The Importance of Maintence for Garage Doors on the Coast
Living near the beach in Santa Cruz has its perks. Ocean views, fresh air, and laid-back living. But for your garage door? All that salt, moisture, and fog can take a toll. Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your garage door running smoothly and avoiding surprise repairs.
Here’s a simple guide from Aaron Overhead Door you can follow to take care of your garage door like a pro. We have been fixing and installing garage doors near Santa Cruz since 1968.
1. Clean the Exterior Every Few Months
Salt air leaves behind a thin film that can speed up corrosion, especially on metal parts.
What to do:
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Mix mild soap with warm water.
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Use a sponge to clean the panels, then rinse with clean water.
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Dry with a towel to prevent water spots.
🛑 Skip pressure washers because they can damage paint or seals.
2. Lubricate the Moving Parts
Lubrication is especially important for coastal homes. Humidity can cause rollers and hinges to squeak, grind, or stick.
Use a garage door-safe lubricant (not WD-40) on:
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Rollers
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Hinges
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Springs
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Tracks
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Chain or screw drive
Pro Tip: Do this every 4–6 months for smooth operation.
3. Check for Rust or Corrosion
Santa Cruz fog and mist can lead to rust faster than you’d expect, especially on untreated hardware.
Inspect:
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Springs
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Brackets
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Bottom of the garage door (check for bubbling paint or orange spots)
If you spot rust early, sand it off gently and touch it up with rust-resistant paint.
4. Keep the Tracks Clean
Salt and sand can build up in the tracks and cause your door to go off-balance.
What to do:
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Wipe tracks with a clean, dry rag.
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Use a small vacuum to remove sand or grit.
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Avoid grease—it attracts more grime.
5. Test the Safety Features
Garage door safety is no joke. Here’s how to make sure yours is working properly:
🟩 Photo eye sensors – Wave something in front of them while the door is closing. The door should reverse.
🟥 Auto-reverse – Place a small object (like a 2×4) under the door and close it. It should stop and reverse on contact.
When to Call the Experts at Aaron Overhead Door
DIY maintenance is great, but some things should always be left to a licensed technician:
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Spring adjustments
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Cable replacements
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Motor issues
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Noisy or shaky operation
We recommend scheduling a professional garage door tune-up once a year, especially if you’re near the water.
Need Help? We’re Right Here in Santa Cruz
At Aaron Overhead Door, we offer garage door maintenance and tune-ups tailored to coastal homes across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and surrounding areas. We know what salt, fog, and sun can do and we help you prevent problems before they start.
📞 Call us today at 831-219-8648 to schedule your annual service or get a same-day complimentary repair quote.
