Garage door maintenance is often overlooked, but it is an important part of keeping garage doors in good condition. Your garage door is one of the most heavily used components of your home, and it needs to be able to stand up to a lot of wear and tear. With proper maintenance, door repairs will be few and far between and will last for many years.
There are 10 easy steps routine that you can follow to make sure that your garage door is always in good condition:
1. Watch and Listen to Your Door
The first step is to simply pay attention to your garage door. Every time you use it, take a moment to listen for any unusual noises, like grating and scratching sounds and look for any obvious signs of damage. If you see or hear anything out of the ordinary, it’s time to call for repair service.
2. Check the Balance of the Garage Doors
If your garage door starts to close on its own, or it opens and closes erratically, then there could be an issue with the balance. There must be a problem with the spring tension or the lifting cables. This is a dangerous situation because an unbalanced door could come crashing down, injuring anyone nearby. If you think there might be a problem with the balance, call a garage door repair service to take a look and have your garage door serviced.
3. Clear the Tracks
Check the tracks regularly for debris or dirt and wipe them clean as needed. Garage roller doors, in particular, can be susceptible to a build-up of dirt, which can then prevent the door from rolling up and down smoothly. In addition, any type of object in the path of the door (a toy, a piece of sports equipment, etc.) can cause damage to the tracks or get caught in the moving parts of the door. However, if the tracks are severely damaged, it’s best to call a professional repairs service.
4. Lubricate the Moving Parts
Parts of a moving garage door, such as the rollers, hinges, and springs, need to be lubricated regularly to stay in good condition and prevent rusting. Use a silicone-based lubricant on these parts, as oil-based lubricants can actually attract dirt and debris. Wipe down the guide tracks and spray them with a lubricant such as WD-40.
How often should you lubricate a garage door? All moving parts on your garage door should be lubricated every 3-6 months with a silicon-based lubricant.
5. Tighten Up the Hardware
Loose hardware is one of the most common problems with garage roller doors. Over time, the screws and bolts can become loose and need to be tightened. Check all the nuts and bolts on your garage door to make sure they are tight and ensure smooth operation.
Loose hardware can often create noise when the door is in use. But more importantly, it can be dangerous, especially when you stand underneath, as it can cause the door to come off.
6. Inspect the Hardware Regularly for any Signs of Wear or Tear
The hardware on your garage door is constantly under a lot of stress and can eventually break down. Inspect all the hardware, including the garage door motor regularly for any signs of wear or tear, such as cracks, rust, or damage. If you see any damage, it’s best to replace the hardware to avoid further problems. Garage roller door repairs often involve replacing worn-out hardware and other replacement parts.
7. Check the Weather-Stripping
The weather-stripping is what keeps the elements out of your garage and protects your car from the elements. Inspect it regularly for any cracks or damage and replace it as needed.
Some weather stripping is found at the bottom of the door and can be replaced easily. Weatherstripping for wooden doors is usually nailed shut. Don’t forget to check its condition and reattach or replace it when necessary.
8. Test the Safety Features
Most newer garage doors have safety features that prevent the door from closing if there is something in the way. Test these features regularly to make sure they are working properly and to prevent causing serious injury. Regular maintenance of your safety features is essential for the safety of your family.
Garage door openers have a sensor that sends an infrared beam across the opening of the door. If the beam is broken while the door is closing, door openers will automatically stop and reverse the door. This safety feature is designed to prevent crushing injuries.
To test it, simply place an object in the path of the door and try to close it. The door should stop and reverse when the beam is interrupted.
9. Check the Cables
The cables on your garage door are under a lot of tension and can eventually snap. If you see any fraying or damage, it’s best to replace the cables as soon as possible. Cable repair should only be done by professionals who offer garage door service for sound advice as this can become a safety hazard.
10. Clean and Paint the Door Regularly
To keep your garage door looking its best, it’s important to clean and paint it regularly. Wipe down the door with a damp cloth and mild soap to remove any dirt or grime. You should also repaint the door every few years to protect it from the elements.
Door panels can become faded or chipped over time. To maintain your garage door in tip top shape, consider cleaning and painting your garage door regularly.
Different Types of Garage Doors and How to Maintain Them
Garage Roller Door Maintenance
Garage roller doors have many moving parts, so it’s important to keep them well-lubricated to prevent rust and wear. Wipe down the guide tracks and spray them with a lubricant such as WD-40. Check all the nuts and bolts on your garage door to make sure they are tight and ensure smooth operation.
Check the garage door motor for any signs of wear or damage, and make sure the door is properly balanced. A garage roller door that is not properly balanced can be dangerous and cause damage to your property.
Sectional Door Maintenance
Sectional garage doors have panels that move up and down to open and close the door. These doors are more complex than a roller doors, so it’s important to check all the parts regularly to make sure they are in good working condition. Inspect the springs, cables, tracks, and rollers for any signs of wear or damage.
Slide to Slide Door Maintenance
Sliding garage doors open and close by sliding horizontally on tracks. These doors are also more complex than a roller doors, so it’s important to check all the parts regularly to make sure they are in good working condition. Inspect the springs, cables, tracks, and rollers for any signs of wear or damage.
Side-Hinged Door Maintenance
Side-hinged garage doors are hinged on each side and open outward. These doors are simpler than roller doors or sectional doors, but it’s still important to check the hinges and tracks for any signs of wear or damage. Lubricate the hinges with WD-40 to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
Tilt Doors Maintenance
Tilt-up garage doors are hinged at the bottom and open upward. These doors are also simpler than roller or sectional doors, but it’s still important to check the hinges and tracks for any signs of wear or damage.
Wooden Garage Door Maintenance
Wooden garage doors require more maintenance than other types of doors, as they are more susceptible to damage from the elements. Inspect the door regularly for any signs of rot, warping, or water damage. Repair any damage as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Wondering how often you should replace a garage door? Learn how often you should replace a garage door in our latest post.
If you are experiencing any of these problems, emergency garage door repairs can help.
Bonus Information
How to Service a Garage Door
It’s important to service your garage door regularly to ensure it is in good working condition. If you find any damage or wear, it’s important to repair or replace the parts as soon as possible. If you find your motor working unusually, you may need a new motor.
Servicing garage doors can be done by a professional garage door repair company, or you can do it yourself.
If you decide to do garage door repairs yourself, start by inspecting all the parts for any signs of damage or wear. If you find any damage, it’s important to repair or replace the parts as soon as possible.
To keep your garage door and motor up and running over the long-term, contact The Garage Guys for a complete garage doors repairs service.
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