Care & Maintenance of Gates: The Practical Guide 2025
With this guide, you can maintain garage and industrial doors safely, quickly, and easily. Everything is explained in clear steps, including checklists, intervals, and internal links to suitable spare parts.
Directly to the categories: Sectional garage doors · Rollers · Hinges · Springs · Wire ropes · Gap seals · Light barriers · Light grids · Optosensors · Touch-up pens
Safety first
Disconnect the power supply before working on the gate. Secure the gate leaf against accidental movement.
Working on torsion springs and counterweights is risky. If you don't have proper training, hire a specialist.
Wear gloves and safety goggles. Keep the work area clear of obstructions.
Quickstart checklist
- Visual inspection of rollers, hinges, ropes, springs, seals
- Cleaning the guide rails and the closing edge
- Light greasing of the moving joint points, no grease on guide rails
- Functional test of the light barrier and the emergency release
- Check the door and gate leaf for synchronization and exclude any warping
- Tighten screw connections and fastenings
- Update documentation in the maintenance log
Tools and resources
You'll need basic hand tools. Specialized tools simplify the job and protect the components.
base
- Allen key, wrench, screwdriver
- Torque wrench for fastenings
- flashlight, cloth, soft brush
Medium
- Resin- and acid-free oil for joint points
- High-performance grease for bearings and rollers
- Cleaner for rails and seals
Optional
- Color touch-up with touch-up pens
- Replacement seals and clips
Maintenance intervals
The intervals depend on usage and the environment. Heavy traffic or dust will shorten the intervals.
component | Quick check | Thorough maintenance |
---|---|---|
Rollers, hinges | monthly | semi-annually |
Wire ropes | monthly | semi-annually |
Feathers* | quarterly | yearly |
Seals | quarterly | yearly |
Safety sensors | monthly | semi-annually |
*Work on torsion and tension springs only with specialist knowledge.
Basic maintenance in 7 steps
1) Secure the system
Disconnect power. Secure the door against movement. Attach a warning label to the operator.
2) Visual inspection
Check rollers, hinges, cables, and seals. Document cracks, play, and corrosion.
3) Cleaning
Clean the rails with a dry cloth. Avoid leaving greasy residue on the running surface.
4) Lubrication
Lightly oil the pivot points. Lightly grease the bearings. Do not grease the guide rails.
5) Fasteners
Check the screws on the hinges and roller holders . Tighten to the specified torque.
6) Test sensors
Disconnect the photocell . The gate must stop and open. Trigger the closing edge at three points.
7) Test run and documentation
Open and close the gate several times. Check for noise and smooth operation. Record the results in the log.
Lubrication and cleaning
Proper lubrication reduces wear. Too much grease attracts dust.
What to lubricate
- Axles of the rollers
- Hinges pivot points
- Spring bearings, not the spring coils
What to clean
- Rails with a dry cloth
- End strips and seals
- Housings of sensors and reflectors
What to avoid
- No oil on the guide rails
- No high-pressure cleaner on seals and electronics
- No silicone-containing spray on brake surfaces
Test points by assembly
Roll
Rollers must run smoothly. Side play may be minimal. Replace if there are any detent points or flat spots.
Replacements are available in rollers . Check the axle diameter and material.
Hinges and roller holders
Check for cracks and play. Lightly grease the bearings. Tighten the screws.
Spare parts can be found under Hinges .
Wire ropes
Check for broken strands, rust, and elongation. Check ropes in pairs. Check pulleys for free movement.
Suitable ropes: Wire ropes . Pay attention to length, diameter, and end clamps.
feathers
Visually inspect springs. Note any cracks, flaking paint, or uneven seating behavior.
Replacement parts and accessories: springs , clamps and mandrels .
Seals
Clean the bottom and side seals. Replace any porous or torn seals.
See gap seals for sectional doors and door seals .
Safety sensors
Test the light barriers with a test piece. Clean the reflectors. Check alignment.
For industrial doors, shade the light curtains across their entire height. Activate optosensors at three points on the closing edge.

Typical errors and solutions
Gate jerks or squeaks
Check and lubricate rollers. Grease hinges. Tighten screws. Clean rails.
Gate does not close completely
Remove dirt from the rails. Check seals. Check end positions.
Security disruption without any identifiable reason
Clean reflectors. Check sensor cable connections. Test with replacement coiled cable .
Gate pulls crooked
Check wire ropes in pairs. Check pulleys. Avoid using different rope lengths.
Corrosion spots on the door leaf
Clean and dry the area. Touch up with a touch-up pen . Apply a protective film.
Seasonal tips
spring
Remove winter residue. Maintain seals. Check rollers and hinges.
Summer
Pay attention to UV exposure. Check the paint. Adjust the sensors for sun glare.
Autumn
Remove leaves from rails. Clean seals. Keep water drains clear.
winter
Loosen ice from seals, do not tear them. Keep the closing edge clear. Do not strike frozen parts.
Documentation and spare parts warehouse
Document the date, findings, and actions taken. This allows you to plan replacement parts in a timely manner.
Keep frequently used parts in stock. These include rollers, hinges, cables, and seals.
Maintenance log short form Date: __.__.____ Gate No.: ______ Place: __________ Rollers: OK / Exchange Hinges: OK / Exchange Ropes: OK / Replacement Springs: Visual inspection OK Seals: OK / replacement Sensors: OK / adjustment Remarks: ______________________ Signature: __________
Spare parts can be found in the categories rollers , hinges , wire ropes , seals and springs .
FAQ
How often should I service my garage door
Once a year, thoroughly, plus brief visual inspections every three months. More often with heavy use.
Can I adjust springs myself
Only with experience and suitable tools. Otherwise, hire a specialist.
Which parts do I need to lubricate
Pivot points, bearings, and axles. Tracks remain dry and clean.
What do I check on the security technology
Interrupt the light barrier , press the closing edge , shade the light grid over its entire height.
Which spare parts are worth keeping in stock
Rollers, hinges, wire ropes , and seals . This helps reduce downtime.
Next Steps
Schedule an annual maintenance check and three quick checks. Create a small spare parts inventory. Use the categories for quick selection.
- Casters and hinges
- Wire ropes and springs
- Gap seals and door seals
- Light barriers and light grids
- Optosensors and spiral cables
- Touch-up pens