1. Visual Inspection: stand inside the garage with the garage door closed.  Look over the garage door springs, cables, rollers, pulleys and mounting hardware for signs of wear or damage.  Look for cable wear or fraying.  If something doesn't look right or you see signs of wear, contact us, this could be a symptom of a more serious issue. If nothing appears to be worn, move on to the next step.  

2. Lubricate all hinges, rollers, springs and bearings.  Do not use WD-40.  WD-40 is a fantastic product for a number of applications, just not lubricating doors.  You can use a good silicone or preferably a light weight motor oil.  Areas you will want to lubricate are:

A. All hinges, apply a small amount in the pivot point of each hinge, where metal meets metal. 

B. All rollers, apply a small amount to the bearings in the wheel of each roller. 

C. Torsion springs, run a small bead of motor oil across the top of each spring. Don't apply too much, or it will drip onto the door. 

D. Opener rail and chain, in most cases you shouldn't need to lubricate these areas.  However, if you should notice rust, on the chain or rail apply a minimal amount to affected area.  If you have a screw drive opener, only a high quality low temperature grease should be used. 

E. Never lubricate your tracks.

3. Check for loose screws, nuts and bolts on all hinges, tighten where needed.  Do not attempt to adjust any bolts or screws on torsion spring system or bottom fixtures.  These areas are under extremely high tension, serious injury can occur.  If you should notice a loose bolt or screw in these areas, call us immediately for repair. 

*Do not adjust anything within highlighted area

4. Door Balance Test. The majority of doors springs are rated for a cycle lift of 10,000-15,000 cycles. Springs will weaken throughout their life and additional tension may be needed.  If your door is equipped with an automatic opener system: close door and disconnect the automatic opener.  Once you are able to life the door manually: lift the door.  It should lift smoothly with little resistance and should remain fully open.  If the door is difficult to open or does not remain open, the door may be out of balance. Contact us to schedule a spring adjustment or possible replacement. 

5. Garage Door Opener Reversing Mechanism Test. (Note: Garage door openers manufactured after January 1, 1993, are required by federal law to be equipped with a reversing mechanism and a photo eye or edge sensor as added measures of safety to prevent entrapment.  If your system does not have these features, replacement of your automatic operating system is recommended.)  With the door fully open, lay a piece of wood such as a section of a 2x4 on the floor in the center of the garage door opening where the door would touch the floor.  Push your garage door button to close the door.  When the door strikes the wood, the door should automatically reverse.  If the door does not reverse, contact us to schedule a service call. 

6. Garage Door Opener Photo Eye Test.  With the door fully open,  push your garage door opener's transmitter or button to close the garage door.  Wave a long object, such as a broomstick or shovel, in front of one of the door's photo eyes so it "breaks the beam." The door should reverse immediately.  If the door does not reverse contact us to schedule a service call.