Just like your car, your garage door needs a little TLC. When was the last time you gave yours a good once-over? It is, after all, the largest moving part of your house.
From noisy operation to safety concerns, neglected garage door upkeep can cause all sorts of problems – and cost you a pretty penny in repairs. But with a little preventative maintenance, you can avoid these common problems and keep your garage door in tip-top condition.
Let’s take a deep dive into garage door maintenance.
1. Regular Cleaning
How often do you clean your car? Every two to three weeks? We bet most Aussies give their car some TLC more often than that.
While your garage door maintenance isn’t as demanding, it needs regular cleaning. Like your car, its protector attracts and accumulates dirt and debris, which may lead to operational issues. Dirt can clog the tracks and other moving parts, which might prevent your garage door from opening.
So, at least once every two months, set some time aside for your garage door upkeep. Clean your garage door with a mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge. Wipe down both the exterior and the interior panels. This will prevent any build-up that might obstruct the door’s parts.
2. Lubricate Moving Parts
Your garage door has many moving parts, like rollers, hinges, and springs. All these parts must be in sync to open and close the door. Regular lubrication protects these moving parts from excessive wear.
Silicone lubricants and white lithium grease are two of the popular choices. Unlike oil-based lubricants, silicone does not attract dirt and debris, which makes it ideal for garage door maintenance. On the other hand, lithium grease is designed for metal-on-metal lubrication and harsh weather conditions. The jury is still out on which is the best.
You can ask your garage door repair expert. They might recommend a good-quality, locally available lubricant. Whichever grease you use, apply it to rollers, springs, and the hinges on your panels. Lubricate all moving parts at least twice a year. This should keep your garage door working smoothly.
3. Inspect and Replace Weather Stripping
The weather stripping on your garage door is a critical barrier against external elements such as water and wind. It even prevents small critters from entering your garage. It’s located along the sides and at the bottom of your garage door.
Check weather stripping during your garage door maintenance. Over time, the stripping can become cracked, brittle, or worn out as it constantly gets exposed to weather elements. Inspect the stripping for signs of wear or damage. It’s also necessary to check the stripping for any gaps. Gaps can let the cold draft in during winter and make your garage less energy efficient.
Use a good-quality sealant to close the gaps or cracks. However, if the weather stripping is missing or damaged beyond repair, you might need to replace it. In that case, it’s better to call in a professional for your garage door service to replace the weather stripping.
4. Check the Springs
Springs are perhaps the most critical component of your garage door. Springs make lifting and lowering the door easy. As they are under a lot of tension, springs are prone to wear and tear over time. In fact, a broken spring is one of the common reasons your garage door might get stuck.
Once a year, check the tension in your springs. However, if you notice any issues, it’s best to call a professional garage door service provider. It can be dangerous to replace the springs on your own. Call a pro as soon as possible to get your door working smoothly again.
5. Test Your Garage Door Safety Features
Modern, automated garage doors have safety features like auto-reverse and sensors that detect obstacles. These features protect your family and pets.
According to Merlin’s survey, almost 10% of people surveyed had a family member or pet injured by their garage door. In other words, you have to make sure the safety features are working correctly. It’s a simple test.
Place a roll of paper towels in the path of the door. Now close the door and see if it reverses when it touches the paper towels. If it doesn’t, your safety features are likely in shambles. You will need to call a garage door repair expert to fix the sensors.
6. Tighten Up Hardware
Your garage door has many moving parts, from the tracks and rollers to the hinges and brackets. Over time, the vibrations and constant movement can cause hardware parts to loosen. Your routine garage door maintenance should include tightening all bolts and brackets.
A loose bolt can cause the door to operate unevenly and create stress on other parts, potentially leading to more significant damage. It’s a good idea to check these components at least twice a year. This small check can extend the life of your door and prevent unexpected breakdowns, saving you from costly repairs down the line.
7. Address Noises Promptly
Many garage doors make noise when opening and closing. But if your garage door starts making unusual noises, it might mean something is wrong. Watch out for unusual noises during your maintenance check.
Grinding or squeaking noises can indicate that hardware parts are too tight or too loose. Typically, lubrication or tightening and loosening the hardware can solve this issue. If not, call a local garage door service provider promptly. Pros can catch the potential issues before they turn into a disaster.
8. Schedule Professional Inspections
DIY inspections are an excellent way to keep your garage door functioning smoothly. These can handle many aspects of preventive maintenance. However, have your door professionally inspected at least once a year.
For one, pros often have a more comprehensive maintenance routine. Secondly, a garage door service technician can catch issues you might have missed. Technicians have more experience and training. They can handle challenging tasks like changing your springs or a broken panel.
So, call them for a thorough inspection at least once a year.
To Sum Up
For a proactive garage door maintenance routine follow these simple steps. But, whenever you feel out of depth, call an experienced garage door service provider. They will check your door carefully and make the necessary repairs.
Need professional garage door maintenance? Filip’s Garage Doors offers installation, repair, and maintenance for all residential and commercial garage doors. Call 08 8555 4269 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a visit.
