Garage doors may not be number one on your list of preventative maintenance items in your home. Consider, however, it is the largest moving part of the structure, subject to weather extremes and used frequently. Maybe it deserves a higher place on that list.

A door that binds or becomes unusually difficult to operate is one of the most common problems and potentially the most hazardous. When disconnected from the opener, the door should move up and down in the tracks easily. If the operation is not smooth, the door may be rubbing the tracks, frame or have loose hinges, rollers or track sections. The bolts and screws of these components should be kept tight and periodically lubricated with machine or penetrating oil. Do not oil the tracks! Oil in the tracks will only accumulate dirt and grime, making matters worse. Make sure a red release cord and handle is attached to the opener no more than 6 feet above the garage floor.

Always keep in mind the garage door springs are under extreme pressure. Any repairs or adjustments to those components should only be accomplished by a qualified overhead door professional.