Your garage door is one of the hardest-working systems in your home. It opens and closes multiple times a day, providing convenience, safety, and even insulation. Yet, like any mechanical system, it requires regular care to function smoothly and safely. So the big question is: How often should you service your garage door?
At Four Seasons Garage Doors, we help homeowners across Illinois keep their garage doors in top condition all year long. Here’s what you need to know about routine maintenance and why staying on top of it can save you money and headaches.
Recommended Garage Door Service Frequency
For most residential garage doors, we recommend professional servicing at least once a year. Annual inspections help identify small issues before they become costly repairs or safety risks.
However, if your door gets heavy daily use (5+ cycles per day), lives in a harsh climate (like Illinois winters and summers), or is part of a commercial property, servicing every 6 months is a smart move.
Why Annual Garage Door Maintenance Matters
A garage door has many moving parts—springs, cables, rollers, tracks, hinges, and more. Over time, wear and tear can cause these components to malfunction. Without maintenance, problems like:
- Noisy or jerky operation
- Loose hardware
- Misaligned tracks
- Failing springs or cables
- Worn rollers or hinges
…can develop quickly and compromise the entire system.
Routine maintenance can:
- Prevent unexpected breakdowns
- Extend the lifespan of your door and opener
- Enhance safety for your family and pets
- Improve energy efficiency and weather sealing
What’s Included in a Typical Garage Door Service?
When you schedule a maintenance visit with Four Seasons Garage Doors, we perform a thorough multi-point inspection and tune-up that typically includes:
- Checking and tightening all hardware
- Lubricating springs, rollers, and hinges
- Inspecting cables for frays or wear
- Testing auto-reverse safety features
- Ensuring the door is balanced and aligned
- Examining weather seals and insulation
- Testing opener and remote functionality
We also provide expert advice on when to replace worn parts to avoid failure.
Signs You Should Schedule Service Immediately
Even if it hasn’t been a full year since your last tune-up, call for a professional inspection if you notice any of the following:
- Loud grinding or screeching noises
- Door opening unevenly or slowly
- Sagging or misaligned panels
- Remote not working consistently
- Door reverses suddenly or won’t fully close
Catching these signs early can prevent major damage and costly repairs.
DIY Maintenance You Can Do Between Visits
While professional service is essential, there are a few simple things you can do every few months:
- Visually inspect the springs, cables, and rollers
- Wipe down the tracks (don’t lubricate them)
- Lubricate metal moving parts with silicone spray
- Test the auto-reverse function with a 2×4 or paper towel roll
Always leave major repairs—especially spring and cable work—to the pros. These components are under high tension and can be dangerous.
Trust the Illinois Garage Door Experts
At Four Seasons Garage Doors, we know that maintenance is key to keeping your garage door safe and reliable. With our trusted service and flexible scheduling, we make it easy to protect your home and investment.
Call us today at 630-449-4600 to book your annual garage door inspection or tune-up.
