The Importance of Garage Door Maintenance
Neglecting your garage door can lead to significant problems down the line that may require costly repairs or even replacement.
Garage doors provide security, and convenience, and enhance the curb appeal of your property.
However, like any other mechanical device, garage doors require routine maintenance to keep them in tip-top working condition.
One of the primary reasons why garage door maintenance is essential is safety.
Your garage door is probably the largest moving object in your home, weighing between 300-600 pounds.
A malfunctioning garage door can cause serious injuries or even death if left unchecked.
Regular inspections and maintenance can help identify potential issues before they become major problems.
Another reason why garage door maintenance is important is to extend its lifespan.
Most modern garage doors can last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
Regular lubrication and cleaning of moving parts prevent wear and tear on components such as springs, tracks, and rollers.
The Benefits of Regular Garage Door Maintenance
Benefit 1: Safety
Regular maintenance offers several benefits for homeowners who want to keep their garage doors functioning optimally.
One benefit of regular maintenance is improved energy efficiency.
Over time, weatherstripping on the edges and bottom of the garage door can become damaged, shrink, or get worn out, allowing air leaks that result in higher energy bills.
Inspecting weatherstripping during routine maintenance will alert you to any necessary repairs or replacements that may be required.
Benefit 2: Security
Another reason why regular maintenance is essential is increased security.
A well-maintained garage door provides a physical barrier against intruders attempting to enter your home through the garage area.
Routine checks ensure that all locking mechanisms are secure and functioning properly.
Benefit 3: Home Value and Curb Appeal
Also, regular upkeep increases the value and curb appeal of your home by maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance while keeping everything functional.
Common Problems with Garage Doors
Garage doors are prone to several common problems that homeowners should be aware of.
Problem 1: A Misaligned Track
One common issue is a misaligned track that causes the door to bind or jam. This can occur due to debris buildup, loose bolts, or heavy usage over time.
Problem 2: Worn-Out Springs
Another problem is worn-out springs that cause the door to open or close unevenly, leading to further damage and putting undue stress on other components.
Problem 3: Damaged Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping can also become damaged over time, allowing air leaks and water damage.
Problem 4: Rust and Corrosion
Additionally, rust and corrosion on exposed metal components can weaken the door’s structure and make it more susceptible to dents or cracks.
Regular maintenance can help prevent these issues from getting worse by detecting them early on and addressing them promptly before they cause more significant problems.
High-Level Overview of Garage Door Maintenance
Keeping your garage door in good working condition is essential for the security, safety, and value of your home.
Regular garage door maintenance can prevent costly repairs and replacements down the road.
Here are some basic tips for maintaining your garage door:
Visual Inspection
The first step in garage door maintenance is a visual inspection.
Inspect the door and hardware for wear and tear, such as cracks or dents in the panels or bent tracks.
Check for signs of rust or corrosion on metal parts like springs, hinges, and rollers.
It is also important to inspect the weatherstripping around the perimeter of the door.
The weatherstripping helps to seal out drafts, debris, and pests from entering your garage.
If you notice any damage to the weatherstripping, it should be replaced.
Lubrication
Lubricating all moving parts regularly is crucial to keep your garage door running smoothly.
All metal components should be lightly coated with a silicone-based lubricant at least twice a year.
This will prevent rusting and keep parts from grinding against each other.
Avoid using oil-based lubricants like WD-40 and grease because they can attract dirt and grime which will cause more damage over time.
When lubricating your garage door, focus on these key areas:
– Rollers: Apply lubricant directly to the rollers’ bearings.
– Hinges: Apply lubricant directly onto each hinge’s pivot points.
– Springs: Lightly coat springs with lubricant but avoid spraying too much near electrical components.
– Tracks: Lubricate where the rollers meet each track’s edge.
Buy Garage Door Lubricants on Amazon!
Garage Door Maintenance Schedule
Now that you know what needs maintenance let’s talk about how often it needs doing!
A general rule of thumb is that you should perform a visual inspection annually at least once per year before winter arrives.
And, lubrication should occur twice per year around Fall and Spring.
Routine maintenance can prevent more significant problems from occurring, extend the life of your garage door, and maintain its safe operation.
So be sure to take care of your garage door for your convenience and security!
Garage Door Spring Maintenance
Types of Springs Used in Garage Doors
There are two types of springs commonly used in garage doors:
- Torsion Springs
- Extension Springs
Torsion springs are mounted above the garage door opening and unwind to lift the door, while extension springs are mounted on either side of the door and stretch to provide lifting force.
Torsion springs are generally considered safer and more reliable than extension springs, but both types require regular maintenance to ensure proper operation.
How to Inspect and Maintain Springs
Regular inspection of garage door springs is crucial for maintaining safe operation.
Garage doors take a lot of vibration so loose bolts should be tightened immediately with a socket wrench, as they can cause the spring system to fail.
If you notice gaps or cracks in the spring coils, it’s time to replace them before they break completely.
When it comes time to replace your garage door springs, always use caution.
The tension stored within these heavy-duty components can cause serious injury if released improperly.
It’s best to hire a professional garage door technician with experience in replacing these components.
Garage Door Track Maintenance
How to Clean Garage Tracks
The tracks on which your garage door rollers roll must be kept clean for consistent and smooth operation.
Dirt or debris buildup can cause friction between the roller wheels and tracks that can eventually damage both parts.
Use a clean rag or towel with a mild cleaner like Simple Green or another non-corrosive solution to clean your tracks thoroughly.
Once cleaned, ensure that you dry them off completely with another clean rag before lubricating them.
How to Align Garage Door Tracks
Misaligned tracks can cause jerky motion in your garage door as it opens and closes, increasing wear and tear on all components involved.
To align them correctly:
1) Loosen the screws holding the track brackets in place
2) Adjust each track according to manufacturer recommendations
3) Tighten the screws to hold the bracket in place.
Repeat this process on both tracks and test your garage door to ensure it operates smoothly.
How to Replace Damaged Garage Door Tracks
If you notice severe damage or corrosion in your garage door tracks, it’s time for a replacement.
To replace them:
1) Open the garage door fully
2) Disconnect the door from the wear and tear opening mechanism
3) Remove any screws or bolts holding the track in place
4) Carefully remove the old track and replace it with a new one
5) Reattach mounting hardware and connect the garage door opener.
Proper maintenance is crucial for keeping your garage door functioning smoothly.
By following these simple tips on spring and track maintenance, you can help extend the life of your system while preventing costly repairs down the road.
Rarely Known Small Details on Garage Door Maintenance
Optimizing Garage Door Opener Performance
When it comes to garage door openers, there are a few tips that can help you optimize their performance.
Firstly, make sure the opener is installed in a dry location away from any water sources.
This will prevent water damage and increase the lifespan of the opener.
Additionally, ensure that the opener is mounted on a sturdy surface and securely fastened to prevent vibrations that may cause damage or noise.
Another important aspect of optimizing your opener’s performance is by adjusting its force settings.
If your garage door is not closing or opening properly, it may be due to incorrect force settings.
To adjust these settings, consult your owner’s manual or contact a professional for assistance.
Regular maintenance of the opener is crucial to ensure its longevity and reliability.
This includes lubricating moving parts such as gears and chains, cleaning dust from the motor housing, and ensuring all electrical connections are secure.
If your garage door opener needs to be replaced, read our garage door opener buying guide.
Weatherstripping Replacement
Weatherstripping is an essential component of any garage door as it helps keep out unwanted elements such as rain or wind while also reducing energy costs by preventing air leaks.
Over time weatherstripping can become damaged or worn out and requires replacement.
To replace weatherstripping start by removing the old weatherstripping with pliers or screwdrivers.
Next, clean the area where the weatherstripping was removed using soap and water before allowing it to dry completely.
Then simply attach new weatherstripping by pressing it firmly into place along all edges of the garage door.
It’s important when replacing weather stripping to choose a material that will best suit your needs depending on factors such as climate conditions in your area.
Buy Garage Door Weather Stripping on Amazon!
Dealing with Noises
Garage doors can produce many different noises over time such as creaks or squeaks.
While these noises can be annoying, they can also be a sign of a problem that needs addressing.
If you hear creaks or squeaks when opening and closing your garage door, it may be due to a lack of lubrication or worn-out rollers.
Applying silicone-based lubricant to all moving parts can help reduce noise and increase the lifespan of your garage door.
Another cause for noise could be loose hardware such as bolts or nuts.
Ensure all hardware is tightened properly and replace any that are damaged.
If the noise persists, it’s best to consult with a professional who can identify the source of the problem.
Preventing Rust
Rust is a common issue that can affect different components of your garage door from the springs to the tracks.
Over time rust can weaken these parts reducing their efficiency and eventually leading to failure.
To prevent rust, start by cleaning any debris or dirt from all components of your garage door regularly using soap and water.
Afterward, apply a rust inhibitor lubricant which will prevent oxidation from occurring.
In addition, ensure your garage door is properly painted and sealed as this will provide an extra layer of protection against rust formation.
TIP: Consider investing in galvanized hardware which is less prone to corrosion than other types.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance of your garage door can save you time and money in the long run.
By dealing with noises promptly, proper lubrication, and preventing rust, you can increase the lifespan of your garage door and avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Remember to consult with a professional if you’re unsure about any issues
and
to choose maintenance techniques that suit the climate conditions in your area.
With proper care, your garage door will continue to serve you well for years to come.
