It’s easy to take your garage door for granted, but this frequently used feature needs regular TLC just like any other part of your home. Here are some key steps you can take in order to avoid repairs and keep your garage door working optimally for its full lifespan.
Make Annual Garage Door Maintenance a Routine
The cardinal rule of garage door maintenance is to do it regularly. You should evaluate, condition, and perform any necessary garage door repairs at least once a year—and ideally, twice.
It can be helpful to tie this to other routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning your gutters or winterizing your lawn and garden. If you pair your garage door tune-up with another essential job, you’re less likely to forget or delay either task.
Inspect and Assess any Issues
The first step of your maintenance routine should be to inspect all parts of your garage door. This includes the door panels (inside and outside) as well as the:
- Springs
- Tracks
- Rollers
- Sensors
- Emergency cord
- Garage door opener
In addition to a visual inspection, you should also watch and listen to the door as it moves up and down. That way, you can observe any unusual movements or sounds that might need attention during the maintenance process.
Looking at, listening to, and evaluating each part of the garage door will help you get a sense of the door’s overall condition. It will also highlight any issues that may need either DIY attention or professional garage door repairs.
Lubricating Garage Door Tracks
One of the easiest things you can do to keep your garage door in good condition is to lubricate the tracks and other moving parts. Lubricants support the smooth movement of parts, which means they experience less wear and tear. Thorough lubrication can also, in many cases, ease the connection between different parts and eliminate troublesome noises.
To find out what kind of lubricant you should use with your door, consult your owner’s manual. You can also contact your local garage door company if you’re unsure of what to use.
Tighten All Hardware
As your garage door moves up and down, the various pieces of hardware holding the whole system together undergo significant stress. Over time, the screws and bolts holding everything in place may loosen.
While you’re probably not in danger of the whole thing crashing down, loose hardware can be a major contributor to a noisy door. It can also cause the system to become misaligned, which can cause uneven wear and damage if left untreated.
Clean and Condition the Tracks
The tracks that allow your garage door to move up and down can often accumulate debris and rust throughout the year. This can cause the movement of the garage door to become less smooth. If left unaddressed, the situation can worsen and can cause wear and tear on the tracks, rollers, and other door components.
To prevent this, go over the tracks at least once a year, cleaning out any dirt, debris, or rust so that the door rollers can travel without interruption. This small step can have a big impact on the overall health of your door.
When in Doubt, Call a Pro
By following these simple steps to garage door maintenance, you can keep your overhead doors in good physical and functional condition so that they work well and last as long as possible. If you encounter any garage door issues that you’re unsure of, contact your local garage door company for assistance.
You can also call on your garage door installer to perform a professional inspection and maintenance routine if you prefer an expert opinion rather than the DIY approach. Whichever path you choose, the important thing is to give your garage doors attention on a regular basis so they work optimally for as long as possible.
If you have garage door questions or need garage door services in Heathsville, VA, or the surrounding area, reach out to the team at Easy Open Garage Doors, LLC, today! We are your go-to garage door experts, fully licensed and ready to help with everything from garage door installation to comprehensive garage door repair service. With over 32 years of experience, we offer both regular appointments and 24/7 emergency service. Easy Open Garage Doors, LLC—Because Life is Hard Enough!
