Overhead Door Company of Brookfield™ Blog

 

As the flowers bloom and the temperatures rise, it’s time to tackle that long-awaited spring cleaning project. While you’re decluttering and organizing your home, don’t forget about your garage.

Often overlooked, the garage is a vital part of your property and requires some TLC to keep it in top shape. Here’s a comprehensive spring cleaning checklist to ensure your garage, including your garage door, is ready for the season ahead.

Declutter & Organize

Start by clearing out any unnecessary items cluttering your garage space. Sort through tools, sports equipment, and other belongings, and donate, sell, or dispose of items you no longer need. Organize the remaining items into designated zones to maximize space and accessibility.

Clean & Sweep

Sweep the floors and wipe down surfaces to give your garage a thorough cleaning. Remove cobwebs from corners and ceilings, and clean the windows to let in natural light. A clean garage can make the space feel more open and organized.

Check Garage Door Operation

Test your garage door to ensure it’s operating smoothly. Open and close the door several times to check for any unusual noises or delays in movement. If you notice any issues, such as grinding noises or jerky movements, it may be time for maintenance or repairs.

Inspect Hardware & Components

Take a close look at the hardware and components of your garage door, including springs, cables, rollers, and tracks. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as fraying cables, rusted hardware, or loose bolts.

Call Overhead Door Company of Brookfield™ to address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure safe operation.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Keep your garage door operating smoothly by lubricating the moving parts. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to hinges, rollers, tracks, and springs to reduce friction and prevent premature wear. Regular lubrication can extend the lifespan of your garage door components and minimize the risk of malfunctions.

Test Safety Features

Ensure your garage door’s safety features function correctly by testing them regularly. Check the auto-reverse mechanism by placing an object, such as a broomstick, in the door’s path while closing. The door should automatically reverse upon contact with the object.

Test the photoelectric sensors by waving an object in front of them while the door is closing. The door should stop and reverse if the sensors detect an obstruction.

Clean & Inspect Weather Stripping

Inspect the weatherstripping along the bottom and sides of your garage door for signs of damage or wear. Replace any worn or damaged weatherstipping to prevent drafts, water infiltration, and energy loss. Also clean the weatherstripping regularly to remove dirt, debris, and mold buildup. 

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Consider scheduling professional garage door maintenance with our Overhead Door Company of Brookfield™ team to ensure your door gets a thorough inspection and tune-up. A trained technician can identify potential issues early and address them before they become costly repairs.

Professional maintenance can also prolong the lifespan of your garage door and keep it operating safely and efficiently.

By following this spring cleaning checklist, including garage door maintenance, you can ensure your garage is clean, organized, and functioning optimally. Don’t neglect your garage door — give it the attention it deserves to keep it in top condition and enjoy reliable performance year-round.

Do you need help with garage door repair, installation, or maintenance? You can rely on the team at Overhead Door™ to service your doors. Contact us today to schedule your garage door services.

As a residential or commercial property owner or manager, maintaining your garage doors might not be the first thing on your New Year checklist—but it should be. While the new year often inspires thoughts of upgrades and replacements, you don’t always need a brand-new garage door to start fresh. At Overhead Door Company of Brookfield™ , we’d be happy to help you find a new door if you need one, but we’re also committed to helping you get the most out of the garage door you already have.

With the right repair and maintenance services, your existing garage door can feel as good as new—saving you money and extending its lifespan. Routine maintenance is a small investment that ensures safety, efficiency, and long-term cost savings. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about maintaining commercial garage doors to help you keep your property running smoothly this year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Garage Door Repair & Maintenance

Why is garage door maintenance important for residential and commercial properties?

Garage door maintenance is essential for:

Safety: Prevent accidents by addressing worn-out components like springs, cables, and sensors.
Efficiency: Avoid unexpected downtime that disrupts daily operations.
Cost Savings: Extend the lifespan of your doors and reduce the need for expensive repairs or replacements.
Energy Efficiency: Maintain proper seals and insulation to reduce heating and cooling costs.
Compliance: Ensure your doors meet industry standards and safety requirements.

What is included in routine garage door maintenance?

A comprehensive maintenance service typically includes:

• Inspecting rollers, tracks, cables, and springs for wear.
• Lubricating moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
• Testing the door’s balance and alignment.
• Checking the opener and safety sensors for functionality.
• Inspecting and replacing weatherstripping to maintain energy efficiency.

What are the signs my garage door needs immediate attention?

Common warning signs include:

• Unusual noises like grinding or squeaking.
• Slow or uneven door operation.
• Difficulty opening or closing the door.
• Visible damage to cables, springs, or tracks.
• Gaps or cracks in seals that let in cold air or moisture.

If you notice any of these issues, contact a professional technician right away.

How does garage door maintenance improve energy efficiency?

Properly maintained doors help reduce energy loss by:

• Ensuring weatherstripping and seals are intact to block drafts.
• Keeping insulation in good condition to regulate indoor temperatures.
• Addressing gaps or cracks that let in cold air or moisture.

If your property prioritizes energy efficiency, consider upgrading to an insulated garage door for better temperature control.

Are maintenance costs worth it for older garage doors?

Yes! Routine maintenance can prolong the life of older garage doors, delaying the need for costly replacements. However, if you find yourself frequently repairing the same components or if the door no longer meets your operational needs, it may be time to invest in a new, more efficient model.

What are the risks of neglecting garage door maintenance?

Ignoring maintenance can lead to:

• Costly emergency repairs or replacements.
• Safety hazards from failing components.
• Energy loss due to damaged seals or insulation.

What types of garage door repairs does Overhead Door Company of Brookfield™ handle?

We provide a wide range of repair services for both residential and commercial garage doors, including:

• Replacement of torsion and extension springs.
• Cable replacements.
• Individual section repairs or replacements.
• Weather-stripping and perimeter seal repairs.
• Garage door opener repairs for all major brands.

Whether it’s a minor issue or a major repair, our highly trained technicians are equipped to handle it efficiently and professionally.

 

Make Garage Door Maintenance Your New Year Priority

Don’t let overlooked maintenance disrupt your operations or increase costs. Adding garage door upkeep to your New Year checklist ensures safety, efficiency, and peace of mind. Our periodic maintenance program helps residential and commercial clients extend the lifespan of their garage doors and openers and prevent unexpected breakdowns through regular inspections and adjustments. By proactively addressing potential issues, our maintenance program ensures your operations remain safe and uninterrupted. Ready to schedule your garage door maintenance? Contact Overhead Door Company of Brookfield™ today for expert service and support tailored to your business needs.

Winterizing is a key part of any home’s annual maintenance, but if your garage door is overlooked, the results can be inconvenient and even dangerous. As temperatures plummet during the winter months, without proper garage door maintenance, you or your family could be stuck in your garage, or even worse — stuck outside.

Here are a few common garage door issues homeowners encounter in cold weather, along with the steps to safely resolve the issue and protect your garage door.

Check Your Garage Door Opener

If your garage door is not working properly and you have an automatic garage door opener, disconnect the opener and try to open the door manually. If the door opens fine, the issue could be related to your opener. Check the batteries for your opener’s remote, reconnect the opener, and try again.

If the door still doesn’t work, call your local Overhead Door™ Brand Distributor, as they can further diagnose issues related to your opener and power supply. Some opener issues may require a trained professional for safety purposes or to maintain any warranties that your opener may have. Always disconnect the opener when the garage door is in the closed position.

Garage Door Won’t Open or Is Very Difficult and Heavy When Trying to Lift

If your garage door won’t open manually, or it feels like it weighs a ton, you may have a broken spring. This happens more often in the winter/colder months because spring wire becomes more brittle and therefore weakens in colder temperatures.

If you’ve recently opened or closed your door and heard a popping noise, that may have been your spring breaking. If your spring is broken, you may be able to see the long coil above your garage door split into two pieces.

Garage door springs are usually rated for 10,000 cycles, with each cycle being an open and close of the door. If you have lived in your home for 7 years or longer, use your garage door daily, and have never replaced your springs, we recommend having them replaced to avoid being unable to open your door, either being stuck outside or inside your garage.

If you suspect your spring is broken, call your Overhead Door™ Brand Distributor right away. This repair must be handled by a professional, as attempting to repair this on your own could result in serious injury.

Garage Door Is Frozen Shut

If your garage door is stuck and you see ice or snow around the bottom of the door, your door could be frozen to the concrete. This happens when your bottom weatherseal sits in water or wet snow that eventually freezes when the temperature drops.

To fix a frozen garage door, gently chip away at the ice or use warm water to melt the ice. Raise your garage door, then clean and dry the area to prevent the door from refreezing when you’ve finished.

With a frozen garage door, it is very important to also know what not to do that may damage your door:

Do not try to force your door open and break the ice. This could rip your weatherseal, which will allow water, snow, and cold air into your garage. At that point you’ve simply traded one garage door problem for another more permanent one.

Do not use ice melt on your door, especially if it is a metal door. This can damage the door. Because many homeowners use ice melt during the winter months, if it gets on your door be sure to clean the door as soon as you can. Waxing your door can be a great way to prevent ice melt from sticking to your door.

Do not use “folk remedies” from friends or neighbors before checking with your Overhead Door™ Brand Distributor. Over the years, we’ve heard many recommendations, from the seemingly clever to the downright strange, but what works for one garage door may cause damage to another due to different materials and environments. Your Overhead Door™ Distributor can provide the guidance you need to get your door running smoothly.

Garage Door Opens Partially or Doesn’t Roll Smoothly

If your door opens but doesn’t roll smoothly or gets stuck at a certain spot in the track, it could be a lubricant issue on the rollers or in the track. As the temperature drops, lubricant can harden and get gunky, causing issues when you try to open or close your door. Applying a grease solvent to the moving parts of your door can remove any hardened lubricant.

Do not use WD-40 on your garage door as this lubricant can cause problems for your door in cold weather. Also, do not lubricate your nylon garage door rollers, which are typically black or white.

Still having issues?

Use our dealer locator to find a local Overhead Door™ Brand garage door dealer to help service or repair your doors.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Overhead Door Company of Brookfield

549 Federal Road, Brookfield CT 06804

203-740-7691

sales@ohdbrookfield.com

May Is Garage Door Safety Month – Look, Listen, Learn & Remember

[Brookfield, CT] (5/2/2024) – May is Garage Door Safety Month, an initiative of the International Door Association (IDA). To keep you and your family safe, Overhead Door Company of Brookfield in Brookfield, CT is participating in Garage Door Safety Month this May and is available to discuss important safety issues, tips for garage door safety, and how to prevent getting scammed by unreputable contractors in the industry.

“Overhead Door Company of Brookfield has been in Brookfield for over 30 years,” says Mark Hunihan. “We care about the safety of our customers and want to help keep families safe. As of late, individuals have been imitating reputable companies and providing poor service, bait and switch tactics, and overcharging people. We want people to know Overhead Door Company of Brookfield is here to help.”

 

Overhead Door Company of Brookfield offers easy to remember tips for garage door safety:

1. LOOK at the garage door, springs, cables and rollers for wear and tear
2. LISTEN for grinding or scraping sounds
3. LEARN to:
   • Keep the garage door opener and remote control out of reach of children
   • Keep fingers and hands away from door sections and moving doors
   • Keep garage doors closed and remote controls out of sight to deter theft
4. REMEMBER if you find any concerns regarding your garage door, contact a trained garage door professional and research thoroughly to avoid getting scammed.

 

If you suspect any problems with your door system and need a qualified dealer, contact Overhead Door Company of Brookfield at 203-740-7691. You can also email us at sales@ohdbrookfield.com or check out our website at www.overheaddoorbrookfield.com