How Often Should You Service Your Garage Door?

Your garage door is one of the most frequently used systems in your home. Because of this, regular maintenance is essential – especially in Florida, where moisture, heat, and storms cause faster wear. This guide explains how often to service your garage door, what maintenance includes, and how to keep your system running smoothly all year.

Why Garage Door Maintenance Is Important

Many homeowners ignore their garage door until something breaks. However, regular maintenance:

• Extends the door’s lifespan
• Prevents emergency repairs
• Keeps your home safe
• Reduces noise
• Improves performance
• Protects the opener from strain

Because Florida’s weather accelerates rust and corrosion, annual service is more important here than in most states.

How Often Should You Service It?

1. Professional Maintenance: Once a Year

A licensed technician should inspect your garage door once every 12 months. During a professional tune-up, the technician will:

• Lubricate moving parts
• Check spring tension
• Test opener force
• Inspect safety sensors
• Tighten bolts and brackets
• Adjust tracks
• Check cable wear
• Balance the door

Annual service prevents unexpected breakdowns and saves money in the long run.

2. Lubrication: Every 3-4 Months

Florida humidity causes metal parts to dry out faster. Therefore, lubrication should be done at least four times a year.

Lubricate:

• Springs
• Hinges
• Rollers
• Bearings
• Tracks (lightly)
• Opener chain

3. Balance Check: Twice a Year

An unbalanced door strains the opener and can lead to spring failure. Checking balance takes only seconds but prevents dangerous situations.

4. Sensor Cleaning: Monthly

Dust, insects, rainwater spots, and misalignment are common in Florida. Clean your sensors monthly and make sure they face each other directly.

When Immediate Service Is Needed

You should call a professional immediately if:

• The door shakes or jerks
• You hear a popping sound
• The opener smells burnt
• The door drops fast
• The springs are stretched
• The door won’t close

These are signs of serious failure.

DIY Maintenance You Can Do Safely

You can safely do:

• Lubrication
• Sensor cleaning
• Visual inspections
• Tightening small screws
• Checking weather seals

However, never attempt to tighten or replace springs or cables. They are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury.

Why Florida Homeowners Need Extra Maintenance

Florida brings:

• High humidity
• Salt air near the coast
• Frequent storms
• Fast rust buildup
• Intense heat

Because of this, rolling parts and springs wear faster than in other states. Regular maintenance protects your investment and prevents sudden failure during storms.

Benefits of Regular Service

• Longer system lifespan
• Smoother, quieter operation
• Fewer repairs
• Lower energy bills
• Increased safety
• Better protection during hurricanes

Conclusion

Routine service keeps your garage door safe, efficient, and reliable. Whether you’re in Miami, Broward, or Palm Beach, SFL Garage Doors provides professional annual tune-ups to protect your home all year long.