Garage door maintenance and tune-ups
Most garage door breakdowns give warning signs months before they happen. A yearly tune-up catches worn parts early, keeps the door quiet and helps your springs and opener last longer.
Quick answer
A garage door tune-up from Doors in Motion includes a full safety inspection, balance test, lubrication of moving parts, tightening of hardware, and checks of springs, cables, rollers, sensors and the opener. We recommend one tune-up a year, ideally before Chicago's winter, to prevent sudden breakdowns.
Signs you need this
- Door is noisier than it used to be
- Door moves unevenly or jerks
- It's been over a year since a check-up
- Winter is coming
- You just bought the home
- Rollers or hinges look worn
How it works
- Safety and balance test of the whole door
- Lubrication of springs, rollers, hinges and bearings
- Tightening of hardware and adjustment of the opener
- A written list of anything that needs attention soon
Tune-ups typically cost $100 to $180. See the cost guide
Is this your problem?
It's loud, squeaky or grinding
Usually safe to check yourself first.
- Likely cause
- Dry or worn rollers, hinges and bearings, or loose hardware.
- What to do now
- Lubricate rollers, hinges and springs with garage door lubricant. If the noise stays, book a tune-up.
Cold air or water gets under the door
Usually safe to check yourself first.
- Likely cause
- A worn bottom seal or weather stripping, or the door isn't closing evenly.
- What to do now
- Check the rubber seal at the bottom of the door for cracks or gaps.
Maintenance and tune-ups near you
We serve 72 towns across Chicagoland. Popular areas:
Maintenance and tune-ups questions
How often should a garage door be serviced?
Once a year for most homes. Doors used many times a day may benefit from a tune-up every six months.
What's included in a garage door tune-up?
A safety and balance test, lubrication, tightening of hardware, and inspection of springs, cables, rollers, sensors and the opener.
Can a tune-up prevent a broken spring?
It can't stop springs from wearing out, but it spots worn springs early so you can replace them on your schedule rather than in an emergency.
What lubricant should I use on my garage door?
Use a garage door lubricant or white lithium grease on moving metal parts. Avoid oil-based sprays that collect dirt.
Ready when you are
Book online in about a minute, or call us any time.