You never realize how important garage doors are until they are broken, or a part is not functioning as it should. Usually, it is then that we scramble to fix it or call professional servicemen for help. However, with proper garage door maintenance, it is possible to minimize or even eliminate repairs! In fact, with a little time and care, you can even take care of your garage door and make sure it is in tip-top condition. Read this guide on how you can maintain your garage door for a safe and seamless experience.
Watch and Listen to the Garage Door
It does not take much to observe how your garage door closes. Is it closing with a strange, jerking motion? Is it emitting sounds that you have not heard before? Is it not fully closing or opening? It pays to take note of these early signs of wear and tear before they become a bigger issue. In fact, if your moving parts are not in order, there is a quick fix…
Lubricate the Moving Parts of the Garage Door
When you notice that your garage doors don’t close with ease, it may be a good idea to lubricate them. In fact, this should be done on a regular basis. Experts recommend that you do this every six months using white lithium grease. With a spray can, you can apply the grease on your rollers and hinges as well as the springs. Do remember to wipe off the excess. With just a little bit of lubricant applied at regular intervals, you can reduce the stress on your load bearing moving parts.
Screw up Loose Parts
If you think about it, your garage doors are doing a lot of work. Opening and closing thousands of times throughout the year. The hardware is bound to become a little loose. With a screwdriver and knowledge of how to screw up loose parts, you can keep your garage door working smoothly. In fact, it may be a good idea to go through the manual of your garage door which will give you a better idea of where the screws are. We urge you to be exceptionally cautious if you decide to fiddle with the torsion springs. Flying metal parts invariably cause accidents and are best left to experts.
Make Sure the Door Is Properly Balanced
The way you can test the balance of your door is by manually lifting your door till it is about halfway open. You should not be using more than a few pounds of force to open it. Moreover, the door should remain open on its own without your support. If the door closes, chances are that your springs are old and in need of replacement.
Ensure that the Auto-Reverse Is Working
This is a safety feature designed to prevent accidents by reversing the movement of the garage door when there is an object obstructing its path. To test it, just place your foot under the door as you close it shut. It should automatically change directions.
Garage door maintenance should be a part of your regular home maintenance routine so that the garage door can be kept in tip-top condition and be used for many years to come.