An obvious sign your garage door and automatic opener may not be functioning correctly is if you notice strange sounds or jerky movements during operation. A well-maintained door should be quiet as it opens and closes.

You shouldn’t see any bumpiness while it’s in motion, and any scraping noises or irregular movements might indicate a problem. If you’re unsure, contact us—a qualified B&D Accredited technician can identify and resolve the issue before further damage occurs.

You can perform a balance test. Disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle (usually a red cord), then lift the door halfway. If the door doesn’t stay in place, the springs may need attention from a professional. If you’re unsure, we recommend calling a B&D Accredited technican to come and service your door.

Just as you should examine moving parts while the door is operating, it’s important to check the door’s surface regularly. If your door is steel, watch for rust spots; if it’s timber, check for warping or water damage—especially if you live in coastal or high-humidity areas.

Prevent corrosion by washing the external surface regularly using clean water and a soft brush or cloth. This is particularly important for properties near the ocean, where salt spray can build up.

Apply a mild detergent and rinse well. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could strip protective coatings.

For more guidance, see our full garage door cleaning guide.

Inspect the tracks on both sides of your garage door to ensure they’re clear of debris, leaves and rust. You can clean the internal sections with a soft cloth dampened with water.

If you have a roller door, it’s also recommended to polish the tracks to remove any buildup of dirt. Avoid using grease, as this can attract more grime and cause your door to stick.

Also check:

• That the tracks are aligned properly (no bending or misalignment)
• That mounting brackets and bolts are tight and undamaged

For sectional garage doors like the B&D Panelift® or Panelift® Icon, keeping the hinges and rollers well-lubricated reduces strain on your door’s moving parts.

Use a high-quality, all-purpose machine oil like RP7 twice a year. Wipe off any excess to prevent dust from collecting.

Don’t forget:

• Lubricate rollers (if steel), not nylon ones
• Skip the lock mechanism; grease can interfere with operation

Need help choosing the right product? Browse our how-to guides.

A garage door’s springs do the heavy lifting, so they hold a huge amount of energy. Over time, springs can lose tension or wear down, especially with frequent use.

If they aren’t adjusted by a qualified technician, the strain can shift to other components.

For your safety, never attempt to adjust or replace garage door springs yourself. They’re under high tension and can cause injury if handled incorrectly.

The golden rule of garage door maintenance is to never skip scheduled servicing. Maintaining your garage door is as important as servicing your car. Like an engine, your garage door has many moving parts that need to work together seamlessly.

We recommend servicing your door once in the first 12 months, and every two years after that. For motorised doors or those used frequently, yearly servicing is ideal. Enlist a qualified technician to regularly inspect all parts and perform professional repairs if needed.

During a B&D Accredited Service, technicians will:

• Check that your safety sensors are aligned and working
• Inspect the auto-reverse feature by placing an object in the door’s path
• Test spring tension, track alignment and opener force
• Check all areas are clean and have the appropriate lubrication
• Tighten all hardware and ensure weather seals are intact

To book a service, simply call us on 13 62 63 or book online.