As the weather warms up and the flowers start to bloom, spring offers more than just a fresh start for your home—it’s also the ideal time to give your garage door the attention it deserves. Your garage door works hard year-round, and after a long, harsh winter, a little seasonal maintenance can go a long way in keeping it running smoothly and safely. Let’s dive into why spring garage door maintenance is so important and how you can tackle it like a pro.
Winter Takes a Toll
Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can wear down key components of your garage door system. Metal contracts in the cold, which can cause parts to become misaligned or stressed. Moisture and salt can also lead to rust or corrosion. A spring tune-up helps undo winter’s damage before it leads to costly repairs.
Before grabbing your tools, take a few minutes to visually inspect your garage door system. If there are more serious concerns, it is important to call our team at Suburban Overhead Doors before you try to fix things yourself.
Things you should inspect yourself include:
- Panels & Paint. Check for dents, cracks, or chipped paint, especially if you have a wooden or older steel door.
- Springs, Cables & Rollers. Look for fraying, rust, or signs of wear and tear. If something doesn’t look right, call in our team—springs and cables are under high tension (as much as 400 pounds of tension) and can be dangerous to fix on your own. We can repair broken springs in no time!
- Tracks & Hinges. Make sure they’re straight, clean, and securely fastened.
Our Spring Maintenance Guide for Garage Doors
Dangerous tasks aside, there are some regular maintenance things you can do! These things will help prevent the dangerous issues and should keep your garage door in top shape through the summer.
Tighten and Tune Hardware
Garage doors move up and down hundreds of times a year, and all that motion causes nuts and bolts to loosen. Grab a socket wrench and go over the brackets, hinges, and roller supports. A few quick turns can help prevent rattling, noise, and breakdowns later on.
Lubricate Moving Parts
If your garage door is squeaking, grinding, or just not gliding like it used to, lubrication might be all it needs.
- What to Lubricate: Rollers, hinges, springs, and bearings.
- What to Use: A silicone-based spray or white lithium grease (skip the WD-40—it’s not designed for this job).
- How Often: Spring and fall are perfect times to get this done.
Balance & Safety Checks
An unbalanced garage door makes your opener work harder, leading to premature wear—or worse, failure.
To test balance:
- Disconnect the opener.
- Manually lift the door halfway and release.
If it stays in place, you’re good. If it moves, it’s time to call Suburban Overhead Doors. We offer prompt garage door opener repair and replacement.
Also, test your auto-reverse feature and photo eye sensors to make sure your safety systems are working properly. These features protect your family, pets, and belongings.
Weatherstripping Woes
Spring is also a good time to check your garage door’s weather seal. Cracked or brittle weatherstripping lets in dust, pests, and spring rain.
- Bottom Seal: Look for daylight coming through when the door is closed.
- Side Seals: Inspect for gaps or damage.
Replacing damaged seals improves insulation and protects your garage interior from the elements.
Clean the Door & Tracks
Give your garage door a fresh spring cleaning—inside and out!
- Use a mild detergent and a soft cloth to wipe down door panels.
- Clean the photo eyes and tracks with a damp cloth (no lubricants here—just remove dirt and debris).
It’s a quick and easy way to improve your home’s curb appeal and prevent buildup from affecting performance.
Why Spring Garage Door Maintenance Matters
Taking time each spring to maintain your garage door can:
- Extend the life of your door and opener
- Prevent costly emergency repairs
- Improve safety for your family
- Boost curb appeal and property value
Your garage door is the largest moving part of your home, and often the most used entrance. Keeping it in peak condition is worth the effort!
Need Help With Spring Maintenance?
Some jobs—like adjusting tension springs or fixing worn cables—are best left to professionals. If your door needs a little extra attention this season, contact us today. Suburban Overhead Doors is here to help with expert service, inspections, and repairs to keep your garage door in top shape all year long.
