How To Take Care Of Your Garage Door

Homeowners should ensure that garage door maintenance is their number one priority. Your garage door is a crucial part of your home because it keeps you and your family safe. Proper maintenance of your garage door keeps it running smoothly. Below are tips to keep your garage door running smoothly and prolong its lifespan.

Observe and Listen to the Door

The first step is to watch and listen to your garage door every time you use it. Listen for scraping noises as it moves up and down. A well-maintained garage door is quiet when in motion and has no jerkiness. Take your time and look at both sides of the system (the pulleys, cables, and springs); make sure they look symmetrical. But, if you notice an issue, inform your garage door technician.

Test the Balance of Your Garage Door

If your garage door isn't correctly balanced, it will affect and damage the opener. The springs should be in a position to balance the door, and the opener should only use a little effort to lift it. 

You can test the balance by pulling the release handle on the automatic opener and lifting the door manually so it remains halfway open. The door should stay in place without your assistance, but if it doesn't, it could be improperly balanced. Contact a professional to help with the springs.

Consider Cleaning and Painting Your Garage Door

Your garage door will most likely take a beating from the scorching sun and harsh weather conditions. If your door is steel, look for rust spots that should be painted, sanded, and primed. Check on warping and water damage for wooden doors. Protect and preserve your garage door through regular cleaning because dirt and grime may build up and affect its functionality.

Grease Up the Moving Parts

Another tip to extend the lifespan of your garage door is to lubricate the moving parts. You can use lithium grease on the chain of the opener, or you can purchase a spray lubricant from a garage door specialist near you. Lubricating the moving parts takes less time and will make your garage door run smoothly.

Clear the Tracks

You should ensure that the tracks are free from rust and debris by inspecting both ways on each side of the garage door. You can use a lever to check whether the tracks are vertical. Call a professional if you need significant track adjustments. 

Tighten the Hardware

Your garage door produces a lot of vibration and movement whenever it is in operation. A lot of action can loosen the hardware and cause your garage door to malfunction. As such, you should inspect and tighten all the bolts and roller brackets with a socket wrench after some time.

For more information, contact a garage door service provider.


Share