Garage door maintenance is also overlooked as a minor item on the household to-do list. Your door could operate smoothly for years, incurring few costs besides its initial installation, with just a little bit of care and consideration. Whether your garage is ancient and on its last legs and you want to extend its life, or brand new and you want it to last, this guide will give you the 10 essential tips you need to know.
1. Be observant
As with most things, it is helpful to check if it is working smoothly every time you operate it. Watch out for jerky or wonky movement, and listen out for scraping, grinding, squeaky or other unhealthy noises.
2. Check the safety features
Safety, as always, is paramount. A big heavy door could come down on you or someone else and that is the last thing you want. If your garage door has an automatic opening system then it should also have a safety reversal mechanism. Some work with lasers, others detect obstructions mechanically. Either brush past the sensor/laser as it shuts or block the door with a plank of wood to check that it stops and reopens correctly.
3. Test the balance
An imbalanced door will put added strain on all parts (especially the opening mechanisms), increasing wear-and-tear and reducing their life-expectancy. To test this, disconnect the automatic opener (if you have one), and manually open the door to roughly halfway. If the garage door doesn’t stay opened, then the counterweight springs will need professional adjustment.
4. Replace the rollers
You should inspect the rollers on your garage door at least twice a year, looking for cracks, chips and wear-and-tear. Damaged rollers should be replaced.
5. Keep an eye on the weather stripping
The rubber seal at the bottom of your garage door can become cracked and brittle over time. Replacing it regularly will save your belongings from the elements and save a lot of money on heating bills.
6. Lubricate
Lubricating the moving parts will ensure your garage stays efficient and there is no unnecessary friction to cause wear-and-tear. The chain, door track and spring don’t need lubricating, but all other moving, metal parts should be lubricated regularly with silicone based lubricant.
7. Check the cables
The cables used to open and hold the door are under very high tension and you should regularly check that they are taut. If they are in poor condition, then call a professional. Don’t attempt to fix it yourself.
8. Tighten bolts
Vibration from the repeated opening and closing of the garage will cause hardware to loosen. Check and tighten any loose bolts and roller door brackets.
9. Keep the tracks clean
You should often clear out any debris or obstruction to the tracks to keep it running smoothly.
10. Don’t neglect the door itself
You should wash your door regularly and check for any damage from the weather. Wooden doors can warp and steel doors can start to rust.
Contact AllStyle Garage Doors & Window Shutters today for all your garage door’s needs when skills and expertise are needed to keep it working at its best.