Top tips for garage door maintenance

If you want your garage door to stay safe, secure and trouble-free for years, it will need regular maintenance. With a little care, you can avoid the need for garage door repairs and protect the value of your home.

Here's how to keep your garage door in top condition:

General inspection : At least once a month, make sure that your garage door opens and closes smoothly without any resistance, juddering or sticking. If you have an electric garage door, check the sensors - make sure they prevent it from closing if something is in the way. All electric garage doors in the UK must have working sensors. Have a look at all the parts for rust, especially the cables and springs. If any part has significant rust, get it replaced (always replace springs in pairs or you could ruin the balance of your door).

Keep it together : Over time, with regular use, garage door bolts can loosen. Every six months, have a careful check of all the bolts, and (with the door in the down position) make sure they're tight. This will prevent serious faults and expensive garage door repairs.

Keep it oiled : If your garage door has metal parts, such as hinges, springs and pulleys, they should be kept lubricated with a light coating of oil, in order to move smoothly. Some garage doors have self-lubricating systems - check this with your garage door supplier.

Clean it up : Make sure your garage floor is clean and free from dangerous spills or hazards. Check the door and all moving parts to keep them free of leaves, cobwebs, grit and dead insects. As with the rest of your house, check your gutters regularly and inspect the garage roof for missing tiles.

Get your garage door serviced : Some garage door manufacturers require annual servicing as a condition of the warranty. A service doesn't cost much and will be carried out by someone who knows what to look for - they'll be able to spot faults that, if left, could result in costly garage door repairs.

A note about wooden doors : Wooden doors are not as difficult to maintain as people think. Make sure it's painted or sealed with a wood sealant and it will be protected against the elements for years.

This article was written by Up and Over Doors Ltd in Bristol, a supplier and installer of all types of garage doors in the UK.