Experiencing a malfunctioning garage door is frustrating. It is also an important measure of security of your vehicle and home. While a garage door company can help with all repairs — or, if needed, replacement — some regular maintenance checks can help keep your garage door functioning smoothly and prevent major breakdowns from occurring. Here are three simple and effective maintenance tips from a garage door company that will help keep your garage door working at its best.

1. Inspect your garage door. Take the time twice a year to look at your garage door and how it is operating. Does it sound louder than normal? Is it operating smoothly or are there jerky movements? Check the hardware and use a socket wrench or screwdriver to tighten any loose bolts or fasteners. This is also a good opportunity to notice any potential red flags and call a local garage door company for service before it becomes a larger problem.
2. Clean the garage door surface. You may be surprised by how effective keeping your garage door clean is for preventative maintenance. Look for signs of insect damage and if there are any small holes that need to be patched. Wooden garage doors can be wiped down with a clean, dry cloth while synthetic doors can be washed with a soft cloth and gentle cleaner.
3. Replace your garage door opener’s battery. First, unplug the garage door opener and then try to use the wall button to open it. If the garage door stays closed, the backup battery is due for replacement. Remove the cover on the opener to replace the battery and replace batteries in your door remotes as well.

Doing these maintenance tips twice a year will go a long way in helping to maintain your garage door. Always practice safety and check your garage door manual before performing any maintenance since some services should be handled by a professional garage door company.