Automatic gates and garage doors are essential for enhancing the security, functionality, and curb appeal of your home or business. But like any mechanical system, they require regular maintenance to function properly and avoid costly repairs. A neglected system can lead to breakdowns, safety hazards, and expensive replacements.
At Guardian Garage Door & Gates, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners and property managers extend the life of their entry systems through proactive care. As a trusted garage door company, our team of experts specializes in professional inspections and garage door repair services that keep your automatic gates and garage doors in peak condition.
In this complete maintenance checklist, we break down all the key steps you need to take—monthly, seasonally, and annually—to keep your systems running smoothly year-round.
Why Regular Maintenance Is Essential
Routine maintenance isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns—it’s about protecting your investment, maximizing convenience, and ensuring safety. Regular care can help:
Extend the lifespan of your garage door or gate
Prevent emergency repairs
Maintain optimal performance
Keep your property secure
Ensure manufacturer warranties remain valid
Ignoring maintenance can lead to issues such as malfunctioning sensors, broken springs, rusty hinges, worn rollers, or misaligned tracks—problems that can all be costly if left unchecked.
Monthly Maintenance Checklist
1. Visual Inspection
Take a few minutes to do a visual check of your garage door or gate. Look for:
Rust, corrosion, or wear on metal parts
Frayed or loose cables
Bent or misaligned tracks
Debris blocking the sensors or tracks
Cracks or warping in panels or gate arms
Early detection is key—if something doesn’t look right, call the pros at Guardian Garage Door & Gates for a fast and thorough inspection.
2. Lubricate Moving Parts
Use a silicone-based spray lubricant or garage door-specific oil to lubricate:
Rollers
Hinges
Springs
Chains or drive screws
Gate arm joints
Avoid using WD-40, which can strip lubrication over time. Well-lubricated components reduce friction and wear, ensuring quieter and smoother operation.
3. Test the Safety Sensors
For garage doors and automated gates with safety features:
Close the door or gate, then wave an object in front of the sensor beam.
The system should immediately reverse or stop.
If it doesn’t, your sensors may be dirty, misaligned, or malfunctioning—schedule garage door repair as soon as possible.
Seasonal Maintenance Checklist (Every 3–6 Months)
1. Clean the Tracks
Dirt, leaves, and grime can accumulate in garage door or gate tracks, making operation sluggish or uneven.
Use a cloth to wipe the tracks.
Use a vacuum or compressed air to remove deep debris.
Avoid using grease or lubricant on tracks—it attracts dirt.
2. Check and Tighten Hardware
Garage doors and gate systems go through hundreds of cycles a month. All that movement can loosen:
Bolts
Screws
Brackets
Mounting hardware
Use a socket wrench or screwdriver to ensure everything is securely fastened. If you’re unsure, a technician from Guardian Garage Door & Gates can inspect and tighten all components safely.
3. Check the Weatherstripping
Inspect the rubber seals at the bottom of your garage door or gate arm:
Replace if cracked, brittle, or missing
Clean with mild soap and water
Good weatherstripping helps insulate your garage and prevents pests, water, and debris from entering.
4. Inspect and Clean Gate Sensors and Entry Systems
For automatic gates:
Wipe down keypads, sensors, and control panels
Check for water damage or insect infestation
Make sure motion sensors or RFID readers are unobstructed
Smart access systems should also be tested for connectivity and firmware updates.
Annual Maintenance Checklist
1. Test the Balance of Your Garage Door
An unbalanced garage door can put extra strain on the opener and reduce lifespan.
Disconnect the opener by pulling the emergency release.
Lift the door manually to about halfway.
If it stays in place, it's properly balanced.
If it falls or shoots up, call Guardian Garage Door & Gates for spring adjustment.
2. Check the Opener’s Force Settings
Modern garage door openers and gate motors have force settings to ensure they stop or reverse if there’s resistance.
Place a roll of paper towels or a 2x4 board under the door.
Close the door—if it doesn’t reverse, the force settings may be too high.
This is a critical safety issue and should be handled by a professional garage door company.
3. Inspect the Chain, Belt, or Screw Drive
Depending on your opener system:
Chains should be lubricated and properly tensioned.
Belts should be tight and free from frays.
Screw drives should be clean and greased.
If you notice excessive noise, slippage, or slow response, schedule garage door repair before it gets worse.
4. Battery Backup and Remote Testing
For both garage doors and automatic gates:
Replace the backup battery annually
Test all remotes, keypads, and Wi-Fi integrations
Reprogram or reset devices as needed
This ensures you’re never locked out in a power outage or connectivity failure.
When to Call a Professional
While many tasks on this checklist are safe for homeowners to handle, others require the training and tools of a licensed technician. You should contact Guardian Garage Door & Gates for:
Spring replacements or adjustments
Motor repairs or installations
Sensor or wiring issues
Track realignment
Safety feature repairs
Annual tune-ups
Attempting DIY repairs on high-tension components like torsion springs or gate motors can be dangerous and lead to severe injury or property damage.
Partner with Guardian Garage Door & Gates for Peace of Mind
As a full-service garage door company, Guardian Garage Door & Gates is here to help with every aspect of garage and gate maintenance. Our trained technicians deliver:
Routine inspections
Preventative maintenance plans
Emergency garage door repair
Automatic gate diagnostics and servicing
Upgrades for smart systems and access control
We serve both residential and commercial clients and offer maintenance packages that save you money and keep your systems reliable.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your automatic gate and garage door system is one of the best investments you can make in your home’s security, functionality, and longevity. A few minutes of routine care each month can save you thousands in emergency repairs, increase property value, and ensure your peace of mind.
If you’re unsure where to start, or you’d rather leave the heavy lifting to the pros, Guardian Garage Door & Gates is just a call away. As your trusted garage door company, we’re proud to keep homes across the region secure and smoothly operating—one system at a time.
Need a tune-up, inspection, or professional advice? Contact Guardian Garage Door & Gates today to schedule your next maintenance appointment.