Garage doors are one of the most used parts of a home, yet they’re often overlooked when it comes to maintenance. Most homeowners only think about their garage door when it stops working or makes loud, unusual noises. This leads to a very common question: how often should garage doors be serviced?
The simple answer is at least once a year, but the full answer depends on how often you use your garage, the type of door you have, and your local climate. Regular servicing keeps your garage door running smoothly, improves safety, and helps you avoid sudden and expensive breakdowns.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything in clear, easy language so you know exactly when and why garage door servicing matters.
Why Regular Garage Door Servicing Is Important
Garage doors are heavy systems made up of many moving parts. Springs, cables, rollers, tracks, and openers all work together every time the door opens or closes. Over time, these parts wear down.
Regular servicing helps:
- Prevent sudden breakdowns
- Improve safety for your family
- Extend the life of your garage door
- Reduce repair costs over time
- Keep the door operating quietly and smoothly
When homeowners ask how often should garage doors be serviced, the real question is how to avoid problems before they start.
How Often Should Garage Doors Be Serviced for Most Homes?
For the average household, garage doors should be professionally serviced once every 12 months. This yearly service allows a technician to inspect, lubricate, adjust, and test all critical components.
Annual servicing is usually enough if:
- The garage door is used a few times a day
- The door is in good condition
- There are no unusual noises or movement issues
This yearly checkup keeps small issues from turning into major repairs.
How Often Should Garage Doors Be Serviced for Heavy Use?
If your garage door is used more frequently, servicing should be more regular. Homes with multiple drivers or attached garages often open and close the door several times a day.
In these cases, garage doors should be serviced every 6 months. High usage causes faster wear on springs, rollers, and cables, making more frequent inspections important.
How Climate Affects Garage Door Servicing Frequency
Weather plays a big role in garage door wear. Temperature changes, humidity, and exposure to moisture can speed up corrosion and part failure.
You may need more frequent servicing if you live in:
- Areas with extreme heat or cold
- Coastal regions with salty air
- Places with high humidity or heavy rain
In harsh climates, servicing every 6–9 months is often recommended to prevent rust and weather-related damage.
What Happens During a Garage Door Service?
Understanding what a service includes helps explain how often should garage doors be serviced and why it’s worth it.
A professional garage door service typically includes:
- Inspecting springs and cables for wear
- Checking rollers, hinges, and tracks
- Lubricating all moving parts
- Testing door balance and alignment
- Inspecting the opener and safety sensors
- Tightening loose hardware
This full inspection ensures the door operates safely and efficiently.
Signs Your Garage Door Needs Service Sooner
Even with regular maintenance, some signs mean your garage door needs immediate attention.
Watch out for:
- Loud grinding, squeaking, or banging noises
- The door opening or closing unevenly
- Slow or jerky movement
- The door reversing unexpectedly
- Visible wear on cables or springs
If you notice any of these, don’t wait for your annual service.
How Often Should Garage Doors Be Serviced for Safety?
Safety is one of the biggest reasons for regular servicing. Garage doors can weigh hundreds of pounds, and failing components can cause serious injuries.
Annual servicing ensures:
- Safety sensors work correctly
- Springs are not near breaking point
- Cables are secure and balanced
- The opener responds properly
From a safety standpoint, how often should garage doors be serviced becomes a critical question, not just a convenience issue.
DIY Maintenance vs Professional Servicing
Homeowners can handle basic care like:
- Keeping tracks clean
- Lubricating hinges and rollers
- Checking sensor alignment
However, springs, cables, and tension systems should never be handled without training. Professional servicing is essential for these high-risk components. DIY care supports professional servicing, but it should never replace it.
How Regular Servicing Saves Money
Some homeowners skip maintenance to save money, but this often has the opposite effect.
Regular servicing:
- Prevents major part failures
- Reduces emergency repair costs
- Extends the lifespan of the door and opener
- Helps avoid full door replacement
Spending a little on routine service can save hundreds—or even thousands—over time.
How Often Should Garage Doors Be Serviced for Older Doors?
Older garage doors usually need more attention. Parts naturally wear down over the years, even with proper care.
For doors over 10 years old:
- Service every 6 months is recommended
- Inspections should be more detailed
- Parts may need proactive replacement
Older systems benefit greatly from regular professional checks.
What Happens If You Don’t Service Your Garage Door?
Skipping servicing can lead to:
- Sudden spring failure
- Doors getting stuck open or closed
- Increased noise and vibration
- Shortened door lifespan
- Higher repair costs
Neglect often turns small issues into major problems.
Conclusion
So, how often should garage doors be serviced? For most homes, once a year is enough. For heavy use, harsh climates, or older doors, servicing every six months is a smarter choice.
Regular garage door servicing improves safety, saves money, and keeps your door working smoothly for years. Instead of waiting for something to break, proactive maintenance gives you peace of mind and reliable performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How often should garage doors be serviced at minimum?
A: At least once a year for standard residential use.
Q: Can regular servicing prevent garage door emergencies?
A: Yes, most emergencies are caused by neglected wear and tear.
Q: Is garage door servicing really necessary?
A: Yes. It improves safety, performance, and lifespan.
Q: Does servicing include lubrication?
A: Yes, lubrication of moving parts is a key part of professional servicing.
Q: Should new garage doors still be serviced?
A: Yes. Even new doors benefit from annual inspections.
