Test the auto-reverse monthly, inspect the springs, rollers, cables and hinges every three months, and wash the door at least once a year. Do these before the rainy season. Leave torsion springs and cables to a technician, and stop using a door that is heavy, crooked or off track.
Why a checklist helps in a wet climate
In the Willamette Valley and Portland area nearly 90 percent of the yearly rain falls between early October and mid-May, according to the National Weather Service. A door that is used every day through those months collects moisture on hinges, rollers and seals. The Oregon Health Authority puts it plainly: the key to mold control is moisture control, so a damp bottom seal is worth replacing.
Every month
- Test the safety reversal of the opener the way your opener manual describes. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission advises testing it monthly.
- Look at the door while it moves. It should run smoothly and quietly.
- Check that the photo-eye sensors are clean and lit.
- Wipe leaves and grit from the bottom seal and the track.
Every three months
Lowe's maintenance guide says to inspect the springs, rollers, tracks, cables, brackets and hinges every three months, to make sure bolts and screws are tight, and to replace anything that looks worn or frayed. It also describes a balance test.
Disconnect the opener
With the door closed, pull the release handle so the opener is out of the way.
Lift to waist height
Raise the door by hand about halfway and let go slowly.
Watch what it does
A balanced door stays where you leave it. If it drops or rises, stop and call a technician.
Once or twice a year
- Wash the outside of the door with mild detergent and water and rinse it with a hose. Lowe's says to do this at least once a year.
- Lubricate hinges, springs and bearings with the lubricant your door maker recommends. Lowe's says a non-silicone product is typical, but follow your manual.
- On nylon rollers, lubricate the bearings only and keep oil off the nylon.
- Do not oil the tracks, because it can make the door slip out of balance.
- Check the weatherstripping for cracks and gaps. See garage door repair if it needs replacing.
What you do and what a technician does
| Task | You | Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Wash the door, clean tracks and seals | Yes | Optional |
| Test sensors and reversal | Yes | At a service visit |
| Balance test by hand | Yes, test only | Adjust if it fails |
| Torsion springs and lift cables | Never | Always, see spring repair |
| Opener that behaves oddly | Check batteries and sensors | Repair or replace |
Springs and cables are under high tension. Do not adjust or remove them.
Warning signs to act on
The door is heavy, crooked or off track, a spring or cable is broken, or the opener strains. Do not try to fix a spring or cable yourself. Pull the release handle only if the door is closed and you can do so safely, and call a technician.
A 12-point safety inspection is $89 and covers springs, cables, rollers, tracks, sensors and the opener. The final price of any repair is confirmed after we see the door.
Who to call
Emil Garage Doors repairs garage doors, springs, cables and openers in Oregon, including Keizer, Springfield and Albany. Call or send your details and we book the soonest visit.
Questions people ask
How often should I service my garage door?
Test the safety reversal monthly, inspect moving parts every three months and wash the door at least once a year. A technician can do a full inspection when you want one.
Should I lubricate my garage door in the wet season?
Use the lubricant your door maker recommends on hinges, springs and bearings. Keep oil off nylon rollers and do not oil the tracks.
Can I adjust the springs myself?
No. Springs and cables are under high tension and should only be adjusted by a trained technician.
How do I know if my door is balanced?
Disconnect the opener, lift the door to waist height and let go slowly. If it stays put it is balanced. If it drops or rises, call a technician.
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Read next
Sources
- Lowe's: How to Maintain a Garage Door (cleaning, three-month inspection, balance test, lubricating)
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Safety standard targets garage door deaths (test the reversing feature monthly)
- National Weather Service Portland: Climate of Salem (valley rainfall, snow, freezing rain, winter and summer temperatures)
- Oregon Health Authority: Mold (moisture control, cleaning small areas)