Garage doors need seasonal inspection and maintenance to remain in tip-top condition. While the average garage door can last between 15 to 20 years, it’s still necessary to conduct routine maintenance just as you would on any other home appliance. You can hire a garage door maintenance professional to inspect the door before the beginning of the winter and summer seasons. Regular maintenance is valuable for improving durability and eliminating chances of a garage door repair or replacement. If you’re looking to learn a few garage door maintenance tips, you’ve come to the right place. This article discusses garage door maintenance tips to keep your garage door in good condition.
Watch and Listen to Your Door When it is in Operation
Most problems with your garage door don’t happen suddenly. They begin manifesting in jerky movement with scraping grating sounds. Pay attention to how your garage door feels and sounds when opening. If it doesn’t open smoothly all the way or starts making sounds that were not there before, it’s time to address the issue before it becomes a problem. Sometimes all your door needs is lubrication.
Inspect and Replace Rollers
Inspect the rollers along the edge of your garage door at least twice every year. They can be replaced every five to seven years. During your inspection, be sure to replace any rollers that are worn out, cracked, or chipped. You can remove the rollers and replace them by simply removing the brackets holding them to the door.
Tighten the Hardware
Every time you open and close your garage door, the movement causes it to loosen the hardware. Regularly check the brackets and bolts to see if they are in place. If there are rattling sounds when the door is in motion, the hardware might need tightening. You can use a socket wrench to tighten components as required. However, be careful not to tighten them too much as this could strip the bolts and damage the door.
Lubricate all Moving Parts
The best way to ensure that your garage door remains intact for the longest time is by lubricating moving parts more often. Apply silicon-based or lithium-based grease to the hinges, rollers, armbar, and bearing plates at least twice every year to help keep your garage door opening and closing smoothly and quietly. Avoid using multi-use products as they tend to remove grease. Take a small piece of cloth and tarp to wipe away stains and protect the floor.
Check Pulleys and Cables
Inspect the lift cable and pulleys that connect to the bottom roller brackets. They connect the springs and the door to help lift and lower the door safely. Garage doors come in one of two different types of springs. Extension springs are the skinny springs that run alongside the horizontal portion of each door, while the torsion springs are mounted to a metal rod above the door opening. The two types of cables help lift the door. Garage door experts recommend hiring a professional to check the cables as the high tension part makes it dangerous.
Clean and Paint your Garage Door
Part of maintaining a garage door means cleaning and painting it once in a while. Before you start cleaning, inspect the door and check whether everything is working as it should. If you find cracks or chipping, call a professional to inspect and repair problematic areas. If the door is steel, look for rusty spots that should be sanded, primed, and painted. Fiberglass doors do not require any special cleaners. Wooden garage doors don’t need washing with water; you can wipe the dirt, remove chipped peeling paint, sand and then repaint. If your wooden door does not have weatherstripping at the bottom, ensure it is well sealed and painted before installing a weatherstrip.
