How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend having your garage door professionally serviced at least once a year. During a preventive maintenance visit, our technicians will lubricate all moving parts, check spring tension, inspect cables and hardware, test safety features, and make any necessary adjustments. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your garage door by many years and help prevent costly emergency repairs. Read our seasonal maintenance guide for tips you can do yourself.

What are signs that my garage door springs need replacement?

There are several warning signs: the door feels heavier than usual, visible gaps in spring coils, the door opens unevenly, a loud bang from the garage, or the door opens only a few inches. If you notice any of these signs, avoid using the door and call a professional immediately. Learn more in our spring replacement guide. Our spring replacement service handles both torsion and extension springs safely.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A standard garage door installation typically takes 3-5 hours. A simple replacement can be completed in as little as 3 hours. If we need to change the track configuration or install a new opener, the installation may take a full day. We always provide a time estimate during your free consultation. Contact us to schedule yours.

Do you offer emergency garage door repair services?

Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency garage door repair services throughout Somerville, Cambridge, Medford, and the Greater Boston area. We understand that a broken garage door can be a major inconvenience and security concern. Call our emergency line at 857-367-2748 and we'll dispatch a technician as quickly as possible. See all our service areas.

What brands of garage doors do you install?

We install garage doors from all major manufacturers, including Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, CHI, and more. We also install smart garage door openers from LiftMaster, Chamberlain, and Genie — learn more in our smart opener guide. During your free consultation, we'll recommend the best options for your home. Schedule a consultation today.

How much does a new garage door cost?

The cost varies based on size, material, insulation, and features. A basic single-car steel door starts around $800-1,200 installed, while premium insulated double-car doors range from $2,500-5,000. Check out our guide on choosing the right garage door style and learn about the importance of insulation. We offer free in-home estimates — request one here.

Are your technicians licensed and insured?

Yes, absolutely. All of our technicians are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We carry comprehensive general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Our technicians undergo rigorous training and certification. Learn more about our company and our commitment to quality service across all service areas.

What warranty do you offer on repairs and installations?

We stand behind our work with comprehensive warranties. For new garage door installations, we offer a lifetime warranty on labor and workmanship. For repairs, we provide a 90-day warranty on parts and labor. If you experience any issues during the warranty period, call us at 857-367-2748 and we'll make it right at no additional cost.

Seasonal Garage Door Maintenance Tips

Name: Garage Door Company Somerville
Address: 1 Fitchburg ST C307, Somerville, US
Telephone: 857-367-2748
Price range: $$

2024-01-01 6 min read

# Seasonal Garage Door Maintenance Tips

Your garage door is one of the most used components of your home, opening and closing an average of 1,500 times per year. Regular maintenance keeps it operating safely, quietly, and reliably for years to come. Here's your comprehensive seasonal maintenance guide.

Spring Maintenance

As winter releases its grip, spring is the perfect time to address any issues that developed during the cold months.

Visual Inspection

Start with a thorough visual check: - Look for rust spots on springs, hinges, and tracks, Check for frayed or worn cables, Inspect weatherstripping for damage, Look for cracks or damage to door panels, Check for loose or missing hardware

Spring Cleaning, Wash the door exterior with mild soap and water, Clean tracks of debris and buildup, Wipe down sensors and remove cobwebs, Clean windows if equipped

Lubrication

Apply a garage door-specific lubricant to: - All moving hinges, Roller bearings, Spring coils, Lock mechanism, Pivot points

Tip: Don't lubricate tracks.they should remain clean for proper roller grip.

Balance Test

1. Disconnect the automatic opener 2. Manually lift the door halfway 3. Release and observe.it should stay in place 4. If it rises or falls, springs need adjustment

Safety Feature Test, Test the auto-reverse by placing a board under the door, Check photo-eye sensors by blocking them during closing, Ensure manual release operates smoothly

Summer Maintenance

Warm weather brings its own maintenance considerations.

Heat Check, Inspect weatherstripping for heat damage, Check that insulation is intact, Verify opener isn't overheating during frequent use, Look for warping in wood doors

Opener Maintenance, Check opener chain or belt tension, Verify force settings are correct, Replace remote batteries if response is slow, Test backup battery if equipped

Hardware Tightening

Vibration can loosen bolts over time: - Tighten all bracket bolts, Check track mounting hardware, Verify hinge bolts are secure, Inspect roller brackets

Paint and Finish

Summer is ideal for addressing cosmetic issues: - Touch up paint chips, Apply wood stain or sealant if needed, Consider full refinishing for weather-worn doors

Fall Maintenance

Preparing for winter is crucial in New England.

Weatherstripping

Replace weatherstripping if: - Visible gaps exist when door is closed, Old stripping is cracked or brittle, Cold drafts are noticeable in winter

Bottom Seal

The bottom seal takes the most abuse: - Check for cracks and tears, Ensure it contacts the floor evenly, Replace if allowing drafts or pests

Cold Weather Prep, Apply cold-weather lubricant to moving parts, Check that safety sensors are secure and aligned, Verify heater in garage won't affect door operation, Test battery backup for winter storms

Full System Test

Run through all functions: - Open and close several times, Listen for unusual sounds, Watch for smooth, even operation, Test all remotes and keypads

Winter Maintenance

Cold weather requires special attention.

Snow and Ice, Keep tracks clear of snow and ice, Remove ice buildup from bottom seal area, Brush snow off door panels, Check that sensors aren't obstructed by snow

Monthly Checks

Even in winter, perform regular inspections: - Listen for strain or unusual sounds, Watch for jerky operation, Check that door seals fully, Verify lights and safety features work

Cold Weather Lubrication, Apply silicone-based lubricant in extreme cold, Check for moisture in tracks, Ensure springs aren't over-stressed, Watch for condensation issues

Professional Maintenance

While DIY maintenance is valuable, annual professional service is recommended:

What Professionals Check, Spring tension and life expectancy, Opener motor condition, Track alignment, Cable wear patterns, Overall system balance, Safety system calibration

When to Call a Professional, Strange noises you can't identify, Visible spring damage, Cable fraying or looseness, Door off track, Opener malfunctions, Any safety concern

Maintenance Schedule Summary

Monthly: - Visual inspection, Listen during operation, Test safety features

Quarterly: - Lubrication, Tighten hardware, Clean sensors

Annually: - Professional tune-up, Balance test, Weatherstripping assessment, Complete system evaluation

Conclusion

Regular <a href="/services#maintenance">maintenance</a> extends the life of your garage door system, ensures safe operation, and prevents costly emergency <a href="/services#repair">repairs</a>. A few minutes each month keeps your door running smoothly for years to come.

<a href="/about">Garage Door Company Somerville</a> offers comprehensive <a href="/services#maintenance">maintenance services</a> to keep your garage door in peak condition across <a href="/service-areas/medford">Medford</a>, <a href="/service-areas/malden">Malden</a>, <a href="/service-areas/melrose">Melrose</a>, and the <a href="/service-areas">entire Greater Boston area</a>. <a href="/contact">Contact us</a> to schedule your annual tune-up or call <a href="tel:857-367-2748">857-367-2748</a>. Also check out our guide on <a href="/blog/understanding-garage-door-spring-replacement">spring replacement</a>.

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