Your garage door is one of the most frequently used entry points in your home, yet it often gets the least attention. A Montgomery homeowner recently learned this the hard way. Her garage door refused to close just as she was heading to work. Rain was pouring, and the garage was fully exposed. Our team at Fish Creek Garage Doors responded quickly and discovered the issue: the safety sensors were misaligned because a trash can had nudged one of them. It was a simple fix, but it reminded us of how critical regular garage door maintenance is to prevent such incidents.
According to the Family Handyman, a well-maintained garage door system can last for over 15 years, but neglecting basic upkeep shortens that lifespan dramatically. Over 70% of garage door failures stem from missed or improper maintenance. Garage door openers, torsion springs, tracks, and even the smallest bolts require attention to ensure quiet operation and long-term reliability. Keeping all parts in top shape supports smoother operation, better safety, and helps prevent costly emergencies.
At Fish Creek Garage Doors, we specialize in providing reliable, efficient garage door maintenance throughout Montgomery, TX, and surrounding areas. Our technicians are trained to inspect, lubricate, and repair all types of garage doors. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why your garage door might not be closing, the step-by-step maintenance tasks you should never skip, and tips to keep your system running smoothly for years.
Common Reasons Your Garage Door Won’t Close
1. Blocked or Misaligned Safety Sensors
Garage doors come equipped with safety sensors mounted on both sides of the garage door tracks, just a few inches above the ground. These sensors use infrared light to detect obstructions. If the beam between them is broken by a tool, trash can, or even debris like leaves, the auto-reverse feature activates, preventing the door from closing. Misalignment due to bumps or vibrations can also disrupt their function. Children or pets may also unknowingly interfere with sensors while playing near the door.
Maintenance Tip: Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the lenses on each sensor. Ensure both sensors are pointing directly at each other. If one is blinking or unlit, check the wiring or gently adjust the angle until both show a solid light. Keep the area around your sensors free of clutter and inspect them weekly for buildup or damage.
2. Remote Control Issues or Dead Batteries
Sometimes the issue isn’t mechanical, but electronic. If your wall switch works but your remote doesn’t, it’s likely a battery problem. Garage door openers rely on small coin batteries that lose power over time. Signal interference from nearby wireless devices can also interrupt communication between the remote and the opener.
Maintenance Tip: Change the batteries in your remote at least once a year. Also, check for signal interference from nearby electronics. If replacing the battery doesn’t help, reprogram the remote following your manufacturer’s manual. Keep remotes clean and dry, and store them in a designated spot to prevent wear.
3. Track and Roller Problems
Garage door tracks guide the rollers as the door opens and closes. If these tracks are bent, dirty, or misaligned, your door may jam, make noise, or fail to close. Rollers made of plastic or nylon tend to wear down faster than steel rollers. Over time, vibrations and weather changes can cause bolts and brackets to loosen, affecting track alignment.
Maintenance Tip: Inspect the tracks monthly. Remove any debris and use a vacuum for hard-to-reach areas. Use white lithium grease or spray lubricant on the rollers, hinges, and tracks to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation. If tracks are significantly bent, do not attempt to hammer them back, call a professional to prevent further damage.
4. Limit Setting or Travel Adjustments Are Off
The garage door opener includes limit switches that tell the door when to stop moving. If these settings are incorrect, the door may close partially and then reverse. This is a safety feature, but also a sign that the system needs recalibration. Misadjustments may also cause the door to close too hard or not seal properly at the bottom.
Maintenance Tip: Refer to your opener’s manual to reset travel and force limits. Usually, adjustments can be made using a flathead screwdriver on dials located on the opener motor housing. If you’re unsure, contact a technician to ensure settings are properly calibrated.
5. Damaged Springs or Worn Cables
Torsion springs bear the weight of your garage door. If a spring breaks, the door may not close properly or may slam shut. Similarly, worn or frayed cables can cause uneven door movement or sudden drops. Signs of spring wear include gaps between coils, rust buildup, and creaking noises during operation.
Maintenance Tip: Inspect springs for signs of rust, corrosion, or gaps. Do not touch or try to replace springs yourself, they are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury. Schedule professional service immediately if damage is found. Replacing cables and springs is a task best left to experienced garage door technicians.
Garage Door Maintenance Tasks You Shouldn’t Skip
Monthly Visual Inspections
Take 5-10 minutes once a month to visually inspect your garage door system. Look for loose bolts, damaged cables, fraying on the torsion springs, rust spots on steel components, and misaligned roller brackets. Use a socket wrench to tighten any loose bolts. Check the door panels for cracks, peeling paint, or signs of water damage, especially on wood doors.
Quarterly Lubrication
Lubricating moving parts reduces wear and tear. Apply a spray lubricant or white lithium grease to:
- Hinges
- Rollers (avoid plastic)
- Springs
- Arm bar
- Bearings and end plates
Be sure to clean parts before applying lubricant. Greasing over dirt or rust can reduce effectiveness. Use a ladder for the top rails and spray carefully to avoid drips. Never lubricate tracks directly, this can lead to roller slippage. Focus only on roller bearings and moving metal parts.
Biannual Safety Checks
Safety features like the auto-reverse function should be tested every six months. Place a wooden block (or a roll of paper towels) in the door’s path and try closing it. If the door doesn’t automatically reverse upon contact, the opener needs adjustment. Also, listen for unusual noises during operation, these can indicate wear.
Also, test the photo-eye sensors using a broomstick. Break the beam while the door is closing. The system should stop and reverse. If it doesn’t, call Fish Creek Garage Doors for a professional safety inspection. Test manual operation by pulling the release handle and checking the balance and movement.
Annual Full System Tune-Up
Once a year, schedule a preventive maintenance service. A trained technician will:
- Inspect garage door springs for tension and wear
- Test and calibrate the garage door opener
- Check and tighten all garage door parts, including bolts and roller brackets
- Examine cables, rollers, and bearings
- Evaluate weatherstripping for water damage or air leaks
- Clean and lubricate all moving parts
- Check the seal around the door frame for energy loss
This service not only ensures safety but can extend your garage door system’s lifespan by years. It also gives homeowners peace of mind, knowing their system has been fully inspected by professionals.
Local Tips for Garage Door Maintenance in Montgomery, TX
1. Humidity and Rust Prevention
Montgomery’s humid weather can accelerate corrosion on metal parts. Springs, tracks, and bolts are especially vulnerable. High humidity can also cause wood doors to swell or warp, affecting door alignment.
Tip: Apply rust-inhibiting spray on exposed metal parts twice a year. Use a dehumidifier in enclosed garages to prevent moisture buildup. Inspect steel components and use protective coatings when necessary.
2. Weatherstripping and Seal Inspection
Cracked or worn weatherstripping can let in rainwater, dirt, and pests. This leads to water damage, higher energy bills, and pest intrusion.
Tip: Inspect the seal along the bottom of your garage door and the top rail. Replace if it feels brittle, cracked, or shows signs of mold. Consider applying a silicone sealant to wood doors to prevent water damage. Weatherstripping should be flexible and fit snugly to the floor.
3. Storm Readiness
Montgomery is no stranger to strong wind gusts and thunderstorms. A door not equipped to handle pressure changes can be easily damaged. High winds can strain the tracks, loosen hardware, or cause misalignment.
Tip: Upgrade to reinforced steel doors or add a wind load reinforcement kit. After any major storm, inspect the garage door tracks and opener system for signs of misalignment or water intrusion. Check electrical connections for signs of corrosion or damage.
When It’s Time to Call a Pro
While DIY garage door maintenance is essential, there are clear signs when professional service is needed:
- Loud grinding or snapping sounds
- Door opens but won’t close
- Sagging or crooked door
- Opener motor runs, but nothing moves
- Burnt smell or visible smoke near the opener
Fish Creek Garage Doors has years of experience servicing everything from basic overhead doors to smart openers like the Stealth Drive Connect. We use only premium garage door parts and are fully equipped for repairs and custom installations. Our team prioritizes safety and quality workmanship for every customer.
The Cost of Skipping Maintenance
Emergency Garage Door Repairs
Neglecting routine upkeep can lead to expensive emergency calls. A simple lack of lubrication can lead to seized rollers, which may break the opener motor or damage the cable system. Replacing a motor or door can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars compared to regular inspections.
Shortened Equipment Lifespan
Unmaintained garage doors may fail in as little as 8–10 years. With regular care, steel and aluminum doors can last over 25 years, while garage door openers often last 12–15 years. You also avoid the stress of frequent breakdowns and costly replacements.
Safety Hazards
A failing garage door poses serious risks. Torsion springs can snap and injure someone. A door with faulty safety features may crush objects or people in its path. Prioritizing garage door maintenance ensures protection for your family and your home. Garage doors are heavy, and their safe operation requires proper care.
Your Comprehensive Maintenance Checklist
Here’s a checklist to keep handy in your garage or tool drawer:
Monthly:
- Inspect tracks, springs, and cables
- Tighten bolts and roller brackets
- Clean sensors
- Test the wall button and remote operation
Quarterly:
- Lubricate all moving parts (hinges, rollers, tracks, springs)
- Check the balance by lifting the door manually
- Clean and realign sensors
Biannually:
- Test the auto-reverse feature
- Inspect weatherstripping
- Apply rust-prevention spray to steel parts
- Clean the opener housing and ensure proper wiring
Annually:
- Schedule a professional garage door maintenance tune-up
- Reprogram remotes if needed
- Inspect wood doors for cracks and sealant wear
- Replace worn cables or damaged rollers
Final Thoughts
Your garage door is more than just a panel that opens and closes, it’s a vital part of your home’s security, functionality, and curb appeal. Regular garage door maintenance is essential not only to keep it working efficiently but to ensure your family’s safety, comfort, and peace of mind.
From simple monthly tasks like cleaning sensors and tightening bolts to annual professional inspections, every step helps prolong your door’s lifespan. The time you invest today in preventative maintenance can save you from headaches, costly repairs, and safety hazards in the future.
Don’t wait for your garage door to stop working before taking action. Embrace a maintenance routine that supports quiet operation, smooth movement, and durable performance.
How Can Fish Creek Garage Doors Help You?
Fish Creek Garage Doors is Montgomery’s trusted name in garage door service, repair, and installation. Whether you’re dealing with a stuck door, damaged torsion springs, a faulty garage door opener, or just want preventative maintenance, we’ve got you covered.
We service all garage door brands and models, residential and commercial. Our technicians arrive equipped with high-quality parts, the right tools, and the experience to deliver efficient, affordable results.
✅ Custom installations and upgrades
✅ Same-day emergency service
✅ Annual tune-up packages
✅ Smart opener integration
✅ Full garage door replacements
Visit us: Fish Creek Thoroughfare, Everett 2, Montgomery, TX 77316
Call today: (936) 280-0359
Let us help you enjoy quiet operation, long-lasting equipment, and peace of mind. Schedule your garage door maintenance with Fish Creek Garage Doors, where reliability meets quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How often should I replace my garage door rollers?
Most garage door rollers should be replaced every 5 to 7 years, depending on usage and material type.
2. Can the weather affect how my garage door closes?
Yes, extreme temperatures and humidity can cause metal parts to expand or contract, affecting the door’s alignment and operation.
3. What is the best lubricant for garage door parts?
Use white lithium grease or a silicone-based spray lubricant specifically designed for garage door systems.
4. Why does my garage door make a loud banging noise when closing?
This could indicate a broken torsion spring or loose hardware; both require immediate professional inspection.