Many homeowners prioritize inspections for their HVAC systems but overlook the importance of their garage doors. Unlike a front door, a garage door relies on a complex system of parts that can wear out or break over time. Routine inspections help identify issues early, keep the door operating smoothly, and reduce the risk of unexpected problems.
Why Your Garage Door Matters for Safety and Your Utility Bills
Your garage door does much more than keep your car sheltered. It is an important part of keeping your home safe and comfortable.
A garage door that works properly also helps protect your home from break-ins. If the door does not close securely or if the locking mechanisms are worn out, it may be easier for someone to get inside. Keeping the garage door in good condition adds an extra layer of security for your family and belongings.
Your garage door also affects how well your home stays heated or cooled. If the door does not seal tightly, outdoor air can get into the garage and eventually into the house. This can make your HVAC system work harder and drive up your energy bills.
Why Garage Door Inspections Are Important
Several problems can develop with a garage door over time, and regular inspections help catch them early. Finding issues before they become bigger problems allows you to plan repairs rather than deal with unexpected situations. For instance, the last thing you want to deal with is a door that will not open when you’re scrambling to get to work in the morning. We recommend yearly inspections and maintenance to keep your door working as it should.
Worn-Out Garage Door Rollers
The rollers are the small wheels that guide your garage door along the tracks, allowing it to open and close smoothly. Over time, these rollers wear down from regular use. Most rollers are made from nylon, steel, or plastic.
Steel rollers are the most durable option and can last 10 to 15 years, although they tend to be noisier compared to other types. Nylon rollers are quieter and provide smoother operation, typically lasting between seven and ten years. Plastic rollers, often found on lower-end doors, wear out more quickly and usually need replacing within just a few years.
On average, homeowners open and close their garage doors around 1,500 times a year, which means the rollers are put to the test daily. Regular inspections help identify worn rollers early, giving you the chance to replace them before your garage door gets stuck and turns into a major hassle.
Regular Lubrication
Lubrication is essential for garage doors. It helps keep components like hinges and rollers moving smoothly. Without proper lubrication, your garage door may start to move more slowly or make grinding noises. Applying the right lubricant can extend the life of your door and prevent unnecessary repairs. Your garage door springs should be lubricated every three to four months.
Our professionals typically use silicone-based or lithium-based lubricants during maintenance because they provide long-lasting protection without attracting dirt or debris. Lubricant is carefully applied to the rollers, hinges, tracks, and springs, reducing friction and annoying noises.
Alignment Issues
When your garage door becomes misaligned, it can move unevenly, making it difficult to open or close properly. Several common causes can lead to misalignment, including rust buildup, problems with the springs, bent tracks, or issues with the door’s opener system.
Our professionals will identify the exact cause of the misalignment during an inspection. If rust or dirt is affecting the tracks, they will clean and lubricate them. Bent tracks are straightened or replaced to ensure smooth movement. If the springs are damaged or out of balance, they will be adjusted or replaced. Sometimes, the garage door opener needs recalibration to make sure it is lifting and lowering the door with the right amount of force.. Our technicians can adjust it to restore proper operation.
Broken Cables and Springs
Broken cables and springs are among the most dangerous problems that can develop with a garage door. Most garage doors weigh between 130 and 500 pounds, depending on their size and materials. Cables and springs work together under high tension to lift and lower the door safely. If one of them breaks, the door may suddenly slam down, potentially damaging your vehicle or injuring you, your family, or your pets.
Most residential garage doors use either torsion springs, which are mounted above the door and twist to create tension, or extension springs, which stretch along the sides of the door. Both types wear out over time and can fail without proper maintenance.
There are often warning signs that cables or springs are wearing out, such as the door opening unevenly, moving more slowly, feeling heavier than usual, or making loud creaking or snapping noises. You might also notice visible fraying on the cables or gaps in the springs.
Regular inspections help catch these problems before they lead to a major failure. Our professionals will check the tension of the springs, examine the cables for wear, and recommend replacement when necessary to keep your garage door operating safely.
Garage Door Sensor Issues
Garage door sensors are an essential safety feature; they prevent the door from closing if something is in its path. When these sensors are not working properly, your garage door might not close all the way, might reverse direction unexpectedly, or could stop and start without warning.
Common problems include misalignment between the two sensors, dirty lenses that block the invisible beam between them, or wiring issues that prevent the sensors from communicating. Even small obstructions like leaves, spider webs, or dirt buildup can cause problems. Most garage door sensors have small indicator lights that can signal a problem. For instance, if one light blinks or is off, the sensors are not properly aligned.
During an inspection, our professionals will check for alignment issues, clean the sensor lenses, and test the wiring. Afterward, they will confirm that the door stops if an object is in the way.
Problems With Garage Door Remote and Motor
The motor and signal receiver are essential parts of your garage door system, and both can wear out over time. The garage door motor relies on internal components like limit switches, which control how far the door travels when opening or closing. If these switches are out of adjustment, your door might behave unpredictably.
The signal receiver, which picks up commands from your remote or keypad, can also fail due to age, electrical issues, or interference from other wireless devices. New Wi-Fi networks, smart home devices, and even nearby electronics can sometimes disrupt the receiver’s ability to detect your remote’s signal. Additionally, when the receiver starts to fail, your garage door may not respond consistently, even if the remote is working properly.
During an inspection, our technicians will test your motor’s performance and adjust the limit switches if needed. They will also check the receiver for signs of failure or interference.
Contact Your Local Professionals
At Lewis Door Service, we have proudly served homeowners in Louisville, KY, and the surrounding areas. We offer annual maintenance to ensure your garage door operates safely and stays in good condition. When the time comes for an upgrade, we can guide you through the options and provide expert installation. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced professionals.
