Thank you to the International Door Association for sponsoring this post. All thoughts are my own.
Now that spring is in full swing, we’ve been busy working on yard and home maintenance. My husband and I were just discussing last night just how long we’ve been in our house. We can’t believe it has been just under 12 years. It is becoming apparent that a lot of the maintenance we did early on needs to be done again. Our house definitely needs a good painting and our landscaping is leaving much to be desired. Maintaining a home is a lot of work, especially when it is an older home like ours. We’ve haven’t been very organized when it comes to keeping track of it all. I’d love to create a checklist and have reminders of maintenance. If you are like us, then you’ll appreciate services like the newest program program from the International Door Association (IDA) – a worldwide trade association of door and access systems professionals.
Garage Door Maintenance
Did you know it is important to lubricate your garage door twice a year? I had no clue. But keeping my family safe is important so I appreciate a garage door maintenance reminder. The IDA invites consumers to register for twice-a-year emails from its consumer website, GarageDoorCare.com. The emails offer a simple message – it’s time to lubricate your garage door by applying a small amount of spray lubricant to the door’s hinges, rollers and tracks.
If you also aren’t sure of regular garage door maintenance, visit garagedoorcare.com to learn more about this service and learn about their maintenance tips. From visual inspections to the balance test, you can keeping your garage door in top shape which can save you time and money. And if you need the assistance of a local garage door professional for any garage door maintenance and repair, please visit their Find A Qualified Professional page.
WIN IT:
I have a $25 Visa gift card for one lucky reader from IDA, just for telling me a favorite garage door maintenance tip!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Lisa Brown says
May 5, 2015 at 10:51 ammy favorite: Monthly reversing mechanism test
Janet W. says
May 5, 2015 at 10:58 amMy favorite tip is Semi-annual lubrication.
Mary Happymommy says
May 5, 2015 at 10:59 amI like the tip about doing a monthly door balance test.
Kelly D says
May 5, 2015 at 11:04 amI like the tip to do a monthly visual inspection.
Karen Glatt says
May 5, 2015 at 11:10 amI think the Monthly reversing mechanism test is so important to make sure the door closes properly!
Elena says
May 5, 2015 at 11:27 amMy favorite tip is Semi-annual lubrication
Thomas Murphy says
May 5, 2015 at 12:05 pmI like the Semi-annual lubrication tip.
Beth Hill says
May 5, 2015 at 12:14 pmI think the monthly reversing mechanism test is extremely important! Safety issue.
Melissa M says
May 5, 2015 at 12:15 pmI like the semi-annual lubrication. Apply a small amount of spray lubricant to the door’s hinges, rollers and tracks tip.
DEBIJOT says
May 5, 2015 at 12:15 pmI like the tip for semi annual lubrication.
HS says
May 5, 2015 at 12:35 pmI like the Monthly visual inspection tip.
Jennifer B says
May 5, 2015 at 12:47 pmI like the Monthly visual inspection, because it seems like the one I would most likely do
Kristie says
May 5, 2015 at 1:05 pmI like the semi-annual lubrication tip.
Natalie says
May 5, 2015 at 1:18 pmI like the tip to perform a monthly balance check.
Donna L says
May 5, 2015 at 1:37 pmI like the garage door Semi-annual lubrication tip
Melanie Montgomery says
May 5, 2015 at 1:40 pmTo lubricate it semi annualy.
Stephanie Phelps says
May 5, 2015 at 1:46 pmMy favorite is Semi-annual lubrication. Apply a small amount of spray lubricant to the door’s hinges, rollers and tracks.
shirley says
May 5, 2015 at 2:06 pmI like the tip- Monthly visual inspection.
BeckyM says
May 5, 2015 at 2:12 pmI like the Semi-annual lubrication tip
Sarah Hayes says
May 5, 2015 at 2:50 pmi like the tip to do a monthly visual inspection
Samantha C. says
May 5, 2015 at 3:09 pmI like the monthly door balance test.
Sheila K. says
May 5, 2015 at 3:32 pmThe semi-annual lubrication tip sounds like an important one to follow!
steve weber says
May 5, 2015 at 3:36 pmmy favorite: Monthly reversing mechanism test
Amanda Sakovitz says
May 5, 2015 at 3:43 pmMy favorite is the monthly door balance test
JR FrugalMom says
May 5, 2015 at 4:03 pmThe Monthly door balance test tip
Cheryl says
May 5, 2015 at 4:13 pmMy favorite is “Monthly door balance test”.
Marilyn Nawara says
May 5, 2015 at 5:48 pmI like the Monthly photo eye test — want to make sure this is working so the dogs don’t get squished in the door.
Kristen says
May 5, 2015 at 5:58 pmMy favorite is: semi-annual lubrication.
Barbara Montag says
May 5, 2015 at 6:41 pmI like the monthly visual inspection tip.
That will keep everything in tip top shape.
thank you
D Schmidt says
May 5, 2015 at 6:57 pmMy favorite tip is Monthly reversing mechanism test (if your door is equipped with an automatic opener system). Note: garage door openers manufactured after January 1, 1993, are required by federal law to be equipped with a reversing mechanism and a photo eye or edge sensor as added measures of safety to prevent entrapment.
Kim Henrichs says
May 5, 2015 at 7:12 pmDefinitely the semi-annual lubrication! Nothing worse than that dang door sticking!
kj skib says
May 5, 2015 at 8:06 pmI like the monthly balance check. I have never thought to do that.
Allison Downes says
May 5, 2015 at 9:11 pmThe Semi-annual lubrication tip.
Thanks for the chance to win this
Heather Hayes Panjon says
May 5, 2015 at 9:46 pmMy Favorite Tip Is The Monthly photo eye test
Anastasia Falling says
May 5, 2015 at 9:47 pmI like the “Semi-annual lubrication” tip because that is something I wouldn’t think about! I would definitely need a reminder for that 🙂
Seyma Shabbir says
May 5, 2015 at 10:59 pmThe monthly visual inspection! Just look and make sure everything looks good!
Devon F says
May 5, 2015 at 11:52 pmI like the Monthly visual inspection
shelly peterson says
May 5, 2015 at 11:55 pmI like the monthly visual inspection tp.
shelly peterson says
May 6, 2015 at 12:00 amhere is my correct link for my pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/cshell202
Melissa S says
May 6, 2015 at 4:53 amMy favorite tip is the Monthly door balance test..
ColleenMarie says
May 6, 2015 at 9:40 amWe do not do any of these things, I think I could start with Monthly visual inspections
JLin says
May 6, 2015 at 9:52 amMonthly reversing mechanism test
angie lilly says
May 6, 2015 at 11:27 amMy fav tip would be the one that I have never heard of: Monthly door balance test. I did not even know this was a thing!
Stephanie says
May 6, 2015 at 11:55 ami love tip is Semi-annual lubrication
Brandy Wilson (lynn w on rafflecopter) says
May 6, 2015 at 2:07 pmMonthly photo eye test… especially if you have kids!
Kris I. says
May 6, 2015 at 3:09 pmMy favorite tip is Semi-annual lubrication. Apply a small amount of spray lubricant to the door’s hinges, rollers and tracks.
Tara says
May 6, 2015 at 7:41 pmMonthly Visual Inspection is a good one.
Susan Christy says
May 6, 2015 at 8:49 pmMonthly reversing mechanism test
Amanda Alvarado says
May 6, 2015 at 10:18 pmI like the Monthly photo eye test tip!
harolde says
May 6, 2015 at 11:32 pmI like the Semi annual lubrication test
Peggy Rydzewski says
May 7, 2015 at 12:10 amThe Monthly force setting test is a great idea
Terra Heck says
May 7, 2015 at 4:39 amI learned that garage door openers manufactured after January 1, 1993, are required by federal law to be equipped with a reversing mechanism and a photo eye or edge sensor as added measures of safety to prevent entrapment. If your system does not have these features, replacement of your automatic operating system is recommended. Thanks.
partymix25(at)Hotmail(dot)com
Adrienne gordon says
May 7, 2015 at 4:54 amKeeping kids free of the garage unit is key.
Ann Fantom says
May 7, 2015 at 7:18 amA garage door maintenance tip is to keep your garage door’s hinges and rollers lubricated.
Sandy Klocinski says
May 7, 2015 at 8:34 amMy favorite maintenance tip is to do a monthly reversing mechanism test
Stacey b says
May 7, 2015 at 8:54 amThe monthly photo eye test.
Margaret Smith says
May 7, 2015 at 9:07 amMine is the Monthly reversing mechanism test to make sure it’s working properly.
nickie says
May 7, 2015 at 9:55 amI like the Semi-annual lubrication tip.
Trisha Burgess says
May 7, 2015 at 10:46 amI love the semi annual lubrication tip!
Rosanne Morrison says
May 7, 2015 at 11:35 amI think the monthly photo eye test is imperative especially with children and grandchildren
Cynthia C says
May 7, 2015 at 12:22 pmMy favorite tip is the Monthly force setting test
Ellie Wright says
May 7, 2015 at 2:19 pmMy favorite tip is to do a monthly photo eye test.
Geoff K says
May 7, 2015 at 3:22 pmMy favorite maintenance tip would be the one about semi-annual lubrication: apply a small amount of spray lubricant to the door’s hinges, rollers and tracks.
Birdiebee says
May 7, 2015 at 3:22 pmMy favorite maintenance tip is the monthly reversing mechanism test .
PuffyBiggles says
May 7, 2015 at 5:30 pmMy favorite maintenance tip is to do a monthly visual inspection. Thanks for the giveaway!
Brittney House says
May 7, 2015 at 7:11 pmHave a monthly photo eye test.
David Fultner says
May 7, 2015 at 9:02 pmI like the Semi-annual lubrication.
Nannypanpan says
May 7, 2015 at 9:10 pmI like the monthly photo eye test tip
mysweetiepiepie says
May 8, 2015 at 11:21 amMy favorite maintenance tip is the monthly reversing mechanism test.
Betsy Barnes says
May 8, 2015 at 12:56 pmMy favorite maintenance tip is the Monthly door balance test. 🙂
nicole dziedzic says
May 8, 2015 at 1:25 pmLove this tip: Apply a small amount of spray lubricant to the door’s hinges, rollers and tracks.
Jenna D says
May 8, 2015 at 9:57 pmThe semi-annual lubrication is a great tip.
Betty Dennis says
May 9, 2015 at 2:12 pmI appreciate the semiannual lubrication tip – it includes exactly what all needs to be lubricated
Jennifer Tilson says
May 9, 2015 at 3:25 pmI like the tip to do a monthly reversing mechanism test. Better to do it with a 2X4 than accidentally with something or someone valuable.
Mary Jacobowitz says
May 9, 2015 at 4:22 pmMy favorite is this tip: Monthly reversing mechanism test .
jacqueline says
May 9, 2015 at 10:01 pmmonthly door balance test
Ashley C says
May 9, 2015 at 11:01 pmI had no idea that you should do
Semi-annual lubrication. Thats a great tip!
CINDY MERRILL says
May 10, 2015 at 2:59 amThis site had some great advice. Explains in detail, too.
Monthly reversing mechanism test (if your door is equipped with an automatic opener system).
Michelle C says
May 10, 2015 at 9:29 amI like the idea of applying a small amount of spray lubricant to the door’s hinges, rollers and tracks on a semi-annual basis.
Peter G says
May 10, 2015 at 11:29 amMonthly door balance test.
Bethany Kingsley says
May 10, 2015 at 1:07 pmSemi-annual lubrication. Apply a small amount of spray lubricant to the door’s hinges, rollers and tracks.
That and the visual test.
Petra Huffmire says
May 10, 2015 at 5:39 pmit’s the easiest to do: Monthly visual inspection
Dawn Monroe says
May 11, 2015 at 4:25 amI think the semi annual lubrication tip and the photo eye monthly tip are helpful.
Annmarie W. says
May 11, 2015 at 12:18 pmI like their tip for using a 2×4 board to do a Monthly reversing mechanism test!
Laura J says
May 11, 2015 at 4:09 pmMine favorite tip is the Monthly force setting test! So important!
Jessica says
May 11, 2015 at 8:42 pmI like the monthly reversing mechanism test tip. It is important for us to remember with a toddler running around.
katie mitchell says
May 12, 2015 at 6:00 amMy favorite tip is the photo eye tip.
Nancy says
May 12, 2015 at 1:39 pmMy favorite tip is to do a monthly visual inspection on your garage door.
Angela P says
May 12, 2015 at 2:36 pmI likthe Semi-annual lubrication tip to apply a small amount of spray lubricant to the door’s hinges, rollers and tracks.
Kathy Davis says
May 12, 2015 at 4:24 pmSemi-annual lubrication is the one that I think we are negligent at.
Alicia says
May 12, 2015 at 4:27 pmThe monthly door balance test
Becky Moore says
May 12, 2015 at 4:40 pmMy favorite maintenance tip is to do a monthly reversing mechanism test
latanya t says
May 13, 2015 at 8:18 amDo Monthly visual inspection.
kyl neusch says
May 13, 2015 at 5:38 pmmonthly photo eye test
Leela says
May 14, 2015 at 3:52 amMonthly reversing mechanism test making sure it’s working properly.
charlene says
May 14, 2015 at 12:16 pmsemiannual lubrication it is easy to forget simple things like that
wen budro says
May 14, 2015 at 4:42 pmMy favorite maintenance tip is the monthly reversing mechanism test. I need to remember to do this for the sake of safety.
Michelle says
May 14, 2015 at 5:37 pmthe monthly photo eye test tip
Lauren says
May 14, 2015 at 5:39 pmDo a monthly visual inspection.
Maria C. says
May 16, 2015 at 2:13 pmMonthly inspection for sure
Robin says
May 17, 2015 at 7:58 amMy favorite tip is semi-annual lubrication, it is important to keep parts of the door working as they should.
Denise S says
May 17, 2015 at 10:48 amI like the Monthly reversing mechanism test tip.
Jessica M. says
May 17, 2015 at 1:32 pmA Monthly visual inspection of your garage door is my favorite tip! Most times people can be so busy they forget this tip, but you can’t go wrong with this tip (I think)!
Cheryl B. says
May 17, 2015 at 3:03 pmI had no idea we needed to oil the door twice a year.
Tina Reynolds says
May 17, 2015 at 3:38 pmI like the tip have a montly photo eye test
Jennifer Reed says
May 17, 2015 at 4:20 pmMy favorite maintenance tip is the semi-annual lubrication. Apply a small amount of spray lubricant to the door’s hinges, rollers and tracks.
Mary Cloud says
May 18, 2015 at 11:06 amMine is the Monthly Reverse Mechanism Test
Stephanie Grant says
May 18, 2015 at 11:58 amMonthly door balance test. If your door is equipped with an automatic opener system: close the door and disconnect the automatic opener. Once you are able to lift the door manually: Lift the door. It should lift smoothly with little resistance and should remain fully open. If it is difficult to open or does not remain open, the door may be out of balance and should be serviced by a trained service technician.
GB says
May 18, 2015 at 12:02 pmI like the monthly force setting tip.
Erica B. says
May 18, 2015 at 2:13 pmI didn’t know about getting it serviced every year.
Elle P. says
May 18, 2015 at 3:06 pmI like the semi annual lubrication tip.
Cori Westphal says
May 18, 2015 at 3:13 pmI think the best tip is to check the automatic stop on the door. Just to make sure it works and stays safe!
Michele Baron says
May 18, 2015 at 3:20 pmI believe the semi-annual lubrication tip is invaluable
Daniel M says
May 18, 2015 at 5:58 pmthe semi annual lubrication tip
Rebecca Orr says
May 18, 2015 at 7:06 pmHa….my favorite is that if you are not comfortable performing the safety and maintenance tasks on your own, to have a professional technician come in and do it! That would be what I would be doing!
Tabathia B says
May 18, 2015 at 8:15 pmI like the monthly photo eye test tip
Tina W says
May 19, 2015 at 2:12 am“Semi-annual lubrication. Apply a small amount of spray lubricant to the door’s hinges, rollers and tracks.”.
We do this twice a year because of the heat here in the desert.
Kim H says
May 19, 2015 at 5:55 amMy husband brushes out cob webs by garage door when needed
sue14625 says
May 19, 2015 at 6:55 amSemi-annual lubrication. Apply a small amount of spray lubricant to the door’s hinges, rollers and tracks.
Erin Ellis says
May 19, 2015 at 10:04 amI didn’t know about all of these tests like the monthly door balance test.
Lisa says
May 19, 2015 at 1:55 pmMy fave tip is the door balance test.
Angela Cisco says
May 19, 2015 at 2:19 pmSemi-annual lubrication. I never knew you should use a small amount of spray lubricant on the door’s hinges, rollers and tracks.
Kimmy Ripley says
May 19, 2015 at 2:40 pmSemi annual lubrication!
Sarh S says
May 19, 2015 at 3:48 pmI never knew about all of the monthly garage door tests and such. I’ll have to let my mom know. To me the most interesting one is the Monthly Balance Test, never would have thought to do that.
Lisa V. says
May 19, 2015 at 5:34 pmMy favorite tip is Semi-annual lubrication.
doug gerard says
May 19, 2015 at 5:37 pmsemi-annual lubrication–I hate anything that doesn’t run smoothly or squeaks
Stephanie Galbraith says
May 19, 2015 at 6:25 pmThe Monthly visual inspection seems like a no brainer.
Sarah L says
May 19, 2015 at 7:14 pmMy favorite tip: Semi-annual lubrication. Apply a small amount of spray lubricant to the door’s hinges, rollers and tracks.
Thanks for the contest.
Stephanie Larison says
May 19, 2015 at 7:58 pmSemi-annual lubrication is my fave tip,, to keep them rolling easily.
Lisa Garner says
May 19, 2015 at 8:31 pmMy favorite tip is monthly door balance test.
laurie murley says
May 19, 2015 at 11:23 pmI like the Monthly force setting test the most
Kim Reid says
May 20, 2015 at 12:55 amMy favorite tip is the Semi-annual lubrication which is applying a small amount of spray lubricant to the door’s hinges, rollers and tracks.
Denise Donaldson says
May 20, 2015 at 7:11 amMonthly visual inspection
cynthia Dawson says
May 20, 2015 at 9:15 amThe tip about monthly photo eye test. never thought about doing that before!
Tish Wilson says
May 20, 2015 at 9:39 amI would have to say the best tip would be the Monthly door balance test. I can already tell you based on invisioning doing that test, that one of our doors must be off balance. Thanks for the great tips!!
Breanne says
May 20, 2015 at 9:45 amI like the balance test tip.
Bridgett Wilbur says
May 20, 2015 at 10:15 amThe semi annual lubricating tip is very important to me and my faimlys safety.
Cherie Montorio says
May 20, 2015 at 10:53 amI think the best tip is to check the automatic stop on the door.
Betty C says
May 20, 2015 at 11:45 amI like the Monthly reversing mechanism test
Donna Hufman Warrington says
May 20, 2015 at 12:07 pmSemi-annual lubrication. Apply a small amount of spray lubricant to the door’s hinges, rollers and tracks I like this one because last year, that’s all ours needed.
Kathleen says
May 20, 2015 at 5:22 pmMy favorite tip was to get your garage door serviced yearly.
kport207 at gmail dot com
heather s says
May 20, 2015 at 5:39 pmYou should apply lubricant twice a year to the hinges rollers and tracks
Susan Smith says
May 20, 2015 at 5:41 pmMy favorite tip is semi-annual lubrication. I never knew you should use a small amount of spray lubricant on the door’s hinges, rollers and tracks
CharityS says
May 20, 2015 at 7:35 pmTip: Semi-annual lubrication. Apply a small amount of spray lubricant to the door’s hinges, rollers and tracks.
Jessica Cox says
May 20, 2015 at 7:59 pmI like the Monthly force setting test
Jerry Marquardt says
May 20, 2015 at 8:41 pmMake sure that you oil the springs and channels at least two times per year, to help maintain and lubricate the door.
Carolyn Daley says
May 20, 2015 at 10:35 pmI like the tip to do a balance test and check the resistance.
Sherry Conrad says
May 20, 2015 at 10:36 pmMy favorite tip is Semi-annual lubrication. Apply a small amount of spray lubricant to the door’s hinges, rollers and tracks.
Sand says
May 20, 2015 at 11:02 pmi wasn’t aware that it should be serviced yearly.
Bryan E. says
May 20, 2015 at 11:17 pmThank You for the giveaway… we do a monthly photo eye test / reversing mechanism safety test !
Amy Deeter says
May 20, 2015 at 11:22 pmthe tip that i enjoyed reading the most was the :Monthly door balance test” tip
Trisha McKee says
May 20, 2015 at 11:52 pmI love the semi-annual lubrication tip.