Your garage door isn’t only an essential element of your home; it’s also an investment. Regular maintenance and proper care will prolong its life and avoid expensive repairs. Inattention to your garage door could result in problems, safety risks, and a lower curb appeal.
In this article we’ll outline the top four vital methods to care for your garage door to ensure its optimal performance for the years to come.
Regular Inspection and Lubrication
A regular inspection of your garage door is vital to spotting potential issues before they become serious. Begin by looking at the door and its parts for indications of wear, damage, or a misalignment. Pay attention to cables, spring rollers, hinges, and springs, since these are all typical areas to be concerned about.
In addition, lubrication is crucial to keeping your garage door running efficiently. Utilize a silicone-based lubricant to grease the rollers, tracks, hinges, and springs. Do not use lubricants that contain oil because they draw dirt and other debris, which can cause issues in the future. the need for garage door repairs later on. It is recommended to lubricate the components every 6 months or whenever necessary, depending on use and the conditions in your environment.
Keep the Tracks Clean and Aligned
The tracks play an important part in the functioning the garage doors. As time passes dirt, debris and even small items can get caught within the tracks, creating obstructions, which can affect the door’s ability to move. Clean the tracks regularly using a soft cloth or brush to get rid of any accumulation. Examine the tracks for bends, dents, or other misalignments. These could cause the door to become stuck or to operate in a different way.
If you spot any issues regarding the tracks, for instance gaps or misalignments between sections, it’s important to fix them immediately. Make use of a level to verify your tracks have been aligned. Then tighten any screws or bolts that are loose. When the track is badly damaged or misaligned it’s recommended to seek out an experienced garage door installer technician to make repairs.
Test and Adjust the Garage Door Opener
Garage door openers form the core of your garage door system, offering the control and convenience that modern homeowners count on. Regular maintenance and testing of the opener are crucial to ensuring its functionality and security.
Test the auto-reverse function, which is designed to avoid injuries and accidents by reverse the door in the event of an obstacle.
Set a small object such as a block of wood, along the direction of the closing door. Then open the door. The door should move back after collision with this object. If it does not then you might need to alter the sensitivity settings or check the safety sensors for any obstructions or an alignment issue.
Maintain the weather-stripping
Weather stripping plays an essential part in protecting your garage from the elements and ensuring energy efficiency. In time, the weather stripping will be worn out, cracked, or damaged, which can allow drafts, moisture, and insects to get into your garage.
Examine the weather stripping along the edges of the door and on the bottom for evidence of wear or damage.