Garage Door Maintenance Hacks That Save You Money

Garage Door Maintenance Hacks That Save You Money

Your garage door is one of the hardest-working parts of your home, opening and closing every day of the year. Yet, many New Zealand homeowners don’t think about garage door maintenance until something goes wrong. By then, costly repairs might be unavoidable.

The good news? A little garage door care goes a long way. With simple maintenance hacks, you can keep your garage door running smoothly, prevent expensive breakdowns, and extend its lifespan. Let’s explore easy DIY tips, common mistakes to avoid, and how regular upkeep can save you money in the long run.

5 Easy DIY Garage Door Care Tips

You don’t need to be a DIY expert to keep your garage door in good shape. Here are some quick and easy maintenance tasks you can do yourself:

1. Lubricate Moving Parts

A noisy garage door isn’t just annoying; it’s a sign that the moving parts inside need lubrication. To keep things running smoothly, use a silicone-based lubricant or garage door spray on the rollers, tracks, and hinges every six months. Avoid WD-40, as it attracts dirt and dust.

2. Tighten Loose Bolts and Screws

Your garage door vibrates whenever it opens and closes, which can loosen bolts over time. Use a wrench to check and tighten any loose nuts, bolts, and screws on the tracks and brackets to prevent the door from misaligning.

3. Clean the Tracks for Smooth Operation

Dirt, dust, and debris can build up in the tracks, making your door struggle to open and close. To keep them clean, wipe down the tracks with a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution.

4. Test the Auto-Reverse Safety Feature

Modern garage doors come with auto-reverse sensors to prevent accidents. Test this by placing a small object (like a wooden block) under the door and closing it. If the door doesn’t reverse immediately upon hitting the object, the sensors may need replacement.

5. Check and Replace Weather Seals

Garage door seals keep out rain, dust, and pests but wear out over time. Check the bottom rubber seal and side weather stripping for cracks or gaps and replace them if needed. This helps improve insulation and protects your garage from the elements.

Common Maintenance Mistakes That Lead to Costly Repairs

Before rushing off to fix your garage door, take note of some common mistakes that could make a problem worse or create new ones. Here’s what to avoid:

Over-Tightening Bolts

While tightening loose hardware is a good habit, over-tightening bolts can strip the threading or warp the tracks, causing alignment issues. Tighten just enough to secure them without forcing them.

Using the Wrong Lubricant

WD-40 or thick grease on garage door parts can cause more harm than good, as they attract dirt, gum up the mechanism, and may not even solve the problem. Always use a garage door-specific silicone lubricant.

Forgetting to Balance the Door

An unbalanced garage door puts extra strain on the opener and tracks. Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway to check the balance. If it doesn’t stay in place and instead falls or rises quickly, the springs may need adjusting. We recommend calling a professional for this one!

How Regular Maintenance Extends Your Door’s Lifespan

A well-maintained garage door can last 15-20 years, but neglecting small fixes can cut that lifespan dramatically. Here’s how regular maintenance protects your investment:

Prevents Costly Emergency Repairs

A sudden breakdown can leave you stuck inside (or outside) your garage at the worst time. Regular upkeep reduces the risk of expensive emergency repairs, ranging from $200 to $800 or more in New Zealand.

Improves Safety & Security

A poorly maintained garage door is easier for intruders to break into. Keeping the locking mechanism and other components in good overall shape ensures maximum security for your home and vehicles.

Saves Money on Energy Bills

A garage door with worn-out seals and poor insulation lets in drafts, making your heating and cooling systems work harder. Replacing weather stripping and insulated panels can lower energy costs, especially if your garage is attached to your home.

Protects Your Garage Door Opener

If your door isn’t rolling smoothly, the motorised opener has to work harder, leading to premature wear. Keeping the tracks clean and springs balanced reduces stress on the door opener, helping it last longer.

When to Call a Professional

While DIY maintenance can handle plenty of garage door care needs, some issues are best handled by a professional. Call an expert if you notice:

• Broken or stretched springs (fixing these yourself can be dangerous!)
• Severe misalignment of the tracks
• A motorised opener that struggles or stalls frequently
• Dents or damage that affect the door’s operation

If in doubt, contact an expert who can assess your garage door’s maintenance needs and identify any potential problems that may spring up down the line. And if your garage door is nearing the end of its lifespan, it may be more cost-effective to upgrade to a new, high-quality Garador garage door rather than repeatedly fixing an old one.

Invest in Reliable Garage Doors at Garador

A little garage door maintenance goes a long way in preventing expensive repairs and facilitating smooth, safe operation for years. By following these easy DIY care tips and scheduling regular check-ups, you can extend the life of your garage door and save yourself time and money. Want expert advice on garage door care or thinking about upgrading to a new, reliable option? Contact Garador NZ today for a free quote and expert recommendations.

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