Whether it’s to beautify them or make them more habitable, maintaining our homes is something we always do. However, when caring for our homes, we often forget about an integral part: the garage.
Garage door maintenance is an essential part of owning your home. It keeps your garage functioning properly and saves you money on garage door repairs that can cost as high as $1,500, according to HomeAdvisor. Fortunately, you can perform simple DIY maintenance tasks to maintain your garage door. This blog post will share some simple maintenance tips every homeowner should know.
Garage Door Maintainance Tips
Check the Tracks
Your garage door’s tracks are what the rollers ride on to open and close the door. Unfortunately, these tracks can become bent or damaged over time, leading to your garage door malfunctioning and making it unsafe.
Since uneven tracks can pose a safety hazard, inspecting your garage door’s tracks and correcting any problems is essential. Use a level to ensure the tracks are properly aligned and adjust accordingly to reduce the chance of your garage door opening unexpectedly.
Lubricate Rollers and Hinges
Rollers and hinges are crucial moving parts of your garage; lubricating them regularly will ensure they work effectively. In addition, properly lubricating these components helps to prevent damage and prolongs the life of your garage door’s hinges and rollers. Garage door lubricants are available at most hardware stores. However, you can also use WD-40 to maintain the condition of your rollers, springs, and hinges.
Examine the Hardware
Many pieces of hardware go into garage doors, meaning there is a lot of potential for things to go awry. However, you can prevent costly repairs by inspecting hardware regularly and identifying a damaged or malfunctioning piece of hardware before it fails.
Check the bolts and screws to ensure they are secure and not rusting. If they need tightening or replacement, use a screwdriver. Inspect the cables, springs, and pulleys for abnormal wear and proper function.
By performing regular maintenance and inspections, you can prevent hardware problems from growing into more significant issues.
Keep It Clean
Your garage door can become clogged with dirt and grime from rain, wind, dust, and dirt, causing problems with its function. Regularly cleaning your garage door will keep it looking great and protect the hardware and panels.
Clean your garage door with mild soap and water to keep it looking great; avoid using harsh chemicals, which can damage your garage door’s finish. You can use a low-pressure pressure washer to remove any dirt and grime that regular cleaning might have missed. To avoid damage, make sure the nozzle is at least 12 inches from the door.
Test Your Door Monthly
Last but not least, checking your garage door every month is important. It includes checking the balance and testing both the manual and automatic openers.
Press the button several times to open and close your door. You should pay attention to the operation of the automatic opener and listen out for unusual sounds or malfunctions. To test the manual function, unplug the automatic opener. Then, you can manually lift and lower the door to ensure it works smoothly and doesn’t get stuck. You can test the garage door’s balance by disconnecting the opener and lifting it halfway. The door should remain in place and not require assistance.
These simple tips will help you maintain your garage door and keep it running smoothly for many years! If you have any concerns about the safety or operation of your garage door, or you don’t know how to fix an issue safely, contact a professional.
Your Local Garage Door Experts
Locally-owned and –operated, Aiken Overhead Doors, Inc. (AOD) has provided outstanding service & installation in the garage door industry in the North Augusta area since 1980. Our number one goal is to ensure our customer is given the best product at the best price and service.
To learn more about our products and services or schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (803) 279-3859 today!
Sources
https://www.garaga.com/blog/top-10-preventive-maintenance-tips-garage-door-owners
https://doorstoday.com/blog/maintenance/often-garage-door-serviced/
https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/garage-door-maintenance-tips/