If you’ve ever had to call a garage door repairman, you know how expensive it can be. Not only is the cost of repair high, but oftentimes the technician will recommend that you invest in preventive maintenance to help avoid future problems. Luckily, there are a few things you can do yourself to keep your garage door in good condition and extend its lifespan. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most important preventive maintenance tips for garage doors. Read on to learn more!
How to Maintain Your Garage Door
A garage door is a moving object and, like any other moving object, it needs to be maintained in order to function properly. By taking some simple precautions and performing some basic maintenance, you can help keep your garage door in good working order for years to come.
- First, it’s important to regularly inspect your garage door for signs of wear and tear. Look for cracks or splits in the panels, loose hardware, and any other damage that could affect the door’s operation. If you notice any issues, be sure to have them repaired as soon as possible.
- Second, you should lubricate the door’s moving parts on a monthly basis. This will help reduce friction and wear, and prevent the door from becoming seized up. Be sure to use a lithium-based grease, as other types can actually damage the door’s components.
- Finally, you should check the door’s balance at least once a year. An unbalanced door can put unnecessary stress on the opener, leading to premature failure. To check the balance, simply open the door halfway and let go. The door should remain in place; if it starts to close on its own, then it’s not properly balanced and will need to be adjusted.
By following these simple tips, you can help keep your garage door in tip-top shape for years to come!
Tools and supplies to maintain your door
Your front door is the first thing guests see when they come to your home, so it’s important to keep it in good condition.
Here are some tools and supplies you’ll need to maintain your door:
– A hammer and screwdriver for hanging pictures or repairing damage.
– A level for making sure your door is hung straight.
– A tape measure for measuring the door before you buy it.
– A drill for drilling holes for the screws.
– A saw for cutting the door to size.
– Sandpaper for sanding down rough edges.
– Paint or varnish for finishing the door.
– A doormat to catch dirt and grime before it gets on your floor.
– A doorknob or handle that is easy to grip.
– A deadbolt or security chain for added security. By having these tools and supplies on hand, you’ll be able to keep your door looking its best.
Steps to Maintain Your Door
A door is a critical part of your home. Not only does it provide security and privacy, but it also helps to keep out drafts and pests. As a result, it’s important to take care of your door and perform routine maintenance.
Here are a few simple steps that you can take to keep your door in top condition:
- Inspect your door regularly for signs of wear and tear. Look for cracks, holes, or gaps in the construction. If you find any damage, repair it immediately to prevent further deterioration.
- Keep your door clean by wiping down the surface with a damp cloth. You may also need to use a mild cleaner to remove stubborn dirt and grime.
- Lubricate the hinges and latch on your door to ensure that they open and close smoothly. This will also help to prevent squeaking and sticking.
- If you have a wooden door, apply a fresh coat of paint or varnish every few years. This will help to protect the wood from moisture damage and prevent fading or chipping.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your door looking and functioning like new for years to come.
Secure Your Garage Door
Most homes have a garage, and many also have a door that leads from the garage directly into the house. This can be a great convenience, but it also presents a security risk. If your garage door is not properly secured, it provides criminals with easy access to your home.
There are a few simple steps you can take to help secure your garage door and protect your home.
- First, make sure that your door opener is properly installed and working correctly. This will help to ensure that only authorized people have access to your garage.
- Next, check the locks on your door. If you have an old or faulty lock, it may be time to upgrade to a new one.
- Finally, consider installing a security system in your garage. This can provide an extra layer of protection by deterring criminals and sounding an alarm if someone does break in.
By taking these simple precautions, you can help to secure your garage door and protect your home from intruders.
Tighten Hardware
As any homeowner knows, a garage door is an essential part of the house. Not only does it provide security and protection from the elements, but it also helps to keep your home looking its best. However, over time, the hardware on your garage door can become loose, making it difficult to open and close.
In addition, loose hardware can also be dangerous, as it can cause the door to fall off its track. If you notice that your garage door is starting to loosen, be sure to tighten the hardware as soon as possible. This simple task can help to ensure that your garage door continues to operate smoothly and safely for years to come.
Inspect Rollers
Inspecting the rollers of your garage door is an important part of maintaining the door itself. The rollers are what allow the door to move up and down, and if they are not in good condition, the door will not be able to function properly. Inspecting the rollers on a regular basis will help to ensure that they are always in good condition.
There are a few things to look for when Inspecting the rollers.
- First, make sure that they are free of any dirt or debris.
- Second, check to see if they are damaged in any way.
- Finally, make sure that they are properly lubricated. If any of the rollers are not in good condition, they should be replaced as soon as possible.
By Inspecting the rollers on a regular basis, you can help to keep your garage door in good working condition.
Check the Lift Cable
It’s important to check the lift cable of your garage door regularly to make sure it’s in good working order. The lift cable is what helps to raise and lower the door, so if it’s not in good condition, your door won’t be able to operate properly.
There are a few things you can look for to see if the lift cable needs to be replaced.
- First, check for fraying or breaking. If you see any damage, it’s time to replace the cable.
- Second, check the tension. The cable should be tight, but not so tight that it’s putting strain on the door. If the tension is off, it can cause the door to open or close unevenly.
- Lastly, listen for any unusual noises coming from the door when it’s opening or closing. If you hear anything strange, it could be a sign that the lift cable is starting to fail. By checking the lift cable regularly, you can ensure that your garage door will continue to operate smoothly and safely.
Lubricate Opener Hardware
Lubrication is an important part of maintaining your garage door opener hardware. By lubricating the opener hardware, you will help to keep it operating smoothly and prevent it from rusting. You should lubricate the opener hardware at least once a year, or more often if it is located in a humid environment. Before lubricating the opener hardware, you should clean it with a mild soap and water solution.
Then, apply a light layer of lubricant to all moving parts, such as the chain, sprockets, and bearings. Wipe away any excess lubricant, and then operate the opener to distribute the lubricant evenly. By taking this simple step, you can help to prolong the life of your opener and keep it running smoothly for years to come.
Lubricate the Springs:
Lubricating the springs of your garage door is an important part of maintaining your garage door. The springs are responsible for lifting and lowering the door, and over time they can become corroded or damaged. Lubricating the springs will help to keep them in good condition and prevent them from breaking.
You can purchase a special lubricant for garage doors at most home improvement stores. Simply apply the lubricant to the springs, being careful not to get any on the tracks or other moving parts of the door. Once you have applied the lubricant, operation of your garage door should be smoother and quieter.
Lubricate the Garage Door
Lubricating your garage door is important in order to keep it functioning properly. A lubricated garage door will open and close more smoothly, with less noise. It will also be less likely to experience problems such as sticking or freezing. In order to lubricate your garage door, you will need to purchase a lubricant specifically designed for use on garage doors.
You can find this type of lubricant at most hardware stores. Once you have the lubricant, apply it to all of the moving parts on your garage door, including the rollers, hinges, and tracks. Apply the lubricant generously, but do not use so much that it becomes dripping or saturated. Wipe away any excess lubricant with a clean cloth. Lubricating your garage door regularly will help to prolong its life and keep it operating smoothly.
Replace the Garage Door Bottom Seal
The garage door bottom seal is an important component of your garage door system. It helps to keep out dust, debris, and pests, and also helps to insulate your garage. Over time, the bottom seal can become worn or damaged, causing gaps and leaks. If you notice that your garage door bottom seal is damaged, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible.
Replacing the bottom seal is a relatively simple process that only takes a few minutes.
- First, measure the length of the seal and cut it to size.
- Next, remove the old seal and clean the surface.
- Finally, install the new seal by attaching it to the door with screws or adhesive. With a new bottom seal in place, your garage will be better protected from the elements.
Side and Top Weather Strip
Side and top weather stripping helps to seal your garage door and keep out drafts, dirt, pollen, and insects. Side weather stripping is installed on the side of the door, while top weather stripping is installed on the top of the door. Side and top weather stripping are available in a variety of materials, including foam, vinyl, and rubber.
Each type of material has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, foam is less expensive than vinyl or rubber, but it is also less durable. Vinyl is more durable than foam but is also more expensive. Rubber is the most durable type of material but is also the most expensive. When choosing side and top weather stripping for your garage door, you should consider both cost and durability.
Test the Door
Most people don’t think to test their garage door until there’s a problem. But if you want to avoid a costly repair, it’s important to test your door on a regular basis.
There are a few simple ways to do this.
- First, check the springs. There are two types of springs – torsion and extension. If one of these springs breaks, the door will come crashing down, so it’s important to make sure they’re in good working condition.
- Another way to test your door is to open and close it manually. This will help you identify any issues with the tracks or rollers.
- Finally, be sure to test the automatic opener by pressing the button on your remote control. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your garage door is in good working order and avoid any unnecessary repairs.
Improve Door Safety
Garage doors are a staple in most homes, providing security and protection from the elements. However, they can also be a source of danger if they are not properly maintained. Every year, there are reports of people being injured or killed by garage doors that collapse or fall on them. In order to prevent these tragedies, it is important to take some simple steps to improve garage door safety.
- First, make sure that the door is balanced and does not wobble when opened or closed.
- Second, inspect the door regularly for any signs of damage, and have any repairs made as soon as possible.
- Third, never try to force the door open or closed if it seems to be jammed, as this could cause the door to collapse.
By taking these precautions, you can help to ensure that your garage door is safe for everyone in your family.
Conclusion
Garage door maintenance is an important part of owning a home. By following some simple preventive maintenance tips, you can help keep your garage door functioning properly and looking good for years to come. Have you ever performed any routine maintenance on your garage door? Let us know in the comments below!
References:
Checklist: Preventative Maintenance for Your Garage Door
Everything you need to know about Garage Door Preventive Maintenance Program
The Advantages of Having a Preventative Maintenance Program in Place for Your Garage Door
