Table of Contents
- Key Points
- What Does a Garage Door Service Visit Involve?
- What Are the Advantages of Routine Garage Door Maintenance?
- How Often Should You Service a Garage Door?
- How Much Does Garage Door Maintenance Cost?
- Find Garage Door Inspection and Repair Near You
Key Points
Garage doors are probably like many other systems in your home: you do not give them much thought as long as they are working as they should. The problem with this approach is that issues can creep up, causing an abrupt malfunction that can be a costly inconvenience.
Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this challenge: routine garage door maintenance. Most people infrequently (if ever) perform regular checkups on their garage doors and systems, though it is a feature of their home that they use every day and rely on for security and convenience.
If you are in need of garage door maintenance in Anderson SC, keep reading. This article explains the basics of regular garage door maintenance and the many advantages it can afford. The information below will help you determine the best approach for your home and budget.
What Does a Garage Door Service Visit Involve?
Companies may offer distinct services with their routine maintenance packages. However, there are a few common ones you can expect to find.
During regular maintenance, technicians will perform thorough inspections. This checkup looks for things like loose bolts, screws, or brackets, and ensures the integrity of other components.
They will check the balance of the door and inspect the weather stripping for defects. Technicians will test the function of the “photoelectric eyes,”—the sensors that detect the presence of an object or person under the door while it is closing and revers it. Federal law requires that all automatic garage door systems sold in the United States have these and be functioning properly.
Lubricating moving parts is almost always a service provided during garage door maintenance services. This includes rollers, springs, hinges, and tracks. Technicians will also clean the tracks to remove any accumulated dust or debris.
What Are the Advantages of Routine Garage Door Maintenance?
There are many benefits to performing regular garage door repairs and inspections. Here are the main ones to consider.
Safety
First, a garage door is made up of very heavy and powerful parts. Depending on the materials used, many garage doors weigh between 125 and 250 pounds. Garage door torsion springs need enough energy to lift this weight, which can translate to between 100 and 400 foot pounds of stored energy.
It is easy to see how misaligned tracks, defective springs, or faulty sensors can lead to accidents or injuries. Regular maintenance can ensure things are working properly and help you avoid damage to your home, vehicle, and items inside the garage, as well as yourself and your family.
Longevity and Reliability
Like with every other mechanical device or tool, regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your garage door and related systems. Think of it this way: if you skip oil changes, your vehicle will not suddenly stop working. However, over time, engine parts will wear out and eventually fail to function properly.
The same goes for your garage door. You might assume that because it has been humming along without incident for years that maintenance is unnecessary, but that is not the case. A regular garage-door tune-up can go a long way toward extending the lifespan of individual parts and the system as a whole.
Convenience and Cost Savings
Similarly, regular garage door upkeep can help catch minor problems before they become major ones. This not only avoids the inconvenience of having a garage door abruptly out of commission, but it can save you money as well.
That is because minor fixes and adjustments are far less costly than major repairs or overhauls. Routine maintenance can also help you avoid emergency repair services, which can cost a premium.
A final cost-savings aspect of regular garage door maintenance is that upkeep may be a requisite of some warranties. Performing routine inspections could help ensure that any major defects are covered, so that you are not paying for them out of pocket.
Better Operation and Efficiency
Regular garage door maintenance can also help it perform better. You can expect your door to run more smoothly and quietly. Conversely, upkeep helps you avoid residential garage doors that become noisy and disruptive to anyone living in the home.
Smoother operation also translates to improved energy efficiency. When parts and systems are running as they should, it uses less energy to open and close the door. Also, routine maintenance can help ensure that the door is sealing properly, which aids in temperature control and lowers energy consumption for your home.
Improved Security
Your garage door is probably one of the main entry points into your home. Routine maintenance ensures that, while functioning properly, it provides the highest level of security to the dwelling, along with the people and belongings inside.
Aesthetic Appeal
Whether they are free-standing or connected to your house, garages are a major part of your home’s appearance. Fixing rusted parts and dents can have their functional advantages, but it also can improve the overall look of your home. Regular maintenance can help in this way, making sure your garage door works and looks great.
How Often Should You Service a Garage Door?
The frequency of garage door maintenance depends on two main factors: how old it is and how often you use it. Doors older than about 10 years may need more regular inspections and upgrades than ones that are newer.
For doors that are not too old, are in good shape, and that you use at least a few times a day, a good rule of thumb is to schedule maintenance annually. For slightly older doors or for ones that you use more than three or four times a day, you might consider bumping the frequency up to every once every six months. If you do not open and close your garage door on a regular basis (perhaps you only use the garage for storage), you can probably get away with scheduling maintenance every other year.
How Much Does Garage Door Maintenance Cost?
Depending on where you live, most visits from a professional garage door technician will cost between $100 and $250. Some companies may offer plans that can help keep costs down. Also, look for coupons and discounts for dedicated customers.
Find Garage Door Inspection and Repair Near You
Now that you understand what garage door inspection entails, how much it costs, and the many benefits it can bring about, you can move forward. An experienced garage door installation and repair company can further advise you on the best practices based on your unique home, garage door usage, and budget.
Door Tech offers premier residential and commercial garage door repair in Anderson SC and throughout the Upstate. We offer a variety of services and pride ourselves on putting together solutions to address each customer’s unique needs and goals. Reach out to us to schedule service today.
