Garage Door Maintenance Tips for the Summer Months

Your garage door is one of the hardest-working systems in your home. It opens and closes thousands of times each year, providing convenience, security, and protection for your vehicles and belongings. During the summer months, increased use, rising temperatures, and seasonal weather can put additional stress on your garage door system.

A little preventative maintenance can help keep your garage door operating safely and efficiently while preventing costly repairs down the road.

Here are some essential garage door maintenance tips every homeowner should follow this summer.

Inspect Your Garage Door’s Moving Parts

Over time, daily use can cause wear and tear on your garage door components. Summer is the perfect time to perform a visual inspection of the system.

Check for:

• Worn or damaged rollers
• Loose hardware and brackets
• Bent tracks
• Frayed cables
• Rust or corrosion

If you notice any damaged components, it’s best to have them inspected by a professional before they lead to larger issues.

Lubricate Moving Components

Proper lubrication helps reduce friction and allows your garage door to operate smoothly.

Apply a garage door lubricant to:

• Rollers
• Hinges
• Springs
• Bearings

Avoid using heavy grease, which can attract dirt and debris. Regular lubrication can help extend the life of your garage door system and reduce unnecessary strain on the opener.

Test the Door Balance

A properly balanced garage door is easier on the opener and safer for your household.

To test the balance:

1. Disconnect the automatic opener.
2. Lift the door halfway by hand.
3. Release it carefully.

If the door stays in place, it is likely balanced correctly. If it falls or rises on its own, the springs may need adjustment by a trained technician.

Check the Weather Seals

Summer heat, rain, and humidity can cause weather stripping to crack or wear out over time.

Inspect the seals around:

• The bottom of the garage door
• Side jambs
• Top seal

Replacing damaged weather stripping helps keep out moisture, pests, dirt, and drafts while improving energy efficiency.

Clean the Tracks

Dust, dirt, and debris can build up in garage door tracks and affect operation.

Use a clean cloth to remove debris and inspect the tracks for:

• Obstructions
• Damage
• Alignment issues

Clean tracks help ensure smooth and reliable performance throughout the season.

Test the Safety Features

Modern garage doors include important safety systems designed to protect people, pets, and property.

Test the photo-eye sensors by placing an object in the door’s path. The door should automatically reverse when it detects the obstruction.

Also test the auto-reverse feature by placing a small object on the ground beneath the door. If the door does not reverse immediately upon contact, professional service may be needed.

Listen for Unusual Noises

Your garage door should operate relatively smoothly and quietly.

Watch and listen for:

• Grinding sounds
• Squeaking
• Rattling
• Jerky movement

Unusual noises are often an early warning sign that maintenance or repairs may be needed.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

While homeowners can perform basic inspections and upkeep, professional garage door maintenance helps identify hidden issues before they become major problems.

A professional technician can:

• Inspect springs and cables
• Adjust door balance
• Tighten hardware
• Test safety systems
• Ensure the entire system is operating correctly

Regular maintenance can improve performance, extend the life of your garage door, and provide peace of mind.

Keep Your Garage Door Running Smoothly This Summer

Taking a few simple steps now can help prevent inconvenient breakdowns and costly repairs later. By inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining your garage door during the summer months, you’ll help ensure reliable operation all year long.

Advantage Home Pros proudly serves homeowners throughout Brainerd, Alexandria, Bloomington, Bemidji, Princeton, Adel, and Rhinelander with expert garage door installation, repair, and maintenance services.

If your garage door is making unusual noises, operating inconsistently, or simply due for a professional inspection, we’re here to help.

Call Advantage Home Pros today at (888) 570-5778 to schedule your free estimate and keep your garage door operating at its best this summer.