Ways to Cool Your Garage in the Summer

Why is my garage so hot? You step into your garage and you immediately start to sweat. While most garages get hot, there’s always a way to cool them off. Learn more below about why the temperature in your garage temperature rises so high and the best way to cool a garage in the summer.

Why Do Garages Get So Hot in the Summer?

Summers everywhere can get hot and humid, turning the garage into an uncomfortable place. Trying to work out how to cool a garage in Oregon can be difficult. There are two main reasons garages feel like saunas in the summer. The first is a lack of ventilation and the second is the lack of insulation.

That said, other factors can play into the problem, as well. If your garage is full of objects, built with concrete flooring or has lots of heat-generating vehicles and equipment, your garage might be holding onto more heat. Here are some common reasons your garage is getting hot in summer.

Lack of Insulation

Poor insulation is the main cause of a hot garage. With inadequate insulation, warm air seeps into the garage as the cold air escapes, meaning your space can’t maintain a comfortable temperature level. This increases your energy bill and makes your garage uncomfortable.

In the summer months, uninsulated garages are naturally warmer since they don’t have the ability to keep the hot air out. Properly insulated garage doors and walls help maintain the garage’s temperature as the outside air fluctuates, keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter. In addition to improved temperature control, you can enjoy several benefits of insulating your garage.

• Lower energy bills: Insulating your garage keeps the heat out and helps lower your energy costs. Your HVAC system won’t constantly try to maintain the climate level as the garage warms up.
• Noise management: Insulation softens the outside sound heard in the garage. Additionally, an insulated door will be quieter when it opens and closes.
• Storage item protection: Managing the garage’s indoor temperature prevents vehicles and items stored inside from being subjected to extreme temperatures.

Air rises, entering cracks and crevices around the garage door, warming and cooling the garage by mixing with the outdoor temperatures. If left unsealed, these garage door gaps could also let in water, animals and wind, ruining your stored garage items.

Lack of Ventilation

Lack of ventilation is a common problem, especially in windowless garages. Without air circulation, the garage feels hot and stuffy. A soft breeze can decrease the temperature and improve comfort. Removing the hot air through a turbine or mechanical system is an excellent way to provide ventilation.

Without ventilation, your garage traps warm air — and potentially, toxic fumes from vehicles. This mixture can be hazardous and should be removed from the space. To improve ventilation and remove the hot air and fumes, add a mechanical air mover or windows and vents to the garage walls. You’ll enjoy cleaner, cooler air.

Location and Color

Your garage’s location impacts the amount of sunlight it receives. A south- or west-facing garage is more exposed during peak heat periods, which means it gets hotter inside.

The garage door and roof color can also impact the internal temperature — darker garages often absorb more sunlight. Lighter colors can help reflect light, preventing it from absorbing into your garage. Similarly, your home’s exterior may conduct or repel heat depending on its color.

Heat-Generating Objects

If you’ve just parked your car, the engine’s heat will radiate out and increase the garage temperature because it emits heat long after it stops running.

Operating electrical equipment such as dryers and washing machines also elevates heat levels, and cluttered items block airflow and keep air stagnant and warm. If your garage is full of objects and contains operational appliances, you’ll likely feel more heat inside during the summer.

7 Garage Cooling Solutions

No one likes a heated garage. Check out these tips on how to cool off your garage.

1. Park Your Car Outside

Parking your car outside in the shade after driving home provides some time for the engine to cool down. That way, it won’t emit as much heat when you move it into the garage for the night. Leave it outside for at least a few hours into the evening for the heat of driving to dissipate.

2. Use Garage Ventilation Systems

The simplest ventilation option for a garage is windows. They have many advantages, such as opening and allowing fresh air to circulate. Tinted and UV-protective windows also help reduce the light and heat entering your garage.

Fan-driven airflow systems are another efficient solution that comes in multiple varieties:

• Passive ventilation systems: A standard method for cooling garages, passive ventilation systems often consist of a turbine roof or wall vent that uses natural winds to help circulate air through the garage.
• Active ventilation systems: These mechanically circulate garage air. They are either separate or integrated with the house’s ventilation system. They’re more expensive and should be installed professionally to prevent your electrical circuit from overloading.

3. Leave the Garage Open for a Few Hours

If your garage door lacks windows, leave it open for a while in the evening to let hot, stagnant air escape. Move home improvement projects and hobbies outside while you allow air to circulate naturally for a few hours. Make sure you close the door if you plan to leave home.

4. Circulate Air In Your Garage

Install a ceiling fan, pedestal fan or air conditioner in your garage. If you opt for a fan as your primary, permanent cooling solution, it’s best to choose an industrial-strength model. You have a couple of options for ways to increase air circulation in your garage:

• Fans: Install a ceiling fan to help cool the garage or place several pedestal or box fans along the sides of the garage ceiling for more circulation. Fans pull and push air inside and outside to create a flow, so place them near vents and open windows if possible.
• Air conditioning: Adding an air conditioning unit is the quickest way to lower your garage’s temperature. You can also use a portable air conditioner, but make sure you take measurements and select the correct size.

5. Upgrade Your Garage Insulation

Insulation works to keep your garage cooler in the summer and retain heat during the winter. Insulate your garage door and walls to keep the heat out and reduce the temperature. A new, insulated garage door can help reduce your energy costs by placing less pressure on your HVAC cooling system.

Proper insulation and weatherstripping protect your garage from extreme temperatures and weather damage. Preventing the elements from entering protects your garage from heat, cold, animals and water damage, so it stays secure year-round.

6. Place a Dehumidifier in Your Garage

A humidifier regulates the air’s humidity by extracting moisture from it. It also prevents musty odors caused by excessive heat buildup in the garage. These devices are helpful in summer, as they maintain comfortable humidity levels and make the heat feel more tolerable. Place the dehumidifier away from direct sunlight or attach it to a portable air conditioner for optimal results.

7. Consider Repainting Your Garage Door

Darker garage doors tend to absorb heat more than lighter colors. Consider repainting your door’s exterior to repel the harsh summer heat, especially if your garage receives large amounts of direct sunlight during the day.

Contact Us to Insulate Your Garage Door and Keep the Heat Out

Even with temperatures at their hottest, there are ways to cool your garage in the summer. Let Oregon City Garage Door help you! We sell a range of new insulated garage doors designed to keep your garage more comfortable all year round — all while protecting your belongings and lowering your utility bills.

We have been trusted for reliable garage door service in numerous counties and cities in Portland, including Beavercreek, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Happy Valley, Tualatin, Tigard and more!

Tips to Keep Children Safe Near Garage Doors

It’s no secret that the garage isn’t the safest place for young children. You’ve probably already childproofed any drawers or cabinets in your garage to keep your kids from accessing sharp tools or cleaning agents. You also know not to leave power tools plugged in. But how can you childproof a garage door?

Garage door child safety starts with you as a parent, just like any other kind of safety you teach your kids about. Not only are there garage door safety tips you should share with your children, but you should also perform regular maintenance to keep children safe near garage doors.

How to Childproof Garage Doors

From regular maintenance to features designed specifically with safety in mind, here are some steps you can take to childproof a garage door:

1. Inspect Your Garage Door Often

Even if your door is operating smoothly, you should be on the lookout for any broken cables or springs and get them fixed immediately.

2. Test the Reversing Mechanism

This is an essential safety feature for a garage door, so if you don’t have one, you should look into it. With this feature, your garage door will automatically reverse if there is anything in its path.

Test it at least once a month using an object like a piece of wood, and make sure the door reverses as soon as it comes in contact with the object. Contact your garage door service provider right away if the mechanism fails.

3. Keep the Garage Door Opener Out of Reach

You might consider enlisting the help of a technician to reposition your garage door opener so that children can’t reach it and touch the buttons. Placing a cover on top is also a good idea.

4. Seal Any Gaps With Rubber

Adding seals will keep small hands from getting stuck in gaps in panels — and it helps with insulation, too.

Garage Door Safety Tips for Children

Once you know how to childproof your garage door and keep up with maintenance, your work is halfway done! Here are some garage door safety tips you should share with your children:

1. Never play near garage doors. It’s easy to bump into hinges and joints that can injure your child as well as cause damage to the door. Not only that, but someone could press a button — either accidentally, or not knowing that children are nearby — and close the garage door. Make sure kids understand this and remember to keep a safe distance from the door.
2. Don’t press any buttons. Younger children, in particular, may need to be reminded not to press the button to open or close the garage door. Just like pushing buttons on the stove, this is a task for adults to handle.

Your garage door might be a stylish, functional feature of your home, but it’s also a complex mechanical system. Practice garage door safety around your child and keep your door well maintained so that it can protect your home for years to come.

Oregon City Garage Door is your trusted local company for all garage door needs in Portland and the surrounding areas! Give us a call at 503-632-3070 or contact us for childproofing and other garage door services today.

How a New Garage Door Can Decrease Energy Costs

Like most people, you’ve probably been wondering how you can make your home more energy-efficient. You might want to lower your household’s carbon footprint or decrease your energy costs — maybe both!

Whatever your reason, you’ve probably heard a lot of different advice on things you can do to accomplish your goal. One notable factor that many people underestimate is the role a new insulated garage door can play when it comes to your home’s energy efficiency.

What Is an Energy-Efficient Garage Door?

An energy-efficient garage door is one that will lower the energy costs in your household because it helps regulate the temperature in your home.

Which garage doors are most energy-efficient?

The most energy-efficient garage doors are made up of multiple layers of steel and insulation, with the most effective materials for insulation being polystyrene and polyurethane.

When it comes to efficiency, an insulated garage door will go a long way toward keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Insulated garage doors prevent the air in your home from escaping, thus saving energy.

How Can a New Garage Door Decrease Energy Costs?

If you’re looking for ways to make your garage more energy-efficient, here are a few reasons you should start with your garage door:

1. It Regulates the Temperature in Your Home

You probably don’t spend the bulk of your time in your garage, but it’s still an extension of your home. If your garage is not insulated, heat and cold air can radiate from your garage into the rest of your house through shared walls. If you find yourself adjusting your thermostat constantly, this could be the reason!

You can save time and lower energy costs by upgrading to an insulated garage door.

2. It Lowers Energy Usage – And Ultimately Energy Costs

This one may seem obvious, but it’s true: lower energy usage translates to lower energy costs. But how can a new garage door lower energy usage?

You may have noticed a pattern here — it all comes back to the insulation. According to the EPA, properly insulating and air sealing a home can lower heating and cooling costs by 15%. It’s easy to overlook your garage door when it comes to insulation, but it can make a significant difference.

3. It Can Make Your Car Battery More Efficient

Your car probably isn’t what you had in mind when it comes to decreasing energy costs in your garage, but it’s a great bonus! Extreme heat in the summer is hard on your car’s battery.

Elevated temperatures can cause liquid in the battery to evaporate, shortening its lifespan.

An insulated garage door will keep the heat at bay so your car battery can go the distance.

Update Your Garage Today

Are you ready to cut costs and improve your home’s energy efficiency with an insulated garage door? Contact Oregon City Garage Door today! We have plenty of options to choose from, including our Energy Series as well as our collection with Intellicore® for even more insulation.

Give us a call at 503-632-3070 if you’re looking for a new energy-efficient garage door or contact us online. We proudly offer service throughout the Portland area, and we provide free estimates for new garage door installations.

Don’t wait — start lowering your energy costs today!

When to Repair Your Garage Door Instead of Replacing It

The value of your home is important no matter how long you plan on remaining in your home, whether that’s for the next 40 years or just the next four. Your garage is a critical factor in your home’s value, and it’s an excellent investment for homeowners. 

A new garage door can increase a home’s listing price. With such an excellent cost vs. value ratio, it’s no wonder lots of homeowners are eager to replace an out-of-date garage door with a new one.

But outright replacement may not always be the best choice for a homeowner. In some cases, a garage door repair would be a better option. So how do you decide between repairing and replacing your garage door? Here are a few questions to ask yourself when choosing whether to repair or replace:

• What is the condition of your garage door?
• What parts need to be repaired or replaced?
• How old is your garage door?
• What is the condition of your garage door opener?
• Is your garage door still safe to use?
• What is your budget?

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find all the information you need to make your decision.

Cost of Repairing vs. Replacing Your Garage Door

Your garage door is an important part of your home’s security and functionality, and it’s not uncommon for it to require repairs or replacement at some point. However, the decision to repair or replace your garage door can be difficult, especially when you’re trying to balance cost with quality and longevity.

The cost of repairing your garage door will depend on the extent of the damage, the type of door you have and the cost of labor in your area. Generally speaking, minor repairs like fixing a broken spring or replacing a panel will be less expensive than major repairs like replacing the entire door or motor. However, it’s important to remember that repeated repairs can add up over time and may cost more in the long run than simply replacing the door.

Replacing your garage door can be a significant investment upfront, but it also offers benefits in terms of increased energy efficiency, improved security and better curb appeal. Additionally, if your current door is old or outdated, replacing it can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

What Goes Into the Cost of a Garage Door Repair?

When it comes to repairing your garage door, understanding the factors that influence the cost can help you make an informed decision and avoid being overcharged. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

• Type of garage door: Specialty materials or wood can be more expensive to repair than steel or aluminum doors.
• Extent of damage: Minor issues like broken springs or damaged panels may be relatively inexpensive to repair, while more significant damage to the motor or tracks can be more costly.
• Replacement parts: The cost of replacement parts can vary depending on the type and quality of the materials used.
• Labor costs: Larger doors or more complex repairs may require more labor and specialized equipment, which can impact the cost.
• Location: If you live in a remote or hard-to-reach area, you may need to pay more for travel expenses and labor costs.
• Emergency repairs: There may be additional fees if you need emergency repairs outside of regular business hours.

What Goes Into the Cost of a Garage Door Replacement?

Garage door replacement is a significant investment for any homeowner, and understanding the factors that affect the cost can help you make an informed decision. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

• Size of the door: Larger doors require more materials and labor, which can drive up the cost.
• Material: Different materials have different costs, with wood being generally more expensive than steel or aluminum.
• Style: Basic styles with minimal design elements tend to be less expensive than more elaborate designs, such as those with decorative glass panels or intricate woodwork.
• Insulation: Insulated doors are more expensive but offer energy efficiency and noise reduction benefits.
• Windows: Doors with windows can add to the cost, but can also enhance your garage’s appearance and natural light.
• Hardware: Upgraded hardware, such as handles and hinges, can add to the overall cost of replacement.
• Installation costs: The cost of installation can vary depending on the complexity of the installation and any modifications or repairs needed to the existing structure.
• Labor costs: Skilled technicians are necessary for proper installation and may add to the overall cost of the replacement.

Ultimately, the decision to repair or replace your garage door will depend on your specific situation and budget. If your door is relatively new and the damage is minor, repairing it may be the most cost-effective solution. However, if your door is old or the damage is extensive, replacing it may be a better long-term investment.

When to Repair Your Garage Door

If you’ve been experiencing issues with your garage door, you may be wondering if it’s time to find a replacement. If one of the following problems occurs, you may be able to hire a garage door repair service to fix it instead.

1. Your Garage Door Has Suddenly Stopped Working

If you find that your garage door isn’t working one morning, your initial expectation might be that you need a door replacement. Oddly enough, a sudden breakdown is typically an easier fix because the problem tends to be isolated and hasn’t been worsening for years, which can result in irreparable damage.

Before you call anyone, check the batteries in the remote to make sure you don’t need to replace them. If the solution isn’t new batteries, call a professional to diagnose the problem quickly and make the repair.

2. Your Garage Door Has a Damaged Panel

If you dent your garage door with your car, don’t panic. This accident doesn’t spell the end of your door. The repair may be simple and affordable and is likely not a cause for total replacement.

A damaged panel should be fixed early to make the repair cost-effective. Ignoring this trouble area for a while will cause the issue to spread and make the repair much more costly. Replacing multiple panels is no cheaper than replacing the door altogether, so try to fix the single damaged area as soon as possible.

3. Your Garage Door Feels Heavy

Because garage doors are quite heavy, the springs that assist your garage lift mechanism with lifting the door can begin to wear down with use. These springs prevent the lift motor from wearing down rapidly and enable you to open the door by hand if your power goes out.

A heavy door may signal worn springs. This issue is usually an affordable, quick fix involving a simple replacement of the springs by a professional. Both springs should be replaced to keep your door balanced. New springs will make your door feel much lighter.

4. Your Garage Door Is Leaning

If one side of your garage door appears to be lower than the other when the door is closed halfway, you probably have an imbalanced door. This could signify that your door is putting additional burden on your lifting mechanism and speeding up the mechanism’s wear and tear.

Balance is essential to the efficiency of a garage door. If one side is sagging, then one of your springs has worn down more than the other. This imbalance will put additional stress on your door’s lift motor. The repair is another that is relatively simple. A professional will replace your springs and rehang your door to restore your door’s balance.

Remember to hire a professional to conduct your repairs. While a simple problem with your garage door may seem like an easy fix you can handle on your own, you’ll be putting your safety and investment at risk by trying to fix the issue yourself.

Learn About Our Garage Door Repair Service

When to Replace Your Garage Door

At what point is repairing your garage door no longer the practical option? Here are a few signs it’s time to replace your garage door altogether:

1. Your Garage Door Hasn’t Been Working For a While

Though suddenly occurring issues are often reparable if addressed as soon as possible, issues that are neglected for an extended period tend to require a replacement. Because the door opens and closes so many times, even seemingly small problems can cause significant damage over many uses. Eventually, the damage becomes severe enough that the door will need replacement.

2. Your Garage Door Is Significantly Damaged

If extreme weather or an errant tree limb severely damaged your door, a simple repair might not be enough to fix the problem. With enough damage to a garage door, replacement becomes the only cost-effective option.

3. Your Garage Door Doesn’t Have Child Safety Sensors

New garage doors include sensors that cause the door to stop moving if they detect a pet, child or object under the door. This feature can prevent injuries to people and animals as well as damage to items in your garage. After-market installations are not always cost-effective, so replacement is the best way to ensure your garage door is equipped with the most up-to-date child safety sensors.

4. Your Garage Door Has Aged

A garage door can be one of the details on a house that stands out and adds to the value and appeal of your home. A new coating of paint on your garage door may improve its appearance, but because designs for garage doors progress a lot over time, newer doors offer a more modern, aesthetically appealing look.

New garage doors are also sized for modern vehicles, so an updated garage door can also be more practical. Older garage doors are easier to break into, but new doors and additional security features to protect you and your home have improved.

If you’re looking for a fast, low-cost way to enhance your home’s value, replacing your garage door is the perfect way to do so.

Schedule Door Replacement

5. Your Garage Door Is Consuming A Lot of Energy

Poor energy efficiency is another reason to replace your garage door. Because garage doors are so big, open doors let in a lot of air from outside. Even with significant insulation, the difference in temperature between the garage and your home will affect your energy bill.

New garage doors can offer better energy efficiency compared to old doors. Materials and insulation technologies have changed over the last few decades. The new garage doors provide better energy efficiency compared to the old version. The good news is that a new garage door can increase the value of your home. The even better news is that it can also lower your energy costs. The added value results in you saving even more money.

6. Your Garage Has Been Broken Into

If someone has broken in through your garage door, the best course of action is to replace your door. Though you may be inclined to believe that resetting the security code may be enough, you don’t know exactly how the intruder entered, so you may not be addressing the right issue. Installing a new door is the best method for ensuring the intruder doesn’t return to your home. Your peace of mind is worth the expense of a garage door replacement.

In these instances, replacing is the better option or sometimes even the only option for your garage door.

Whether you replace or repair your garage door, you’ll want to hire professional help. Garage doors tend to be more complicated than other DIY home improvements. If you try to repair a garage door on your own, you risk making a mistake that could result in the breakdown of interacting systems, which could end up costing you even more money. You could also risk your safety by attempting a DIY garage repair. We recommend placing the task of repairing or replacing your garage door in the hands of experienced professionals who will get the job done right. Doing so will save you the time, stress and cost of attempting the repair yourself.

Garage Door Opener Repair and Replacement

Garage door openers allow you the convenience of opening your garage door with the simple press of a button. You can control your garage door from just about anywhere and you can set a schedule to open and close your garage door automatically.

If your garage door is old. Safety efficiency and security measures have improved tremendously in the last decade. Your garage door opener will give you some signs when you need to repair or replace it. You may notice that your garage door does the following when your garage door opener starts malfunctioning:

• Moves slower
• Starts vibrating
• Makes loud, unusual sounds
• Opens intermittently

Whether you need to repair or replace your garage door opener depends in part on its condition. First, you need to determine what exactly is wrong with your opener. Is the opener’s gear damaged? Is the chain or belt broken? Is the rail disconnected or twisted?

Regardless of any issues you’re having with your garage door opener, you should replace it if it’s at least a decade old. Often it can be more expensive to replace a garage door opener than to repair it. It could make sense to purchase a new one as it will be the latest technology and work better.

Ultimately, the best way to determine whether you should repair or replace your garage door opener is to have a professional inspect your opener.

Other Factors to Consider

You may want to consider some additional factors as you’re moving forward with repairing or replacing your garage door.

1. Your Budget

How much can you put into this project? Is it possible to fix a small issue or is it more cost-effective to replace your door? Repairing your garage door is not always the more cost-effective option if the door is likely to break down again in the near future. Replacing a door can be an excellent investment because your new door will last longer and will need less maintenance, saving you money in the long term.

2. Aesthetic Appeal

A new garage door can also have a tremendous impact on the aesthetic appeal of your home. Old garage doors can become rusted, rotten and bent, which can give the impression that the rest of your home is also poorly maintained and falling apart. This will negatively affect the value of your home and your ability to sell it.

3. Warranty

You’ll get a longer warranty when you invest in a new garage door. At Oregon City Garage Door, we provide a one-year warranty on all of our garage door installations.

Get Your Perfect Garage Door With Oregon City Garage Door

If you’re looking for a new garage door, we have the right one for you. For over 25 years, Oregon City Garage Door has been catering to the garage door needs of those in Oregon City, Portland and surrounding areas and cities like Wilsonville, West Linn, Oak Grove, Hillsboro, Happy Valley, Gresham and more! You can select the garage door you want and if you need help making your decision, our team of experts can help you choose from a wide range of excellent options.

Our team of experts will install your new door and ensure it works as it should. We can also take care of hauling your old door away when you schedule a door replacement with us.

Call us today at 503-632-3070 to speak to our team. You can also fill out our contact forms to request service or a new garage door quote.

Garage Door Maintenance Guide

Whatever you keep in your garage, you want to protect it. You also want the convenience of a garage door that opens and closes smoothly. While you could get a new door if yours starts malfunctioning, you can prevent any mishaps in the first place with garage door maintenance.

In this garage door maintenance guide, you’ll learn why it’s essential to care for your garage door. You’ll see how often to service your garage door along with other tips and reasons to hire a garage door maintenance company. At Oregon City Garage Door, we know how vital a functioning garage door is for your daily life. Read on for maintenance tips and other preventive care that will keep your garage door looking and acting like new.

Importance of Garage Door Maintenance

As a savvy homeowner, you have probably asked yourself, “Do garage doors need maintenance?” The answer is yes. A maintained garage door is a safe one. It’s vital to have a garage door maintenance plan to avoid any potential dangers or damage. More than that, proper maintenance helps you with the following.

1. 1. Secure your garage and property: An un-maintained garage door may not lock securely. These doors are prone to tampering and give intruders a way into your garage. From there, they may be able to access your home or business if you have an attached garage.
   2. Get a garage door that lasts longer: Routine care will help extend the life of your garage door. Your opener and door can last for years to come with frequent maintenance. You’ll save yourself the stress of replacing your garage door system when you have one with a longer lifespan.
   3. Avoid the inconvenience of repairs: Things always seem to break at the wrong time. You don’t want to be rushing around trying to leave for work when your garage door stops working. You’ll have to open and close it manually, find a reputable repair service and wait until they complete their work to use your garage again. Save yourself the trouble of imminent repairs by conducting regular maintenance.
   4. Protect your garage from extreme weather: From wind, snow and rain to natural disasters, you don’t want your door to be vulnerable. Regular maintenance keeps your garage door secure and sturdy against flooding rains or damaging winds. The last thing you want is a garage exposed to the elements after a storm.

1. • Add value to your property: A home or business with a well-maintained garage door will appear more valuable if you ever sell your property. Potential buyers will feel safer with a quality, functioning door that you put time into maintaining.
   • Improve your garage’s appearance: While appearances aren’t everything, your garage door does take up a portion of your property’s facade. Proper care of the garage door itself will keep your home or business looking like new.
   • Keep yourself, your family and your belongings safe: The most significant appeal to maintaining your door is safety. You never know when children or pets can wander under a malfunctioning door. Anyone and anything in the garage is at risk if you don’t maintain your opener. You don’t want any damage to vehicles or other items in your garage just because you didn’t take the time for regular maintenance.

Knowing some of the benefits that come with maintaining your garage door will probably make you want to check it now. Be sure to understand what you’re looking for when performing garage door maintenance and how to stay safe while doing so.

Garage Door Maintenance Tips and Steps

While knowing how to take care of your garage door is essential, you may wonder, “How often should I service my garage door?” Check everything out twice a year for yourself unless you have damaging outside forces to deal with or notice other problems. The maintenance you should do for your garage door and how often you do it depends on:

• The season and weather
• The last time you’ve had a garage door tune-up
• How old your garage door is
• How frequently you use your garage door

No matter when you maintain your garage, be sure to take a close look at everything. Make sure the system functions as a whole by checking these components.

1. Infrared and photo-eye sensors: Your garage door has sensors to prevent it from closing on anything or anyone. Check that these sensors are about six inches off the ground. Then, test the sensors by standing clear of your garage door, closing it and waving an object in front of the sensor. The door should stop or reverse.
2. Tension in the springs: Having the right tension in your garage door opener springs keeps your door balanced. A balanced door is safer because it won’t come crashing down during manual use. Test the tension and balance by disengaging your garage door opener. Guide it shut halfway, then let go. If it opens back up, there’s too much tension. If it closes, there’s not enough. Use extreme caution when testing this and stand clear when you let go. If your balance is off, you don’t want the door to crash down on you or anyone helping.
3. Reversal system: When your garage door detects something under it as it’s closing, it should reverse and begin to open. To test your door’s reversal system, place a cinderblock or plank of wood in the center of the doorway. Stand clear, and begin to close your garage door. As it touches the object, the door should reverse. If it damages the item or does not reverse, your door needs repair.
4. Tracks: Make sure your garage door tracks aren’t damaged in any way. Cracked, crooked or bent tracks cause problems when using your door. You risk your door coming off the rails or getting stuck if something goes wrong. After visually checking it, use a level to be sure.
5. Rollers: Wear over time makes rollers wobble. Steel versions are especially loud when worn out, and you can replace them with nylon rollers that last longer and make less noise. Clean rollers and their tracks during your inspection, regardless of their material.
6. Cables: Do not attempt to repair or remove cables in your garage door system. They are under high tension, which will cause harm if they break. If you notice damaged or loose strands, contact a professional.
7. The door: Checking the opener system is vital, but the door itself is also essential. Check wooden doors for warping, water damage and chipped paint. Steel doors are prone to rust, which you’ll have to sand, prime and paint. If your door has windows, check for broken or cracked glass. You should also wash the exterior of your garage door to keep up a fresh appearance on your garage.
8. The batteries in your remote and keypad: Don’t forget about this small, yet significant, part of your garage opener. You’ll have to replace any battery eventually, and your door remotes are no exception. Replacing these batteries will be the easiest part of maintaining your garage door. Keep a watch on your batteries during the winter, since they’re more likely to stop working in cold weather. You don’t want to be stuck outside your garage in the cold with a dead remote.
9. The whole system: The best way to see if something is wrong is to open and close your garage door. Stand clear as it operates in case something goes wrong. Check that the door works smoothly, without jerking or stuttering. Make sure there isn’t any loud grinding or other sounds. If anything seems off with your door, check the above components.

Regularly checking your door is one of the best garage door maintenance tips out there. You won’t know if something’s wrong if you never take a look. Also, remember some preventive care will help keep your door from getting damaged. Be sure to:

1. Install lift handles: Opening and closing your garage door manually during a power outage can be dangerous. Using lift handles means you aren’t risking your fingers by slipping them under your garage door to lift it. Handles also give more control when you lift, so you don’t risk dropping your door and damaging it.
2. Get containment cables: These safety features protect you, others and what you store in your garage in case a spring breaks. Containment cables prevent recoil on extension springs if they ever do break. That prevents them from shooting around your garage and injuring anyone or damaging anything.
3. Check the weather seal: At the bottom of your garage door, you’ll find weatherstripping. The seal helps prevent water and cold from coming into your garage or damaging the bottom of your door. Check it for wear or damage, especially before and after big storms. Remove and replace the weather seal if you notice any damage to protect your door and belongings. If your door doesn’t have weatherstripping, be sure to install it.
4. Lubricate metal in your garage opener: The sound of grinding metal when you use your garage door is a warning sign that it needs attention. Lubricate opener screws or chains about once a year, or more if you hear grinding metal. Clean and lubricate other springs twice a year to keep them functioning.
5. Tighten hardware: Any nuts, bolts and brackets can come loose. Tighten the hardware to secure garage door openers and minimize noise. You’ll keep the entire system functioning correctly with a simple hardware check.
6. Prepare for different seasons: Rainy spring and fall seasons mean you should check your weatherstripping. For cold winters, install insulation. Choose insulation that works best for your door to keep out the cold. Insulating protects the door and everything in your garage from the cold. On frigid days, your door may freeze to the floor of your garage. Try different methods to clear the ice, instead of trying to force the door open. Keep the floor under your garage door clean and dry to prevent freezing.

If you notice any problems with your garage, be sure to keep others away from it. Keep children and pets out of the garage and let people know of any issues. Avoid using it until you have a professional garage door maintenance company come and fix it.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional for Garage Door Repair

Garage doors do need maintenance, and while there are steps you can take on your own, sometimes you need a professional. Hire a garage door maintenance company to service your door once per year. If you notice any issues between services, contact a professional right away. Hiring a company will help you with the following.

1. Save time: Hiring a garage door maintenance company means you don’t have to fuss with your garage. Save your precious time by bringing in someone who knows what they’re doing.
2. Save money: While hiring a professional won’t be free, it’ll probably be cheaper than trying to care for your garage door by yourself. You may damage equipment and have to pay for more extensive repairs or replacement. Get it done right the first time with a professional. A professional garage door tune-up will also save you from making expensive emergency repairs or replacements later.
3. Stay safe: A garage door maintenance company has professionals who put safety first. They have the right equipment and knowledge to get a job done. Even if you have mechanical or other repair experience, you may not be familiar with garage door systems. You may also not have the tools you need to maintain your door.
4. Get a warranty: Many professionals offer a warranty on your garage door repair and maintenance. If anything goes wrong while that warranty is in effect, a company may make repairs or replacements at little to no cost.

Choosing a garage door maintenance company doesn’t have to be complicated. You should feel confident that the garage door service you get will be professional, reliable and effective. Work with us at Oregon City Garage Door for trustworthy garage door maintenance in Portland and beyond.

Garage Door Maintenance Plans at Oregon City Garage Door

At Oregon City Garage Door, we pride ourselves in offering garage door maintenance to property owners in Portland and the surrounding areas. With our tools, knowledge and expertise, we’re able to diagnose garage door problems you may have. Even if your garage door seems to be running fine, inspection and maintenance by a professional are vital. At Oregon City Garage Door, we will perform routine maintenance with our garage door service. Our skilled technicians will:

• Tighten nuts, bolts, brackets and other components
• Lubricate or grease moving parts of your opener
• Replace or fix panels on your door
• Inspect the garage door opener system
• Adjust door opener settings

You can do some of the above during a DIY examination. But our professional and skilled garage door service at Oregon City Garage Door provides comprehensive review and care of your system. Our garage door service includes a look at more technical components, which could be dangerous for untrained individuals to inspect. Along with the above maintenance, our technicians will conduct a comprehensive inspection of:

• Cables
• Drums
• Shafts
• Bottom fixture
• Bearing plate
• Spring anchor attachment

Once our technicians have taken a thorough look at your garage door, they will suggest repairs and replacements. We at Oregon City Garage Door will work with you to provide safe and high-quality solutions within your budget for any damage we discover. Your garage door will last much longer with our service and keep you, your family and your belongings safe.

Oregon City Garage Door — Portland’s Garage Door Maintenance Provider Since 1992

Whether you’re looking for a garage door tune-up or it needs more repair, let our team of specialists help. We offer reliable garage door maintenance to Portland and the surrounding communities to keep your garage door working safely and properly for years to come.

At Oregon City Garage Door, we provide prompt and friendly garage door service to meet any of your needs. Don’t wait until you need costly repairs or replacement — get maintenance from our professional technicians today. Contact us at 503-632-3070 to schedule service or request an estimate with Oregon City Garage Door.