, and keypads monthly to make sure they’re all working. If you’ve lost the remote, forgotten the key code, or think someone has access to your garage without your permission, you may consider reprogramming the garage door. If you have any trouble operating the switches, remote, or keypad, one of our service professionals is happy to help you troubleshoot so your door works exactly as it should.

Maintenance Type: DIY

The longevity of light bulbs varies based on the type, so check the original packaging to see when you should replace them.

Keep in mind that the light bulb might burn out sooner than light bulbs in other locations due to the frequent vibration from the garage door opening and closing.

No one wants to be left in the dark or unable to use their garage door remote in an unexpected storm. Change your remote batteries yearly.

Maintenance Type: DIY

Garage door rollers move the door along the track, so they encounter a lot of dirt, dust, and debris. This dirties them over time and slows down your door. You must get the whole roller surface clean, and while this might sound easy, without the proper knowledge you will likely pinch or injure yourself. Call Precision Garage Door Service™ to properly complete this task.

We’ll also test the rollers and evaluate whether you need garage door roller replacement to ensure your door operates smoothly.

Maintenance Type: Professional

Any machine with moving parts needs lubrication to keep it running smoothly. Over time, lubricant may wear off or wash away. If the door is louder than normal or isn’t operating smoothly, it’s time to clean and lubricate the garage door.

It’s easy to damage the door or injure yourself if you attempt to DIY. Schedule a garage door tune-up and let a professional handle this process for easy, safe, and fast service.

Maintenance Type: Professional

Safety sensors ensure a garage door won’t close if a person or object is in the way. A service professional will test the sensors by placing a cardboard box under the door and closing it. If it stops and reopens, then the sensors are working. If it crushes the box, this situation is very dangerous and needs immediate service.

If the door fails this test, you need to schedule a professional to align the garage door sensors. Always leave this to a professional. If you make a mistake with a DIY tune-up, it can cause major injuries or property damage. Schedule a garage door tune-up with Precision Garage Door Service for expert sensor alignment.

Maintenance Type: Professional

Over time, your garage door tracks can become misaligned due to the repeated motion and vibration of opening and closing the door. If the door suddenly becomes very loud, starts and stops during operation, or doesn’t operate at all, these could all be signs that the track is misaligned.

Never try to align the track yourself — if it’s not done right, the door or track can fall. This could break the door, create property damage, or cause severe injury. Trust a professional with the right tools and skill to safely align the track.

Maintenance Type: Professional

If the springs and cables in a garage door are visibly worn or you can see gaps in the spring, it’s time to schedule spring repair service. The springs and cables support the door and control how it opens and closes, so they must work properly for safe garage door operation.

Repairing these parts is very dangerous. The spring in particular is under a lot of tension. If released improperly, the door could slam down or the spring could hit someone and cause serious injury. Precision Garage Door Service professionals have the tools and knowledge to service these parts safely — do not take a chance and attempt this maintenance yourself.

Maintenance Type: Professional

Over time, screws and bolts can loosen on the garage door or its parts. While it may seem simple enough to tighten the hardware yourself, this is another maintenance task that a professional must perform. Hardware that’s too loose or too tight can cause damage or injury.

Don’t risk breaking your garage door opener or hurting yourself or others — schedule a garage door tune-up with Precision Garage Door Service for maintenance that keeps your family safe.

Maintenance Type: Professional

Garage door insulation and weatherstripping help your door protect the garage interior from the elements, keep out pests, and maintain energy efficiency. Inspect the perimeter of the door for visible cracks or gaps, which would warrant insulation and weatherstripping replacement.

Many doors already contain an insulated core. If you live in a cold climate, consider upgrading to a better-insulated door to retain heat and keep energy bills down.

Weatherstripping insulates the garage, reduces drafts, and keeps out moisture to protect your belongings. You can find it along the edges of the door, windows, and panels. Inspect it regularly for damage such as cracks or gaps, and call a professional to replace it when you notice damage.

Maintenance Type: DIY inspection, professional service

Over time, a door might come off balance due to normal wear and tear. Gaps when the door is closed, jerking as it moves, and excessive noise are all signs your door could be off balance.

Do not attempt to level a garage door on your own because it involves servicing the springs. These springs hold a lot of tension and are very dangerous to work with. Schedule a garage door tune-up, and we’ll level your door during the service, among other important garage door maintenance tasks.

Maintenance Type: DIY inspection, professional service

The garage door belt connects the door to the opener motor — if it breaks or wears down, the garage door won’t open at all. A worn belt can be very dangerous; if it snaps while you’re operating the door, it can slam closed on a vehicle or person. Inspect the belt regularly for signs of wear, cracks, or other damage.

If you notice any wear and tear, schedule emergency service to replace the garage door belt. This maintenance task is crucial to ensure the garage door operates safely.

Maintenance Type: DIY inspection, professional service

Although many maintenance tasks should be done by a professional, there are a few tasks, such as simple inspections, you can perform on your own. The type of garage door you own also plays a key role in the way you maintain it.

Here are some garage door maintenance tips for steel, full-view aluminum, and wood doors — three of our most popular garage door types.

Steel garage door maintenance

Steel garage doors are durable and low maintenance. Here’s how you can help them last even longer:

• Do not clean with harsh chemicals, which can erode your door’s finish.
• Schedule repairs for any scrapes or dents right away to avoid compromising the functionality of your door.
• Check your door often for any signs of rust.

Full-view garage door maintenance

Full-view aluminum garage doors look great but are a bit more upkeep because they’re mostly glass.

• Clean your door’s glass with a glass cleaner regularly.
• Address any glass damage, such as chips or cracks, right away.
• Apply a protective film to your door’s glass.

Wood garage door maintenance

Wood garage doors are a durable choice, but require proper maintenance.

• Apply a finish to help prevent rotting and warping.
• Ensure your door is dry before applying any finishes.
• Don’t expose your door to excess moisture.
• Address any signs of damage or pest infestation immediately.

1. There’s rust on one or more of the garage door parts.
2. The garage door is noisier than usual.
3. The garage door jerks or stops when opening or closing.
4. The garage door opens or closes slower than usual.
5. The garage door is off the track.
6. The springs or cables have visible wear and tear.
7. The garage door hangs unevenly or has gaps when closed.
8. The garage door closes even with objects in its path.
9. The garage door doesn’t stay open or closed.

When the professionals at Precision Garage Door Service perform your garage door tune-up, here are some of the things they’ll check for and perform:

• Safety sensor functionality: We’ll test sensors by making sure your garage door doesn’t close while objects are in its path. If your sensors are working properly, your closing garage door should reverse its direction when an object is placed in the sight line of your sensors.
• Lubricated parts: Your garage door needs regular lubrication to operate normally. We’ll apply the proper type of lubricant to your rollers, hinges, and springs in the proper amount and locations to ensure your garage door can open and close smoothly.
• Door balance: If your door hangs to one side or won’t stay in place when lifted manually, we’ll adjust it so that you and your property are safe.
• Track alignment: Our service professionals will check your garage door’s tracks to make sure they’re not bent or filled with debris. Having a clean, aligned set of tracks is essential for your garage door to function optimally.
• Spring inspection: Your garage door’s springs help lift and balance your door. Our service professionals will perform garage door spring maintenance to ensure they're functioning properly.

Every garage door should be well maintained to avoid bigger problems down the road. However, some maintenance tasks are dangerous, so it’s best to leave it to a professional. For expert garage door maintenance you can trust, find a Precision Garage Door Service location near you.

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This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property. Services should be performed by licensed and experienced professionals. Precision Garage Door Service is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact a Precision Garage Door Service professional for a custom, on-site assessment.