Seasonal Maintenance Tips

Your garage door is the largest moving part of your home. Keep it running safely and smoothly with these expert tips for every season.

Spring Checklist

Inspect Springs & Cables

Winter cold causes metal fatigue. Check for gaps in torsion springs and fraying cables. If you see any damage, call a professional immediately.

Lubricate All Moving Parts

Apply white lithium grease to springs, rollers, hinges, and tracks. This reduces noise and extends the life of your components.

Test Safety Sensors

Place an object in the door's path and close it. The door should reverse immediately. Clean sensor lenses with a soft cloth.

Check Weather Seals

Replace cracked or brittle bottom seals and side weather stripping to keep out rain, pollen, and pests.

Summer Checklist

Inspect for Heat Damage

Tennessee heat can warp wooden doors and cause metal components to expand. Check for alignment issues and binding.

Clean & Paint Touch-Up

Power wash your door and touch up any chipped paint. This prevents rust on steel doors and rot on wooden doors.

Check Opener Performance

Heat affects opener motors. If your door is sluggish or the opener is running hot, it may need service.

Pest Prevention

Seal any gaps where insects and rodents could enter. Check the bottom seal and side weather stripping.

Fall Checklist

Pre-Winter Tune-Up

Schedule a professional tune-up before cold weather hits. We'll check springs, cables, rollers, and opener — everything you need for a trouble-free winter.

Test Balance & Alignment

Disconnect the opener and lift the door halfway. It should stay in place. If it falls or rises, the springs need adjustment.

Clear Tracks & Debris

Remove leaves, dirt, and debris from tracks. Wipe down with a damp cloth and check for dents or bends.

Replace Worn Rollers

If your door is noisy or jerky, it's likely the rollers. Upgrade to 2" nylon ball bearing rollers for quiet, smooth operation.

Winter Checklist

Prevent Freezing

Apply silicone spray to the bottom seal to prevent it from freezing to the ground. Never force a frozen door open.

Check Insulation

An insulated door keeps your garage warmer and reduces energy costs. Consider upgrading if your door is uninsulated.

Monitor Spring Tension

Cold weather makes springs more brittle. Listen for unusual sounds and watch for gaps. Springs break most often in winter.

Keep Emergency Contact Ready

If your door breaks in winter, you need fast service. Save our number: (865) 309-4117. We're available 24/7.

Year-Round Safety Tips

Test auto-reverse safety feature monthly
Keep the area around your garage door clear
Never attempt to repair springs yourself — they're under extreme tension
Replace batteries in your remote and keypad annually
Listen for unusual sounds — grinding, scraping, or popping means something needs attention
Keep your garage door manual in a safe place for reference

Safety Warning

Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or death if handled improperly. Never attempt to repair or replace springs yourself. Always call a trained professional. Veteran Garage Solutions is available 24/7 for emergency spring repairs.

Need a Professional Tune-Up?

Our Lube & Tune service covers everything on this checklist and more. Ask about our Roller Upgrade Special!