Garage Door Repair & Maintenance Tips for Edmonton Homeowners

Your garage door is one of the hardest working parts of your home — opening and closing many times a day, exposed to Edmonton’s shifting seasons, snow, ice, and temperature extremes. Over time, wear and tear is inevitable. But with regular repair & maintenance, you can extend the life of your garage door, avoid costly breakdowns, and keep your home safer and more efficient.

At Asmara Garage Doors, we specialize in fast, reliable same-day repair services across Edmonton for all makes and models. Asmara Garage Door Repair Below are proven tips and best practices to help homeowners like you keep your garage door in top shape.

1. Inspect Components Regularly

A little vigilance goes a long way. Every few months, do a visual check of these parts:

• Tracks & rollers — Look for dirt, debris, bends, or signs of rust.

• Springs & cables — Check for fraying, cracks, or uneven tension.

• Hinges & brackets — Make sure none are loose or damaged.

• Weather stripping & seals — Ensure gaps are sealed, keep drafts and moisture out.

• Sensors & safety mechanisms — Clean lenses, check alignment.

• Door balance — Manually open/close (with power off) to see if it moves smoothly and is balanced.

Asmara’s maintenance service includes inspection of all of these: rollers, springs, brackets, cables, hinges, motor, sensors, and weather stripping.

2. Lubricate Moving Parts

Friction is a major cause of wear, noise, and inefficient operation. Use a silicone-based or garage-door lubricant (not WD-40) and apply lightly to:

• Rollers (especially the bearings)

• Hinges

• Spring coils

• Tracks (but keep very minimal on the sliding surface)

Do this twice a year or more if you hear squeaking or feel stiffness.

3. Keep Tracks Clean & Aligned

Dirt, ice, or debris inside tracks can disrupt smooth movement. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove buildup. If a track looks bent or misaligned, call a professional — adjusting tracks improperly can worsen the problem.

4. Test & Adjust Door Balance

An unbalanced door puts extra strain on the motor, springs, and cables. You can test:

1. Disconnect the opener (pull the release cord).

2. Lift the door manually about halfway.

3. It should stay put. If it falls or rises, the balance is off.

If it doesn’t stay in position, don’t force it — call a repair technician to adjust spring tension safely.

5. Examine & Replace Worn Parts Promptly

Parts like springs, cables, rollers, or weather stripping eventually wear out. Don’t delay replacement:

• Springs are under very high tension and can break suddenly (dangerous to DIY).

• Frayed cables, broken rollers, or cracked hinges can cause misalignment, damage, or accidents.

• Failing to replace worn parts often leads to more costly repairs down the line.

Asmara offers services like spring replacement, cable replacement, sensor replacement, and full repair packages. 

6. Test the Safety Features

Modern garage doors come with built-in safety mechanisms. Test monthly:

• Auto-reverse: Place a block or object (e.g. a 2×4) on the threshold. When the door closes, it should reverse upon hitting the block.

• Photoelectric sensors: Ensure the safety eyes are aligned and unobstructed. The door should stop or reverse if the beam is blocked.

If these fail, it’s a serious hazard — call in a technician immediately.

7. Address Noises, Vibrations & Unusual Sounds Immediately

Any new grinding sound, shake, or irregular noise is a warning sign. These can indicate:

• Worn bearings in rollers

• Loose hardware

• Misaligned tracks

• Motor strain

• Broken or weak springs

The sooner you address such issues, the less likely they’ll escalate into a major repair.

8. Seasonal Maintenance: Preparing for Edmonton Winters

In Alberta’s climate, seasonal maintenance is especially important:

• Before winter: Apply extra lubricant, clean tracks, check seals (ice and snow can damage seals).

• During winter: Clear snow/ice around your door opening, avoid slamming the door, and allow the door to warm up before heavy use.

• Spring: Rinse away salt/debris, re-inspect parts, and tighten any loose hardware.

Asmara offers seasonal maintenance packages to keep your garage door ready through Edmonton’s extreme weather. Asmara Garage Door Repair

9. Know When to Call the Pros

Some tasks are okay for a handy homeowner. But these issues demand professional support:

• Broken or risky springs

• Cable replacement

• Track realignment

• Motor or opener issues

• Major parts replacement

Asmara prides itself on prompt, transparent, and professional service. We provide upfront quotes and inspect all components before repairs. 

10. How Asmara Can Help

At Asmara Garage Doors, we’re committed to ensuring your garage door is safe, efficient, and long-lasting. Our services include:

• Same-day garage door repair across Edmonton 

• Spring, cable, sensor, and motor replacements

• Regular maintenance and tune-ups to prevent breakdowns 

• Full garage door installations & replacements when repair isn’t cost-effective 

Contact us at 780-394-8125 or via our website form for a complimentary inspection and honest quote.