We encourage home-owners to save cost and carry out simple maintenance themselves. The following advice will guide you to understand what you can do and when to call in a professional.
Always refer to the Owners Manual supplied with your garage door and/or door opener. If it includes maintenance instructions, those instructions over-ride the following advice.

• Parts requiring lubrication should be sparingly lubricated about every 6 months. The wrong lubricant could damage these components; if in doubt about what to use, call the manufacturer, or call us for advice. Avoid unwanted mess by applying sparingly and with care, according to the instructions on the container. Wipe away excess lubricant with a rag.
• Clean the painted external surfaces of your door about twice a year with warm soapy water. Avoid getting water anywhere close to the electric door opener. It is not waterproof and will be damaged if allowed to get wet. Water can travel a long way on a wet garage door.
• Most manufacturers and the International Door Association recommend the auto reverse function of your garage door opener be tested monthly, by placing a short length of 100mm x 50mm timber flat on the floor (50mm high) in the centre of the doorway, and allowing the door to close on top of the timber. The door opener should recognize the obstruction, stop and reverse the door back to the open position. If it hasn't stopped and reversed, the door and/or opener need urgent professional attention. Remove the timber, stand clear and close the door. Switch off power to the opener and do not use the door until it has been repaired.
• Any timber components need regular repainting or oiling/staining, as weathering will cause irrepairable damage. Use the best quality paint or stain available, and always follow instructions on the container.
• Check that all bolts are tight. Loose bolts holding springs or cables should not be tightened by the homeowner, as this may be dangerous. Do not use the door. Call in a professional.
• Check for visible signs of wear in all pivot points, bearings and bushes. If any parts look worn, replace them before they fail. Do not touch or adjust springs or cables or anything connected to them.
• On completing this procedure, close the door and disengage the opener by pulling down the release cord or handle and operate the door manually. It should be almost as smooth and quiet as a new door, and relatively neutral in weight, although large doors always require more effort to operate than smaller doors. A well balanced door will usually remain stationary when released at the half open position. If it drifts down, and won't remain parked at the half way point on release, the springs may need adjusting by a professional. This is vitally important, even if an electric opener operates the door, because the unnecessary effort needed to lift the door will cause excessive wear and tear, and premature failure of the opener.