Florida’s climate poses specific challenges to garage doors, including high humidity, salty air near coastal regions, and frequent storms. These elements accelerate wear and tear on mechanical parts and can lead to unexpected failures if regular maintenance is neglected. Whether you use your garage door multiple times daily or occasionally, scheduling professional servicing is a smart way to protect your investment and maintain reliable performance.
How Often Should You Service Your Garage Door?
Most property owners should have their garage doors inspected and serviced at least once a year. This annual check helps identify issues before they become costly problems. However, frequency can vary based on usage and environmental factors. For instance, homes in coastal areas may require maintenance twice a year due to salt-induced corrosion, while high-usage garages might benefit from inspections every six months. Additionally, it’s wise to schedule service before and after Florida’s hurricane season to ensure your door withstands storm impacts and remains safe.
What Happens During a Garage Door Service?
When a technician from o7 Garage Doors performs maintenance, they conduct a comprehensive inspection that covers all critical components. They check the tension of the garage door springs, which are essential for lifting the heavy door safely. Springs naturally wear over time and may require replacement to prevent sudden failure. The technician also examines cables and pulleys for fraying or slackness, adjusting or replacing them as needed to maintain balance and smooth movement.
Rollers and tracks are inspected for dirt, damage, or misalignment, which can cause the door to stick or operate noisily. If necessary, rollers are replaced to restore quiet and effortless function. The garage door opener and safety sensors are tested to confirm they work correctly, preventing accidents during operation. Finally, weather seals and insulation are checked, which is particularly important in Florida to keep out heat and moisture, enhancing energy efficiency.
Signs You Should Call for Garage Door Repair
It’s important to be attentive to warning signs between services. Common indicators that your garage door needs immediate attention include loud grinding noises, uneven or jerky movement, failure to fully open or close, visible damage to springs or cables, and malfunctioning remote controls or sensors. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to bigger problems and pose safety hazards.
Simple Steps to Maintain Your Garage Door Between Professional Services
While professional maintenance is essential, there are a few things homeowners can do to keep their garage doors running smoothly year-round:
- Keep the tracks clean: Remove dirt, debris, and buildup regularly to prevent strain on moving parts.
- Lubricate key components: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to springs, hinges, and rollers every few months to minimize friction.
- Test safety features: Check the auto-reverse mechanism and photo-eye sensors monthly to ensure they function correctly.
- Inspect visually: Look for rust, frayed cables, or signs of wear on visible parts of the door system.
- Avoid DIY spring or cable repairs: These parts are under high tension and can be dangerous to handle without professional tools and training.
Following these small steps can help extend the life of your garage door and reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns between service appointments.
Why Choose o7 Garage Doors?
o7 Garage Doors offers expert garage door repair, installation, and maintenance services tailored to the demands of Florida’s climate. Our technicians bring extensive experience in handling everything from broken garage door spring repairs to garage door roller replacements and garage door opener repair. We provide free estimates and clear advice to help you maintain a safe, efficient garage door all year round.