A preventive maintenance program must be carried out on a regular schedule to be effective. The important part of scheduling is to establish a system that works for you, and then be consistent in maintaining it.

Potential problems can be eliminated with a good preventive maintenance program. An exit device that has lost a screw out of the arm, a door closer that has started squeaking, or a deadbolt that turns stiffly can all be potential problems that can be easily repaired if discovered early. If these problems go undetected they may develop into more costly and extensive repairs.