A garage door is one of the most used openings in a home, often opening and closing multiple times per day. With this level of use, it’s important to perform regular maintenance to keep your garage door running smoothly and prevent costly repairs down the road. In this post, we’ll cover some key preventative maintenance tips you can do yourself to extend the life of your garage door.
Lubricate Moving Parts
One of the most important maintenance tasks is lubricating the moving parts of your garage door. This includes lubricating the rollers, hinges, and tracks. Look for areas where there is friction as the door opens and closes. Apply a lubricant made for garage doors, such as silicone spray, about every 3-6 months. This will help reduce noise and keep everything moving smoothly.
Tighten Hardware
Over time, the bolts, screws, and other hardware on your garage door may loosen due to regular use. Check to make sure all the hardware is tight and secure. Pay special attention to hinge screws, roller bracket screws, and track bracket screws. A loose screw could potentially cause your door to malfunction or become unbalanced.
Inspect Cables
The garage door cables are under a lot of tension as they lift and lower the door. Check the cables for any fraying or broken strands. Cables that are worn should be replaced immediately before they snap. Consider having your cables inspected annually by a professional garage door repair company like Integrity Garage Door Repair in Virginia Beach. A cable replacement is more affordable than a repair if a cable were to suddenly break.
Clean and Inspect Sensors
Photo eyes or sensors are safety devices that stop and reverse the door if something passes through the infrared beam. Make sure to clean the lenses of any dirt or debris monthly. Also check that the red light on the sensor is shining brightly when the door is closing. Dirty or misaligned sensors could cause the door not to function properly.
Check Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping around the perimeter of your garage door helps seal out elements and improves energy efficiency. Over time, weatherstripping can break down or lose its seal. Inspect for cracks, gaps, or pieces hanging off. Replace weatherstripping if it shows signs of wear or if you feel drafts coming through the door. Proper sealing extends the life of your door and saves on heating and cooling costs.
Adjust Spring Tension
The torsion or extension springs that lift your garage door place it under constant tension. As springs age, their tension can weaken affecting the door’s balance and function. If your door begins dragging or sticking, it may be a sign the springs need adjusting. Only a qualified garage door technician should adjust springs due to the high tension involved. Consider annual spring maintenance from a local garage door repair company.
Inspect Door for Cracks and Damage
Give your garage door panels a thorough visual inspection, inside and out. Look for any cracks, dents, or damage that could compromise the integrity of the door. Minor issues can be repaired, but severe damage may require panel replacement. Catching problems early prevents further deterioration that leads to more costly repairs down the road.
Test Emergency Release Mechanism
Most garage doors have an emergency release mechanism that allows you to disengage the door from the opener to manually lift it. Check that this feature is working properly by pulling the release and lifting the door by hand. Also make sure the door is re-engaging properly when closing. This safety feature ensures you can still access your garage if the power goes out.
With regular preventative maintenance following these tips, you can extend the life of your garage door by several years and avoid unexpected repair costs. Consider scheduling annual maintenance inspections with a professional garage door company to catch issues before they become problems. Taking care of your garage door is an important part of maintaining your home’s functionality and value.
