Your garage door is one of the largest and most frequently used moving parts of your home. It opens and closes hundreds of times each month, often serving as your main point of entry. With that kind of use, it’s no surprise that wear and tear can build up over time.
To keep your door running smoothly and safely, regular maintenance is essential. But how often should you get your garage door serviced? And what exactly does that maintenance include?
If you’re a homeowner in Cornelius, NC, here’s everything you need to know about keeping your garage door in top shape year-round.
Why Garage Door Maintenance Matters
Like any mechanical system, your garage door needs occasional care to function properly. A well-maintained door lasts longer, runs more quietly, and is far less likely to break down unexpectedly.
Neglecting maintenance can lead to:
- Costly repairs from worn-out parts
- Sudden breakdowns at the worst possible time
- Safety hazards from broken springs or misaligned sensors
- Increased wear on your garage door opener
In many cases, small issues like loose hardware, dry rollers, or a slightly off-track door can be caught and corrected early — long before they turn into major problems.
Recommended Garage Door Maintenance Frequency
For most Cornelius homeowners, garage door maintenance should be performed once a year. This annual tune-up helps keep everything operating smoothly and gives a technician the chance to spot early signs of wear.
However, in some cases, more frequent service might be a good idea. You may want to consider maintenance every six months if:
- Your garage door is used multiple times a day by the whole family
- It’s your primary entrance and exit
- You’ve had recent repairs or part replacements
- The system is older or showing signs of age
If your garage door has had recent issues — like broken springs, worn rollers, or opener malfunctions — follow-up maintenance can help ensure those problems don’t return.
Seasonal Considerations in Cornelius, NC
Here in Cornelius, we experience a mix of hot, humid summers and chilly winters. These weather changes can affect the performance of your garage door, especially the springs, rollers, and tracks.
Humidity can lead to rust on metal components. Cold temperatures can cause lubricants to thicken or harden, making parts move less freely. These seasonal shifts make an annual spring or fall tune-up a smart choice for many homeowners.
Spring is an ideal time for service because:
- It follows months of cold-weather strain
- It prepares your door for increased summer use
- It ensures your garage door system is ready before high humidity sets in
What’s Included in a Garage Door Maintenance Visit?
When you schedule maintenance with Nabors Garage Doors, you’re getting more than just a quick look. Our technicians go through a complete checklist to ensure your door is working safely and efficiently.
A typical tune-up includes:
Visual Inspection
We examine all visible components, including springs, cables, rollers, tracks, and hinges, looking for signs of wear, rust, or damage.
Spring and Cable Tension Check
We test the tension of your torsion or extension springs and ensure that cables are properly wound and in good condition.
Roller and Hinge Lubrication
We apply high-quality lubricant to rollers, hinges, and other moving parts to reduce friction and prevent squeaking or grinding.
Track Alignment and Cleaning
We inspect and clean the tracks to make sure they’re aligned and free of debris that could cause the door to jam.
Garage Door Opener Test
We check the opener’s response time, force settings, and safety reversal mechanisms to ensure the door stops and reverses if there’s an obstruction.
Sensor Alignment
We make sure the safety sensors are properly aligned and functioning. Misaligned sensors are a common cause of doors that refuse to close.
Hardware Tightening
Over time, vibration can loosen nuts, bolts, and screws. We go through and tighten anything that needs it to keep your door secure.
Weatherstripping Check
We inspect the rubber seal at the bottom of the door and around the frame to ensure it’s intact and providing proper insulation.
Signs You May Need Maintenance Sooner
Even if you’re not due for an annual service yet, certain warning signs should prompt you to schedule a tune-up:
- Your door is making more noise than usual
- It opens or closes more slowly than it used to
- You notice shaking or jerky movement during operation
- The door doesn’t sit flush with the ground when closed
- Your opener struggles or stops midway
- You hear popping or grinding sounds when the door is in motion
If you’ve noticed any of these issues in your Cornelius home, don’t wait. A quick visit from a technician can help prevent a small issue from turning into a costly repair.
DIY Maintenance: What You Can Do Between Visits
While professional maintenance is always recommended, there are a few simple things you can do between service visits to keep your door in good condition:
- Visually inspect your door monthly for signs of wear
- Clean the tracks with a dry cloth to remove dirt and debris
- Listen for unusual sounds like squeaking or grinding
- Test the safety sensors by placing an object in the door’s path and making sure it reverses
- Lubricate the hinges and rollers lightly every few months with a silicone-based garage door lubricant
Just be sure not to attempt anything involving spring tension or cable adjustments — those should always be handled by a trained professional.
Schedule Garage Door Maintenance in Cornelius, NC
At Nabors Garage Doors, we make it easy to keep your garage door running smoothly all year long. Our annual maintenance services are designed to help Cornelius homeowners get the most out of their garage door system, prevent breakdowns, and extend the life of their equipment.
Whether your door is brand new or 15 years old, a regular tune-up is one of the best ways to avoid surprise repairs and keep your family safe.
Ready to schedule your next maintenance visit? Contact us today to book your service and get peace of mind that your door is in great shape.