How often does a gate or garage door opener need servicing?

The short answer

In the three manuals we read, the interval for the safety check is every six months. CAME asks the owner to test photocells and sensitive edges every six months. FAAC asks for a check of the whole system, including the safety devices and the release, at least every six months, by qualified personnel. Hörmann asks for the safety devices to be checked every six months and says its garage door operator is otherwise maintenance-free. Lubrication has no fixed interval in these manuals, and they disagree about where grease belongs.

What the owner may do

• CAME BX (sliding gates): the manual says periodic owner maintenance is cleaning the photocell glass with a slightly damp cloth (no solvents), checking the safety devices and removing obstructions. To test a photocell, pass an object in front of it while the gate is closing. If the gate reverses or stops, it works. CAME calls this the only maintenance step done with the power on, and it provides a log for the owner to fill in every six months. It also says users must not do anything the manual does not explicitly ask of them.
• Hörmann SupraMatic garage door operator: a visual inspection may be done by the owner. If your garage has no second entrance and uses the optional emergency release, the manual says to check that release works every month.

What needs a qualified person

• FAAC 740/741: "Call in qualified personnel at least every 6 months to check the efficiency of the automated system, safety devices and earth connection." The manual's maintenance section names the release devices and the operator's thrust force too, and says repairs go to authorised repair centres.
• CAME: repairs, adjustments and extraordinary maintenance go to the specialist technical service. A damaged power cable must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service or similarly qualified person.
• Hörmann: inspection and repairs may only be carried out by a qualified person. The manual recommends a professional inspection in line with the manufacturer's specifications but gives no month figure. Its display flashes when the maintenance interval set by the fitter is exceeded.

Cut the power before any work, except the photocell test. Hörmann also tells you to unplug the mains and emergency battery and stop others switching the door on.

Lubrication: the manuals disagree

• CAME: keep joints such as hinges clean and lubricated, and do the same where friction may occur, such as slide rails. If you hear vibration or squeaking, grease the joints as the manual's diagram shows.
• FAAC 740/741: "Do not use grease or other lubricants between rack and pinion."
• Hörmann: the operator is described as maintenance-free, and its toothed belt is tensioned at the factory.

So there is no universal rule. Lubricate only where your manual says to, and nowhere it forbids.

Before you rely on this

We read one model from each brand. The FAAC manual is an older one hosted by a council, and the Hörmann manual (02.2013) is hosted on a retailer's site. Neither is the manufacturer's own page. Other models may differ, and we found no Greek legal inspection interval for private gates or garage doors, so this is manufacturer guidance, not a legal deadline. Your own manual and installer have the final say.

Track it in Epimeleia

Add the gate or garage door opener as an item, set a six-month reminder for the safety and release check, and attach the installer's manual and each service record.