Most garage door breakdowns are completely preventable. Springs, cables, rollers and openers all wear out predictably, and an annual tune-up catches the wear long before it becomes a midnight emergency. Here's the full 25-point checklist our techs run on every maintenance visit.
Hardware inspection (10 points)
1. Spring tension and cycle wear. 2. Cable strands for fraying or rust. 3. Roller condition (steel vs nylon, bearings). 4. Hinge wear and screw tightness. 5. Track alignment and plumb. 6. Lag bolts at brackets. 7. Bottom bracket condition. 8. Drum and shaft inspection. 9. Pulleys and bearings. 10. Bottom astragal (door seal) wear.
Opener and electrical (8 points)
11. Motor and gear condition. 12. Belt/chain tension. 13. Force and travel limit calibration. 14. Safety reversal test (the 2x4 test). 15. Photo-eye alignment and lens cleanliness. 16. Wall button and remotes. 17. Battery backup charge level. 18. Logic board and wiring inspection.
Balance, lubrication and seals (7 points)
19. Manual balance test (door should hold halfway open). 20. Spring lubrication with garage door spray. 21. Roller and hinge lubrication. 22. Track cleaning (no grease — collects dirt). 23. Weather-seal inspection on top, sides and bottom. 24. Threshold seal at floor. 25. Visual inspection of panels for dents, rust or rot.
What you can safely DIY between visits
Wipe the photo-eye lenses every few months with a soft cloth — this fixes about 30% of "door won't close" calls. Spray hinges, rollers and springs with garage door lubricant (not WD-40) twice a year. Visually inspect cables for fraying. Test the safety reversal monthly by placing a 2x4 flat on the floor under the door — the door should reverse on contact.
What you should NOT DIY: anything involving the springs, cables, drums or bottom brackets. Those carry enough stored force to seriously injure you.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get a professional tune-up?
Annually for normal residential use. Twice a year if the door cycles 6+ times per day or if it's more than 10 years old.
How long does a tune-up take?
Our 25-point tune-up typically takes 45–60 minutes per door, including a written report on the condition of every major component.
Will a tune-up fix a noisy door?
Usually yes. Most door noise comes from worn rollers, dry hinges or unbalanced springs — all of which a tune-up addresses.
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