Missouri winters leave garage doors with dried-out seals, stiff rollers, and loose hardware. A 20-minute spring checkup can prevent a mid-summer breakdown.
Your Spring Checklist
- Look and listen. Run the door through a full cycle. Grinding, scraping, or jerky movement means something needs attention.
- Tighten the hardware. The door moves up and down over a thousand times a year — vibration loosens brackets and bolts.
- Check the rollers. Cracked, chipped, or worn rollers should be replaced. Nylon rollers run quieter and last longer than steel.
- Inspect the cables. Frayed lift cables are a serious hazard. Look, but don't touch — leave cable work to a professional.
- Test the balance. Disconnect the opener and lift the door halfway. If it doesn't stay put, the springs need adjustment.
- Replace the weather seal. A cracked bottom seal lets in water, pests, and hot summer air.
- Test the safety reversal. Place a board under the door — it should reverse immediately on contact.
Want a Professional Tune-Up?
Straight Up Garage Doors offers full maintenance visits across the St. Louis metro — lubrication, balance adjustment, hardware tightening, and a complete safety inspection. Call (314) 788-1106 to schedule.