Your home needs a garage door because it keeps it safe, keeps heat in, and keeps the weather out. A garage door, like any other mechanical device, must be taken care of regularly to ensure it keeps working correctly.
Here are some garage door maintenance tips to help you keep it in good working order for years to come.
1. Carrying Out a Visual Inspection
Regular inspections help find problems before they worsen or cause more serious ones. Regular inspections help you take the proper steps as soon as possible to avoid any safety risks or expensive repairs.
During the inspection, you should look for signs of wear and tear on the door panels, springs, rollers, tracks, and other components. For example, look for cracks, or dents, as these can indicate that the door is deteriorating and may need to be replaced. In the same way, check the tracks and rollers for any damage.
It is also necessary to inspect the springs responsible for lifting the door’s weight. The springs can weaken over time, causing the door to lose balance and become more challenging to raise. If you notice that the door is not lifting evenly or requires too much force to open, the springs may need to be replaced.
2. Lubricating the Moving Parts
Lubricating the moving parts can help reduce friction between the different parts, making them last longer and less likely to wear out. Lubrication can also make it easier to open and close the door and put less stress on the garage door opener by reducing the energy needed to move the door.
Also, lubricating a garage door’s moving parts can help prevent corrosion, which can cause the components to rust and become brittle over time. Corrosion can cause the pieces to break or become damaged, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
3. Cleaning the Tracks
Cleaning a garage door’s tracks helps ensure that the door operates smoothly. Over time, dirt, dust, and grease can build up in the tracks, making it hard for the door to move. In some cases, this buildup can even cause the door to become stuck or fall off the tracks.
Cleaning the door’s tracks can keep these problems from happening and make the door and its parts last longer. To clean the tracks, wipe away any dirt or debris with a rag or an old cloth. If there is a significant amount of grease buildup, you can remove it with a household cleaner or a degreaser.
It is critical to note that harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, or high-pressure water are not viable for cleaning the tracks, as they can cause damage to the tracks and the door itself.
4. Checking the Balance of the Door
A door that isn’t balanced puts too much stress on the opener and other parts, which can lead to breakage. An imbalanced door can also cause it to move unevenly, making it difficult to open and close and allowing outside elements such as wind and rain to enter. Furthermore, an unbalanced door can be dangerous if it falls or slams shut unexpectedly.
To check the balance of your door, first, disconnect the opener and manually lift it halfway. The door is balanced if it remains in place. If it begins to close or open on its own, it is out of balance and must be adjusted. Broken or worn springs, rollers, or cables frequently cause unbalanced doors.
Bottom Line
Don’t let a malfunctioning garage door ruin your day. Raynor Door Company can help you ensure the longevity and performance of your garage door. Our team of certified technicians will give you the best garage door maintenance, repair, and installation services.
Contact us today to set up a consultation and take the first step toward a fully functional garage door.