Maintaining your garage door in good condition is essential for its longevity, reliability, and safety. Regular maintenance helps prevent costly repairs and ensures smooth operation. Here are five practical tips to keep your garage door in excellent shape:
1. Inspect and Lubricate Moving Parts Regularly
Regularly inspecting and lubricating the moving parts of your garage door is crucial for smooth operation and preventing wear and tear.
Use a silicone-based lubricant to grease the rollers, tracks, hinges, and springs at least twice a year or as recommended by the manufacturer. Inspect for signs of rust, corrosion, or damage, and replace any worn-out parts promptly to avoid further deterioration.
2. Keep the Tracks Clean and Aligned
Clean the garage door tracks periodically to remove dirt, debris, and accumulated grease that can interfere with smooth door movement. Use a damp cloth or mild household cleaner to wipe down the tracks, and ensure they are properly aligned.
Misaligned tracks can cause the door to operate unevenly or become stuck. Use a level to check the alignment and adjust the tracks if necessary by loosening screws and tapping them back into place.
3. Test and Maintain the Garage Door Springs
The springs of your garage door play a critical role in counterbalancing its weight and facilitating smooth opening and closing. Test the springs periodically by manually lifting the door halfway and releasing it.
The door should remain in place; if it falls or feels heavy, the springs may be worn out and in need of replacement. Garage door springs are under high tension and should only be adjusted or replaced by a professional technician to prevent injury.
4. Check and Replace Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping along the bottom of the garage doors helps seal out moisture, dust, and pests, improving energy efficiency and protecting belongings stored inside. Inspect the weatherstripping annually for signs of wear, cracking, or gaps.
Replace weatherstripping as needed to maintain a tight seal and prevent drafts, especially in colder climates where insulation is crucial for temperature regulation. If you find the weatherstripping peeled from any place, it’s important to get garage repair as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
5. Schedule Professional Maintenance Annually
While regular DIY maintenance is essential, scheduling annual professional garage door’s maintenance is recommended to ensure thorough inspection and tune-up. A trained technician can inspect all components, including springs, cables, rollers, and electrical connections.
They can identify potential issues early, lubricate moving parts with specialized products, adjust tension settings, and perform safety tests on sensors and automatic reversal mechanisms. Professional maintenance helps prolong the lifespan of your garage door’s and ensures safe and reliable operation year-round.
Conclusion
By following these five tips for garage door maintenance, you can prolong the lifespan of your garage door, ensure smooth operation, and reduce the risk of unexpected repairs. Regular inspection, lubrication, cleaning of tracks, testing of springs, and replacing weatherstripping are essential practices that any homeowner can perform to keep their garage door in optimal condition.