Easy to Do Garage Door Maintenance Tips!
As with any mechanical device, your garage door’s regular upkeep can help you avoid costly repairs and replacements down the road. Furthermore, it is critical to keep your garage door in good working order so that it can continue to function smoothly and safely. Fortunately, there are a few do-it-yourself solutions for keeping your door in good working order, and the following post will walk you through each of them.
Visually inspect your garage door
Every six months, inspect the front of your door for fading, scorching, cracking, or flaking. Keep an eye out for any dents or cracks in the panels that could allow moisture to enter and promote mold growth. Check the door’s balance by pulling the release handle on the opener and physically lift the door until it is halfway open. If it does not remain up, you should have it inspected by an expert.
Clean debris and stains off the door
With a mild liquid soap (such as car-washing soap or dish-washing soap) and water, clean the door surfaces and windows of your garage. Using a sponge, towel, and/or soft brush, clean the interior and exterior. Detergents that are harsh or abrasive should be avoided as they can harm the door's painted surface and the seals. Wax the door every six months to protect its finish.
Inspect all the moving parts in the garage door system
Examine the metal and plastic components for any damage that could cause the door to break again and shorten its lifespan. Check for chips or cracks in the rollers along the garage door's edge, as well as the top and bottom brackets that hold them in place. Check for any damage or rips in the cables and pulleys attached to the garage door's bottom roller brackets. Check for bending and rust on the springs bar. Inspect the hinges for signs of wear or damage and, if necessary, replace them with the help of a professional.
Inspect the garage door opener
The remote's batteries should be tested and replaced if necessary. Check the backup battery and change it if the opener doesn’t work. Check the light bulbs that come with the opener and replace them if needed. To operate the door properly, inspect the opener's motor gears in the belt and chain drive for symptoms of deterioration and verify the tension. Examine the wire coating for any tears or cracks.
Test the auto-reversal features
Using a length of string or wire long enough to draw a line between the sensors, check the alignment of the photo eyes. This line should run parallel to both sensors' sides. With a soft dry cloth, clean the photo-eyes of any obstructions such as dust or grime. Objects obstructing the photo-eye’s path should be kept away from the entrance.
Lubricate every part that moves
Apply a spray silicone lubricant or specialized garage door lubricant on the metal components once every six months, including the hinges, metal rollers (nylon rollers do not require lubrication) arm bar, and bearing plates. WD-40 and other petroleum-based lubricants should be avoided since they tend to accumulate dirt and debris. Lubricate springs and the spring shaft; after lubricating and cleaning your garage door, open and close it a few times to distribute the lubrication evenly across all surfaces.
Garage Doors 4 U Longmont offers quality garage door services in Longmont, CO, and the surrounding areas. We have been providing professional garage door repair and garage door installation services for more than a decade, so you can trust us to get the job done right. Call today to schedule a garage door maintenance appointment or request free estimates online.