Garage doors are an important part of securing property and keeping us safe. The mechanisms can be expensive and complex to install. Therefore, you should ensure you regularly maintain your garage door to extend its life. There are typically three areas of maintenance which include regular cleaning and lubrication, spring maintenance, and opener maintenance. You can hire a professional to check these for you, which can give you peace of mind. However, learning how to do them yourself can save you a lot of money. Below, we will tell you what typical garage door maintenance includes.
Your garage door works on a series of pulleys, springs, and hinges. Like the doors inside, they can begin to squeak and cause stiffness. Therefore, regular cleaning and lubrication are important. Keeping the door clean and well lubricated will prevent the build-up of dirt and grease.
You will know when it’s time to lubricate your door because you will hear it squeaking very loudly. Like most things that cry loudly, if you leave it too long it will end up getting worse. Giving your door a monthly clean and lubrication can help save you money and keep your neighbors’ ears happy.
Although you can pay a professional to carry out these simple maintenance tasks, you will save yourself money by learning how to do it yourself. Firstly, you need to make sure you’re using the correct lubricant. When you’re at the store, there will be an overwhelming choice. However, you should avoid any that boast “rust prevention”. Although they are excellent at keeping rust away, they aren’t the most effective lubricant for the job. If you turn to your manual, you will find information about the best lubrication.
If you don’t have the manual, you should find a lubrication designed for garage doors. Specialized lubrication will penetrate the mechanisms deeply and without sticking. Don’t use too much and make sure you move the parts around to pull the lubrication through. You should be mindful that some garage door parts don’t need lubrication, even if they look like they should. If you’re unsure, consult an expert before getting started.
If you use your garage door regularly, the opener is going to take a beating over time. Therefore, you need to make sure you keep on top of regular opener maintenance. Garage door openers are complex pieces of gear. Therefore, you should have them checked out by a professional every year. After the initial examination, they will offer guidance on how to maintain your door and easy fixes you can try.
Having your door opener inspected at least every two years will provide the following benefits:
● Increased home value. If you are selling your home, the garage functionality will have a large impact on the valuation. Garage doors are a popular criterion for people looking to invest in property.
● Money-saving. Regular maintenance of the opener will help avoid additional problems occurring. Having a professional take a look will mean finding issues before they escalate.
● Improved life of the garage door. When your garage door is working efficiently, your garage door will open and close properly. A smooth operation means there is no unnecessary strain on the moving parts.
Garage door springs are imperative to the proper operation of the door. Although the springs will break in the end, you should keep them maintained to prevent life. As a rule, you will get 15 years out of a new set of springs.
DESPITE THEIR IMPORTANCE, IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO KNOW WHEN THE SPRINGS NEED REPLACING. YOU SHOULD LEARN TO LOOK OUT FOR THE FOLLOWING ISSUES:
● Imbalanced door. Broken springs will cause one side of your garage door to rise and fall at a slower pace. You should use the manual system now and then to check for imbalances.
● Slow movements. Although your garage door won’t move with speed at full operation, you should watch out for changes. Speed reduction can point to spring or motor issues.
● Visible damage. Take a moment to examine the springs on your way in and out. Rust, dirt, and loosened springs are red flags.
● Stiffness. When springs are broken, you may find increased pull when you’re trying to close them.
● Loud noises. When the springs are broken, they may make excessive clunking noises. If this happens, you should stop using the automatic function.
If you notice any of the issues above, you should have your springs looked at by a professional to avoid further issues.
Garage doors are an important part of the home, so making sure they are well maintained is in your favor. You should carry out regular cleaning and lubrication of moving parts. Further, you should have the springs and door opener examined at least once a year.
