If we had to pick the most hardworking device in a home, the garage door opener would be a top contender. Maybe we’re biased, but you can’t deny the convenience it brings to the table!
A good garage door opener gives you:
- Easy access to your home
- Enhanced security
- Better safety
However, like any machine, garage door openers need a little TLC to keep working at their best.
Most garage door opener lifespans last 10-15 years, but that’s just an estimate. With some regular upkeep, you can easily extend its life and avoid the hassle and cost of unexpected repairs.
Join our garage door repair experts as we walk you through eight essential maintenance steps to help your opener last longer!
Table Of Content
1. Regular Cleaning and Lubrication2. Check and Replace Worn Parts
3. Inspect the Tracks and Alignment
4. Test the Safety Features Regularly
5. Clean the Remote and Keypad
6. Reduce Strain on the Opener
7. Schedule Garage Door Professional Maintenance
8. Upgrade or Replace Outdated Parts
9. Get in Touch with the Experts at Thompson Garage Doors Today!
Regular Cleaning and Lubrication
Let’s start with the basics. Cleaning and lubricating your garage door is the simplest way to keep it in good working order.
Cleaning:
Dust buildup on the motor and sensors can make it harder for them to function properly. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the unit every few months. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage sensitive components.
Lubrication:
Your opener’s moving parts need regular lubrication to prevent unnecessary wear. Apply a light coat of silicone-based lubricant (not WD-40) to the rollers, hinges, screws, and chains about twice a year.
If you’re unsure about how to lubricate your garage door opener properly, don’t hesitate to reach out to a garage door professional for advice!
Check and Replace Worn Parts
Chains, belts, and rollers are key parts of your garage door opener. Over time, they can wear down or loosen, putting additional strain on the motor as your garage door opens.
Watch for signs like squeaks, grinding noises, or jerky door movements; these are usually clues that something’s wearing out. Also, regularly inspect the garage door chains and belts to see if they’re loose, rusty, or starting to fray.
If a chain or belt appears excessively worn, it’s best to replace it before it breaks and potentially harms other parts of the opener. Likewise, swapping out rollers that no longer spin smoothly can help ease the load on the motor.
Boost Your Garage Door Opener’s Life!
Inspect the Tracks and Alignment
Misaligned tracks can make your garage door opener work much harder than it should, which, in turn, may lead to a premature breakdown. You’ll know your tracks are out of alignment when you see your door stick, make strange noises, or move unevenly.
Take a few minutes every month to visually inspect the tracks on both sides of the garage door system. Look for bends, gaps, or any spots where the track seems to be pulling away from the mounting brackets.
If you notice misalignment:
- Loosen the brackets that hold the tracks in place.
- Carefully nudge or tap the tracks back into the correct position.
- Make sure they’re level and equally spaced from each side of the door.
Once everything is aligned, re-tighten the brackets to secure the tracks. Or get in touch with a garage door repair service in Reno, NV, if you’re not comfortable doing this yourself.
Test the Safety Features Regularly
Most new garage door openers come with safety features like a reversal system and sensors to prevent accidents. It’s important to test these regularly, so you’re not caught off guard by a malfunction.
How to Test the Automatic Reversal Feature
Place a solid object, like a sturdy piece of wood, in the door’s path. The door should immediately reverse when it hits the object. If it doesn’t, you may need to adjust the opener’s force or sensitivity settings. Check your manual for specific instructions.
How to Check the Sensors
The sensors located near the bottom of the garage door tracks stop the door from closing if they detect an obstruction. Make sure they are aligned directly across from each other.
Gently clean the lenses with a soft, damp cloth to maintain clear detection. If the sensors are aligned but don’t work correctly, you may need to reprogram or recalibrate them according to the manual.
Learn to Maximize Opener Durability Now!
Clean the Remote and Keypad
Your garage door remote and keypad are essential for easy, everyday access. However, dirt and grime can cause the buttons to stick or stop responding.
The last thing you want is for your keypad to stop working when you’re in a rush. Wipe the buttons and surfaces with a soft, damp cloth every couple of months. Avoid harsh cleaners; they can damage the plastic.
Battery life is also key to reliable performance. If your garage door opener remote starts responding slowly or only works at close range, it’s likely time for new batteries. Most remotes and keypads use standard batteries that are easy to replace. Just check your manual if you need a refresher on how to do it.
Reduce Strain on the Opener
Garage doors can weigh several hundred pounds, and your opener lifts it multiple times a day. While it’s built for the job, constant strain can wear out the motor faster than expected.
An easy way to reduce this strain is by balancing the door and adding insulation.
Balancing the Door:
An unbalanced door places extra pressure on the motor. You can check the balance by disconnecting the opener and lifting the door halfway. If it stays put, the door is balanced; if it falls or rises, the springs likely need adjustment.
Adding Insulation:
Insulation can make the door lighter and easier for the opener to lift, especially during colder months. It also helps protect the opener from extreme temperature changes that can cause warping, cracking, and other damage over time.
Keep Your Garage Opener Running Longer!
Schedule Garage Door Professional Maintenance
Although you can handle much of the basic maintenance yourself, having your garage door opener professionally inspected can greatly enhance its lifespan and performance.
A trained technician has the experience and tools to catch issues that aren’t always easy to spot. For instance, they can identify early signs of wear on critical parts like springs, cables, and bearings issues that, if left unchecked, can lead to breakdowns or safety risks.
During a maintenance visit, a technician will:
- Test the opener’s safety features
- Inspect and tighten all hardware
- Lubricate moving parts
- Check the balance of the door
- Adjust the tension on the springs
Don’t let the upfront cost hold you back; a professional inspection is much cheaper than dealing with a major repair from a defective garage door opener down the line.
Upgrade or Replace Outdated Parts
If you have an old garage door opener, it may be time to think about upgrading or replacing certain parts.
A new garage door opener is quieter, often has built-in battery backup for power outages, and can be controlled with smartphone apps for remote operation. Many models now include advanced safety sensors, motion-detecting lights, and energy-saving designs.
Replacing outdated parts with modern components can improve older garage door openers in terms of efficiency and extend the life of the entire garage door system.
Get in Touch with the Experts at Thompson Garage Doors Today!
And that’s a wrap on our guide to getting the most out of your garage door opener’s lifespan! In the end, it all comes down to how well you take care of it. Stick to the steps in this post, and don’t skip those professional checkups. Together, they’ll help your opener last as long as possible.
Need a hand with your garage door? Contact Thompson Garage Doors! Whether it’s repairs, maintenance, or troubleshooting, we’ve got you covered.
We also offer high-quality, durable, and affordable garage door openers for your home.
Contact us to learn more.