2024-02-20 6 min read
As winter fades and spring approaches in Central Washington, it's the perfect time to give your garage door some attention. The cold months can take a toll on your door's components, and a little spring maintenance goes a long way.
Winter weather in our region—from freezing temperatures to moisture and ice—stresses every part of your garage door system. Springs become brittle, lubricants dry out, and weather seals can crack. Spring maintenance prevents costly breakdowns and ensures smooth operation all year.
Walk around your closed garage door and look for: - Gaps between the door and frame - Cracked or damaged panels - Rust spots on metal components - Worn or cracked weather stripping - Frayed cables (visible from inside)
Open and close your door several times, paying attention to: - Unusual grinding or squeaking sounds - Jerky or uneven movement - Hesitation at any point in travel - Balance (door should stay in place when manually lifted halfway)
Apply a silicone-based lubricant to: - Hinges - Rollers (metal, not nylon) - Springs - Bearing plates - Lock mechanism
Avoid WD-40 on springs—it's a solvent, not a lubricant.
Inspect the rubber seal at the bottom of your door. If it's cracked, brittle, or missing sections, replace it. A good seal keeps out water, pests, and drafts.
Place an object (like a cardboard box) in the door's path. The door should reverse immediately upon touching or sensing the obstruction. If not, the sensors need alignment or the opener needs adjustment.
With the door closing, hold up the bottom edge with your hands (light pressure). The door should reverse. If it doesn't, call a professional immediately—this is a critical safety feature.
While DIY maintenance is valuable, an annual professional inspection catches issues you might miss. Our technicians check spring tension, cable condition, track alignment, and opener performance.
Schedule your spring tune-up today! Call (509) 635-7343.