Is Your Garage Door Ready for Fall? End-of-Summer Maintenance Checklist

As the final weeks of summer slip away in Southeast Michigan, it's the perfect time to start thinking ahead—especially when it comes to your garage door. Your garage is one of the most frequently used entrances to your home, and it’s also one of the most overlooked when it comes to seasonal maintenance.

With the humidity of August giving way to cooler nights and falling leaves, your garage door system faces unique challenges. Prepping it now helps you avoid costly breakdowns when colder weather hits and ensures your home stays safe, warm, and energy efficient all season long.

Here’s a comprehensive end-of-summer garage door maintenance checklist every Michigan homeowner should follow:

1. Inspect Weather Seals and Bottom Gaskets

Heat, sun, and humidity can dry out and crack rubber weather stripping over the summer months. If your garage door's bottom seal or perimeter weatherstripping is brittle, broken, or missing, you're inviting cold air, moisture, and pests into your garage come fall.

Fix: Replace damaged seals before temperatures drop. It’s a quick fix that significantly improves insulation and energy savings.

2. Test the Balance and Alignment

After months of frequent use, especially during summer vacations and outdoor projects, your garage door may become misaligned or unbalanced. This causes unnecessary strain on the opener and shortens the lifespan of your system.

DIY Test: Disconnect the opener and lift the door manually halfway. If it doesn’t stay in place, your springs may need adjustment.

Important: Always call a professional for spring or cable repairs—these components are under high tension and can be dangerous to handle.

3. Clean and Lubricate Moving Parts

Dirt and dust buildup in rollers, tracks, and hinges can affect smooth operation. Combine that with metal expansion from heat, and your door might start making strange sounds or feel sluggish.

What to do:

• Use a silicone-based garage door lubricant on all moving parts

• Wipe down the tracks and remove debris or cobwebs

• Tighten any loose bolts or hardware

  
  

4. Check the Auto-Reverse Safety Feature

Safety sensors at the base of your garage door should detect any obstruction and reverse the door if something is in the way. This is critical for preventing injury or damage.

Test: Place a paper towel roll under the door. If the door doesn’t reverse upon contact, your system may need calibration or replacement.

5. Examine the Panels for Damage

Look closely at each panel of your garage door. Michigan summers can be hard on finishes due to sun exposure, hail, or backyard activity.

Signs to watch for:

• Cracks, warping, or dents

• Faded paint or finish

• Rust on metal doors

Touching up paint or finishing before fall protects your door against moisture and salt damage in the winter.

6. Clean the Exterior

Keep your garage door looking fresh by washing it with a soft cloth and mild soap. For wood doors, this is also a good time to reseal or repaint if needed.

7. Upgrade to an Insulated Door

If your garage feels like a sauna in summer and a freezer in winter, it might be time to invest in an insulated garage door. With utility costs rising, an insulated door helps regulate your home’s temperature and reduce your energy bills.

Ideal for: Attached garages, converted spaces (gyms, workshops), or anyone looking to boost curb appeal and comfort.

8. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up

A seasonal garage door tune-up ensures all components are in good working order—and gives you peace of mind as the seasons change. Our trained technicians can spot small issues before they turn into major repairs.

At Home & Door, we provide full-service garage door inspections and maintenance tailored to Michigan homes. Let us help you get ahead of fall with proactive care that keeps your garage secure, efficient, and operating smoothly.

Call us today or visit our website for a free quote!Call 248.399.9900