Seasonal Garage Door Maintenance: Your Year-Round Checklist

Your garage door is the largest moving part of your home. Like any mechanical system, it needs regular maintenance to perform reliably. In Northern New Jersey, where temperatures swing from 100°F summers to below-freezing winters, seasonal care is especially important.

Why Seasonal Maintenance Matters

• Prevents costly breakdowns — Regular tune-ups prevent expensive emergency repairs
• Extends door lifespan — Well-maintained doors last 20+ years
• Improves safety — Catch worn cables and springs before they snap
• Maintains warranty — Many warranties require documented maintenance

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Spring Maintenance (March - May)

After a harsh winter, spring is the time to inspect and refresh.

✅ Spring Checklist

1. Inspect springs visually — Look for rust, gaps, or stretching
2. Lubricate moving parts — Hinges, rollers, tracks, and springs (use silicone or lithium grease)
3. Test balance — Disconnect opener and lift manually; door should stay in place
4. Check weatherstripping — Replace if cracked or brittle
5. Clean tracks — Remove debris with a damp cloth
6. Test safety reversal — Place a 2x4 under the door; it should reverse when it hits it

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Summer Maintenance (June - August)

Heat and humidity can stress your garage door system.

✅ Summer Checklist

1. Check for warping — Wood doors especially can warp in heat
2. Inspect seals — Hot pavement can degrade bottom seals faster
3. Test photo eyes — Clean sensors and check alignment
4. Lubricate again — High heat can dry out lubricant faster
5. Check opener motor — Listen for unusual sounds that indicate overheating

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Fall Maintenance (September - November)

Prepare your garage door for the cold months ahead.

✅ Fall Checklist

1. Inspect and replace weatherstripping — Critical for keeping cold air out
2. Check door insulation — Consider upgrading if your garage stays cold
3. Lubricate before freeze — Cold weather hardens lubricants
4. Test battery backup — Power outages are more common in winter
5. Clear debris — Leaves can accumulate in tracks
6. Inspect cables — Look for fraying or rust

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Winter Maintenance (December - February)

Cold weather is the hardest on garage doors.

✅ Winter Checklist

1. Monitor spring performance — Cold metal is more brittle and prone to breaking
2. Clear ice and snow — Don’t let ice build up under the door
3. Keep tracks clear — Salt and debris can accumulate
4. Use lubricant rated for cold — Standard lubricants can freeze
5. Don’t force a frozen door — If it won’t open, call a professional

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Professional Tune-Up: What’s Included?

A professional maintenance visit from Ez2Fix includes:

• Full 25-point inspection
• Lubrication of all moving parts
• Balance and alignment adjustment
• Safety system testing
• Cable and spring inspection
• Written report of any issues

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Ready to Schedule Your Tune-Up?

Ez2Fix offers seasonal maintenance packages for homeowners throughout Northern New Jersey. Call (201) 554-6769 to schedule your tune-up today.