Garage Door Maintenance
Many people are under the impression that a garage door lasts a long time. While this can be true, it can also be false when a homeowner neglects to properly maintain their garage door. A well-maintained garage door can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, or even longer, depending on its quality and how frequently you use it.
However, an unmaintained garage door will only last half of its potential lifespan. You will experience premature wear and tear, frequent breakdowns, and reduced functionality, resulting in costly repairs or early replacement. Holding off on garage door maintenance will result in a myriad of problems, all of which can be avoided with Prime Garage Door Repair or by using the following maintenance tips.
Tips
Inspect Your Garage Door
Before you can maintain your garage door and restore it to full functionality, you must first inspect it. You should do this periodically to check for any signs of wear, damage, or misalignment. This inspection will help you notice any issues before they worsen, whether they are frayed cables, bent tracks, loose hardware, or worn-out weatherstripping.
Lubricate Any Moving Parts Regularly
After inspecting your garage door, you should lubricate its moving parts. Lubrication is essential for every moving part, reducing friction on rollers, springs, and any other components. Without it, however, your garage door will have strange grinding noises and move much slower than normal.
Tighten Any Loose Parts
As your garage door ages, it’s natural for its parts to loosen. To maintain optimal performance and, most importantly, your safety, it’s essential to periodically tighten your garage door’s bolts, nuts, and screws. Neglecting this simple maintenance task could result in your garage door slowing down over time or, even worse, becoming a safety hazard. By taking the time to tighten these loose parts, you can ensure that your garage door will operate more smoothly, giving you peace of mind.
Regularly Clean Moving Parts
Not only do your moving parts need to be tightened, but they also need to be properly cleaned. Keep the moving parts of the garage door clean and free from debris; otherwise, it will affect the performance of your garage door. Be sure to wipe down the rollers, hinges, and springs consistently. You will also need to clean your tracks, or else it could lead to dents and an improperly aligned door.
Test The Garage Door’s Balance
The alignment of your garage door is essential to its performance. That is why you should test the balance of the garage door. First, you should disconnect the opener to avoid any unintentional activation. Then, manually open the garage door halfway and let go. If it stays in place, your garage door is properly balanced. If it falls or rises, it may need adjustment by a professional. Additionally, ensure the door is properly aligned and moves smoothly along the tracks.
Maintain The Garage Door’s Weatherstripping
Every garage door needs well-maintained weatherstripping. In order to keep it in good condition, inspect and replace the worn-out weatherstripping. Doing this prevents moisture from destroying your belongings and allows you to control the temperature of your garage. Maintaining the weatherstripping will also keep pests out of your garage and not disrupt your day.
Maintain Your Garage Door Opener
Your garage door opener also plays a pivotal role in the functionality of your garage door. When it’s neglected, you will notice many problems, whether it be jerky door movements, malfunctioning operation, or your door breaking down completely. To avoid these issues, you need to regularly test the safety features of your opener, adjust the force and travel limits of your opener, and periodically replace your opener’s batteries.
