Your garage door is one of the largest moving features of your home, and it’s essential for safety, security, and everyday convenience. While most homeowners use their garage doors daily, few think about how often the system should be checked and maintained.
Calling a garage door service company in Gig Harbor at the right time can prevent breakdowns, extend the life of your door, and keep your family safe.
Why Garage Door Maintenance Matters
Garage doors weigh hundreds of pounds and rely on several moving parts working together. Springs, rollers, tracks, and openers must stay in proper alignment to handle daily use. Without proper care, a simple issue can quickly lead to costly fixes or dangerous accidents.
A well-maintained system not only runs smoothly but also reduces strain on the motor and extends the life of the parts. It also helps avoid the stress of a stuck door when you need to leave home in a hurry.
How Often Should a Garage Door Be Serviced?
Most experts recommend having your garage door professionally serviced at least once a year. During this visit, the technician checks every part of the system, tightens hardware, adds lubrication to moving parts, and makes sure the door is balanced. This annual checkup helps catch problems before they cause a breakdown.
If you use your garage as the main entry point to your home, or if your household opens and closes the door multiple times a day, you may benefit from servicing every six months. Extra use puts more stress on the system and increases the risk of parts wearing out sooner.
Signs You Need Immediate Service
Even with regular maintenance, some issues require attention right away. Contact a garage door service company if you notice:
- Grinding or squeaking noises while the door is moving
- The door moving unevenly or looking crooked
- Slower response time from the opener
- The door getting stuck partway
- Loose cables, bent tracks, or frayed springs
Addressing these problems quickly keeps your door safe and prevents damage from spreading to other parts.
What Technicians Look for During Service
A professional garage door tune-up goes beyond simple cleaning. A trained technician will:
- Check the tension of springs and cables
- Inspect tracks for bends or misalignment
- Test the balance of the door for smooth operation
- Lubricate rollers, hinges, and bearings
- Examine the opener and safety sensors
- Tighten bolts and brackets to ensure stability
This thorough process helps make sure the entire system works together as it should.
Benefits of Routine Professional Service
Choosing a garage door service company for regular maintenance brings several long-term benefits:
- Safety: Prevents accidents caused by broken springs or falling doors
- Cost savings: Avoids expensive emergency repairs by catching small issues early
- Extended lifespan: Keeps your door and opener working longer
- Smooth operation: Reduces noise and keeps the door moving without jerks or delays
- Peace of mind: Protects your home’s security and ensures the door will open when you need it most
DIY vs Professional Service
While homeowners can handle small upkeep tasks like clearing debris from tracks or checking for loose screws, many parts of a garage door system are under high tension. Springs and cables, in particular, can be dangerous to adjust without the right tools and training.
That’s why it’s best to leave most repairs and adjustments to a professional. A garage door service company has the skills and equipment to work safely and spot hidden issues that the average homeowner may miss.
Preventing Unexpected Problems
Beyond yearly or semi-yearly servicing, there are simple steps homeowners can take to keep their doors in good condition:
- Keep the tracks clean and free from buildup
- Listen for unusual noises and call for service if they continue
- Make sure safety sensors are free of dirt and aligned properly
- Test the auto-reverse feature monthly to ensure it works
These habits, combined with professional inspections, go a long way in keeping your garage door reliable.
Related Articles:
- What to Expect During a Puyallup Garage Door Tune-Up Service
- Why Fall Is the Ideal Season for Garage Door Maintenance in Puyallup
Trusted Garage Door Service Company Serving Gig Harbor
Has it been more than a year since your last garage door tune-up? Now is the right time to schedule service. A full inspection can catch small issues early before they turn into costly repairs. Regular tune-ups also keep your garage door operating smoothly, reduce noise, and extend its lifespan.
All Service Garage Doors provides complete inspections, tune-ups, and repairs for homeowners in Gig Harbor. Our skilled technicians work with all makes and models, ensuring your system stays safe and reliable for everyday use.
Don’t wait for a breakdown. Contact All Service Garage Doors today to set up your appointment with a trusted garage door service company.