Do you think you’re qualified to perform garage door maintenance? Sure, it sounds like a job for a professional. But as it turns out, there are some simple steps you can take to handle the basics yourself.

These steps are also easy to learn—and so are the principles behind them. Read on to learn how to maintain a garage door.

Principles of Garage Door Maintenance

To make the learning process simple and easy, we’ll start with principles. Solving and preventing garage door problems boils down to just a few concepts:

• Inspection—Know what to look for and where to look for it
• Testing—Don’t waste time wondering when you can run quick tests instead
• Servicing—You can do a lot of the routine care yourself
• Troubleshooting—When problems crop up, know where to start
• Cleaning—Beyond esthetics, a good cleaning can prevent problems

Keep in mind that these principles aren’t entirely separate. Cleaning will help you inspect, testing will help you troubleshoot, and so on.

Continue reading to learn some specific steps you can follow to maintain your garage door.

1. Visually Examine the Major Parts

Why wait for a problem? You should inspect your garage door every so often. Two or three per year should suffice.

During an inspection, you’re mostly looking for obvious problems like a broken garage door spring, excessive rust in the hinges and tracks, or unusual wear and tear. Keep in mind that basic testing and maintenance are in your power, but if you identify any major garage door problems, reach out to the pros for help.

2. Observe Your Garage Door’s Basic Functions

Simply observing your garage door in action can tell you a lot about its health. Some things to look for:

• Does the door open and close as smoothly as it used to?
• Are there any strange noises?
• Do you see anything visibly out of place with the major components?

If you see something that requires further inspection, be sure to follow safety protocols. That includes clamping the door to prevent slippage. Also, remember to disconnect any automated door controls before starting.

3. Replace Parts

This applies mostly to the parts that are meant to be replaced easily. That includes light bulbs and batteries. Be sure to use the right batteries and the right bulb wattages.

4. Lubricate the Moving Parts

A little WD-40 can go a long way. Watch for signs of premature wearing on the hinges, tracks, and chains. Lubrication is usually pretty simple. Still, it’s best to check the manual to see if there are any specific requirements.

5. Clean Up

Clear the tracks, wash the door, and refresh the paint if needed. Cleaning is a part of maintenance. By getting in the habit, you’ll increase your sense of ownership and pride while also preventing problems before they have a chance to set in.

Now You Know Some Maintenance

Now you know the principles and a few techniques of garage door maintenance. Basic maintenance is your domain—just remember to call the pros when something major is wrong.

Take a look around the site for more homeowner tips. Or share your tips and questions in the comments below!