Homeowners enjoy many benefits from their garage doors, but only if they maintain them correctly. DIY servicing is important, but professional tune-ups will extend the working life of the door.

Here are the most common stages of a tune-up:

Stage 1: Testing the balance

The springs do all the heavy lifting if a garage door is balanced. They move the unit across the tracks, and the door’s weight is evenly distributed. As such, the door glides smoothly and is less likely to malfunction.

Given the immense importance of balance, a garage door contractor will usually inspect this aspect first.

From there, they may check other factors determining how easily the door opens and closes. If they see any friction or other potential issues, they’ll address them after the inspection.

Stage 2: Examining rollers, hinges, and tracks

Springs are paramount but not the only component that opens and closes the door. Other essential parts include the rollers, hinges, and tracks.

First, a technician will inspect the rollers to see if they’re effective. If the door operates slower than normal, it might be on its last legs. Some signs of worn rollers include faulty seals, chips, and cracks.

Second, garage door experts dig deeper by evaluating the hinges. They tend to get noisy during operation if they’re not in good condition. Likewise, technicians look for misaligned or bent hinges.

And third, checking the tracks is part and parcel of every tune-up. If the units are dirty or warped, they require immediate attention. Otherwise, they may not be strong enough to support the door, making the system a safety hazard.

Stage 3: Inspecting force and lubrication

There can be many causes of a faulty garage door, including improper force. Too much force and there could be excessive pressure on different components. Too little force and it may take forever to open and close the door.

Lubrication is also critical. Tune-up professionals grease most (if not all) metal components to keep them in good condition and extend their lifespan. The list includes the tracks, hinges, and springs.

Stage 4: Addressing the weatherstripping

A garage door with high-quality weatherstripping maintains optimal indoor temperatures by keeping outdoor air out. But over time, it can crack and come loose, requiring proper repairs. All of which are included in a standard tune-up.

Stage 5: Checking the rest

The bulk of the work is over. All that remains is to check other, slightly less significant components to ensure smooth operation:

• Cables

• Drums

• Forks

• Shaft

• Brackets

• Hinge arms

• Truss or strut rod

• Spring anchor

• Safety reverse

• Panels

• Bell wires

Bring in the pros

A lot goes into a garage door tune-up. Rather than get your hands dirty, contact trusted professionals. They’ll inspect the structure from top to bottom and return the door to its former glory.

Call Quick Response Garage Door Service – We are your Arizona garage door service specialists.

Greater Phoenix Area (602) 825-2925