How to Maintain Your Garage Door
According to Consumer Reports, the winter months can dramatically impact the health of your garage door. Maintaining your garage door is critical to your home’s safety and security. Here are some basic tips that can be part of any homeowner’s maintenance routine.
Start with an Inspection
Start by inspecting your garage door. Be sure to open and close your door so that you can see the parts moving.
What kinds of problems should you be looking for?
- Strange sounds or louder movement than usual from the hardware or motor
- Jerky motions while opening and closing
- Misaligned connections or hardware
- Deteriorated weather stripping
An inspection won’t reveal every problem that your garage door can experience, but it can show you where to begin for routine maintenance.
Safety First
The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that garage doors can cause injury and death. Test your door’s safety features. First, place an object in the path of the closing door. The door should reverse direction when it comes in contact with the obstruction.
Next, test the photocell sensors by waving your hands in the path of the beam. Your door should automatically reverse. If your door fails these tests, contact an experienced technician.
Clear the Tracks
The tracks that your door passes through while opening and closing need to be kept clear of debris and loose components. Call a repair professional if it looks like any components are loose.
Check the Balance
For this test, you’ll need to disconnect the automatic function of your garage door, and manually try to lift the door. The door should remain in place when opened. If it slips down, it needs to be re-balanced by a technician.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
Don’t lubricate these parts on your own. If you’re worried about the moving parts, a professional technician can apply spray lubricant to your overhead springs.
Replace Your Batteries and Bulbs
Be sure to replace the batteries in your garage door remotes and replace the bulbs in your garage door opener using the size and wattage specified by your owner’s manual.
Clean the Garage Door Surface
Wooden doors can be cleaned with a clean, dry cloth. Vinyl or synthetic materials can be cleaned with a multipurpose cleaner.
Don’t forget to keep the door and its mechanisms free from dust and cobwebs. You can clean any needed areas with a slightly-dampened cloth.
Where Can I Find Garage Maintenance Services Near Me?
As you perform this basic maintenance routine, you may notice rusting components, worn-out bearings, and corroded cables. Don’t hesitate to contact the experienced professionals at D Bar Garage Doors. We can provide the professional assistance you need to keep your garage door functioning for years to come.
