Get your garage door ready for a Chicago winter: a 10-minute checklist

The 10-minute checklist

1. Look and listen. Run the door once. Grinding, scraping or jerky movement means something is worn or dry.
2. Check the springs. Look for gaps in the coil, rust, or a spring that looks stretched compared to the other one.
3. Check the cables. Frayed strands near the bottom corners of the door are a warning sign.
4. Reverse test. Lay a roll of paper towels under the door and close it. It should touch and go back up. If it doesn't, stop using the opener until it's fixed.
5. Balance test. Pull the release with the door fully closed, then lift it halfway by hand. A balanced door stays put. If it drops or shoots up, the springs need adjustment. If you're not comfortable doing this, skip it and have it checked.
6. Lubricate. A light spray of garage door lubricant on the springs, hinges and roller bearings. Not the tracks, and not grease.
7. Bottom seal. If you can see daylight under the closed door, the seal is letting in cold air, water and mice.

When to book a tune-up

If anything on the list looked off, or nobody has touched the door in a couple of years, a tune-up costs far less than the emergency call. Ours is $99–$129: lubrication, balance and safety tests, tightening hardware, and checking cables, rollers and the seal.

More about garage door maintenance and tune-up.