Your garage is essential to your daily routine, providing storage space and easy access to your home. Therefore, keeping your garage door in the best possible condition is necessary. Regular maintenance can help prolong the lifespan of your garage door and prevent expensive repairs in the future. Follow these tips to ensure your overhead door has been functioning smoothly for years.
- Observe Door
The first step in garage door maintenance is to identify any obvious issues with the door. Test the door by opening and closing it automatically and manually. Listen to the sound of the door and check for any unusual noises or jerky movements. Pay attention to the door’s weight and any visual or auditory signs of malfunction. If you notice any issues, address them promptly.
- Clear Tracks
Spraying tracks with a lubricant and gently cleaning them with a damp rag can keep them clear of debris. It is best to leave significant adjustments or repairs to professionals to ensure the tracks are safely and correctly repaired.
- Tighten Hardware
The nuts and bolts can become loose over time due to the vibrations caused by daily use of the garage door. Use a socket wrench and screwdriver to tighten nuts, bolts, and roller brackets. However, it is crucial not to overtighten hardware, leading to damage and faster wear on the components. Leave the red-painted hardware or hardware located on the bottom roller fixture to professionals.
- Check Cables
Visually inspect cables for frays, tears, and other damage. Damaged lines can cause strain on the door parts and pose a safety hazard to anyone using the garage door. Avoid adjusting or repairing the cables yourself. If you see frayed or broken cables, contact a technician.
- Inspect Rollers
Garage door rollers guide the door smoothly along the track. Inspect rollers for cracks, chips, and wear, and replace them if necessary. Make sure to keep rollers clear of debris along with the ways for the best operation.
- Lubricate Hardware
Moving garage parts need regular lubrication to reduce friction and wear. Use garage-door-specific lubricant to treat the springs, hinges, rollers, tracks, and opener chains. Proper lubrication will keep your overhead door components moving smoothly and correctly.
- Test Balance
An imbalance in your garage door puts extra stress on the other components. To test your door’s balance, close it entirely and disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle — typically a red cord. Then lift the door manually until it sits halfway open and let go. If your door is correctly balanced, it will stay half-open.
- Replace Weatherstripping
Replacing a cracked or brittle weatherstrip can help protect your garage from water damage and keep the outside from getting in. Weather seals also keep air from flowing between your garage and outside, saving you money on energy costs and maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the space.
- Test Safety Features
Check the photoelectric sensor and mechanical auto-reverse features to prevent your garage from closing on objects and causing safety problems. Test these features at home using a few household objects. If either of these features fails to reverse, contact a professional to look at your safety features.
- Clean Door
Wash the garage door with mild soap and a wet cloth to remove all grime and debris on both sides of the door. Steel doors can form rust spots, which you must sand and repaint. Wood doors can warp when exposed to water damage, so look for bending in the door. Wood also needs regular repainting or restaining to protect the wood.
Taking care of your garage door is vital to ensure it operates smoothly and safely. If you encounter any issues with your garage door while maintaining it, contact a professional technician to repair it. At Precision Overhead Garage Door Service, we provide reliable and efficient garage door repair services.