Welcoming 2025: How to Prepare Your Home for the New Year
Whether planning home improvement projects, performing regular maintenance, or ensuring your home is safe and secure for the year ahead, your garage door plays a key role in functionality and curb appeal.
As professionals in the garage door industry, we know that the garage door is often one of the most overlooked parts of the home, even though it’s used multiple times a day. But just like any other home feature, your garage door needs regular care and attention to stay in top working condition. If you’re looking for ways to get your home ready for 2025, here’s how you can ensure your garage door is prepped for the new year.
And as always, be sure to call your trusted garage door professionals for an annual maintenance check to avoid any potential dangers associated with the garage door counter balance assembly.
1. Inspect and Maintain Your Garage Door Springs
Before 2025 arrives, it’s important to inspect both torsion and extension springs for signs of damage, like gaps, rust, or visible wear. If you notice any issues or if your door is struggling to open, it’s time to call a professional to replace or repair the springs.
Don’t handle the springs yourself; garage door springs can be extremely dangerous and should only be handled by professionals. Learn more about the importance of calling a professional here.
Pro Tip: A good rule of thumb is to replace springs every 7-10 years, depending on use. Don’t wait until they break!
2. Lubricate Moving Parts for Smooth Operation
Your garage door operates through a counterbalance of moving parts, including rollers, hinges, and tracks. To ensure these components don’t experience unnecessary friction or wear, regular lubrication is key.
In preparation for the new year, take some time to lubricate the moving parts of your garage door with a high-quality lubricant. Avoid using WD-40, as it’s a solvent, not a lubricant, and can cause more damage over time.
Pro Tip: Apply lubricant to the rollers, tracks, and springs every six months to ensure smooth operation and minimize noise.
3. Test the Safety Features
- Photo-eye sensors: These sensors are located near the bottom of the garage door and detect items in the door’s path. If they’re misaligned or blocked, the door might not close properly, which could create a safety risk – especially for small children and pets.
- Auto-reverse function: This safety feature ensures that if the door detects an obstacle while closing it will automatically reverse and reopen. To test it, place an object like a piece of wood in the door’s path and press the close button. The door should immediately reverse direction.
4. Inspect the Garage Door Tracks
The tracks guide your garage door as it opens and closes. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate in the tracks, or the tracks can become misaligned. To ensure smooth operation, inspect the tracks for any bends, dents, or obstructions.
If you notice any issues, clean the tracks with a damp cloth and remove any debris. If the tracks are misaligned, call a professional to adjust them to prevent further damage to the door and its components.
5. Test the Garage Door Opener
Your garage door opener is what powers your door’s movement, and its performance is crucial to the overall function of the door. Test the opener by using the wall button and remote control to open and close the door. If the door responds slowly or makes unusual noises, it may need maintenance.
Also, check the batteries in your remotes and wall switches to ensure they are fully charged and operational. If your garage door opener is old or unreliable, consider upgrading to a newer, more efficient model.
Pro Tip: Many modern openers feature smart technology, allowing you to control your garage door with your smartphone for added convenience and security.
6. Set Up a Regular Maintenance Schedule
To keep your garage door operating smoothly throughout the year, set up a maintenance schedule with your trusted garage door professionals. Regular checks every 6-12 months will help you catch potential issues before they become major problems. Consider scheduling professional maintenance at least once a year to have a technician inspect the setup.
Welcome 2025
Your garage door may not always be top of mind, but it plays an essential role in the safety, security, and convenience of your home. By taking the time to inspect, maintain, and upgrade your garage door system before the new year, you’ll be setting yourself up for a smooth 2025!
