Garage door maintenance and safety aren’t typically considered by homeowners until there is a problem. However, a bit of upkeep can save you money in the end. With that in mind, we have prepared a checklist for maintaining your garage door that won’t take much time or technical know-how on your part.
Take Preventative Measures
When taking preventative measures to ensure that your garage door does not get damaged, the first thing to do is to weather shield it. Occasionally look for cracks or gaps that could occur. When you see these, make sure to seal them immediately to protect against moisture and weather damage. You can also replace the weatherstripping to prevent rain, snow, and other outdoor elements from getting inside. Insulating your garage door can make it stronger and more durable by protecting it from impact, wear and tear, and the elements.
Examine Pulleys and Rollers
Rollers must be inspected every six months and replaced every 6-10 years. Cracked or worn rollers may need to be replaced sooner. Schedule reminders to inspect the ins and outs of your garage door twice a year or even schedule a professional tune-up.
Keep Everything Lubricated
Once a year, you should spray lubricant on your garage door’s chains and overhead springs. Your garage door specialist can provide the proper lubricant. A few minutes of maintenance helps keep everything running smoothly.
Avoid WD-40
Do not use WD-40 (or any other similar type of penetrating oil) anywhere on your garage door. WD-40 certainly has its place, but it’s not on garage doors. When selecting a garage door lubricant, look for silicone sprays or white lithium grease. Aerosol sprays are your best option for injecting lubricant into small moving parts.
Tighten Hardware
Use a screwdriver or socket wrench to tighten loose bolts, as consistent movement can cause the hardware to loosen over time. Loose hardware can cause the door to jostle or even fall off its track.
Follow Safety Warnings
As previously mentioned, tightening the hardware during garage door maintenance is vital for the garage door’s functioning properly. However, safety problems can occur when working with high-tension hardware. For example, tight cables and springs can cause serious injury by either having your fingers caught or the springs and cables coming loose and flying off. This could hit you or something in the garage that can cause serious harm to your person or break items in the garage.
Organize Your Garage
Preventative maintenance often means taking simple care of your belongings and storage. Organizing your garage helps you keep track of large items. Cleaning your garage keeps dirt and debris from wearing down walls and appliances.
Keep Sensors Clear
Large items located near your garage door sensors can pose a problem to the door’s functionality. Keep the path clean and clear.
Clean and Maintain the Door
Wash your garage door to prevent paint from chipping and the door from wearing down. Clean the tracks of dirt and debris. This will increase the door’s lifespan and improve its appearance.
Test the Reversal
You should test the auto-reversal safety mechanism on your garage door once or twice a year. You can do this by holding an object near the sensor while closing the door. Your door should sense the object and immediately reverse. If it doesn’t, it could pose a safety threat.
Pay Attention
The best way to apply preventative maintenance to your garage door is simply to pay attention. Listen for strange noises, and keep an eye out for inefficiency. This will alert you to potential problems on the horizon.
What should you do if you suspect a problem with your garage?
If you notice your garage door making weird noises or performing poorly, you should call a garage door professional. A repairman can diagnose the problem and fix it before it gets worse or causes serious injuries. If you have questions or think there might be something wrong with your garage door, do not hesitate to call.
We Can Help!
Customers have been putting their trust in Nofziger Doors for more than 70 years. If you find yourself in need of garage door repair or garage door installation, call us today. You will receive prompt service from a licensed professional. With our reputation for dedication and excellent products, we are the garage door repair team you can rely on.