How to Avoid Costly Garage Door Repairs
Your garage probably opens and closes more than 1,000 times per year, and you might depend on it more than you even realize. There is a good chance that you invested a pretty penny in your garage door, and you may be reluctant to spend any addition time or money on maintenance. However, by spending around 15 minutes each month caring for your door and seeking the advice of a professional about once a year, you can keep your garage door in great shape for a long time.
Monthly: Clean and Lubricate the Parts
You can keep your garage door functioning properly by spending just 15 minutes per month on regular maintenance. To do this, close your garage door and disconnect its power source. Then use a moist cloth to wipe off the tracks that your door rides on, or use a vacuum if the tracks are very dirty. Purchase a lithium-based garage door spray from your local hardware store, and spray this product on the hinges, rollers, bearing plates, springs, and lock. Finish up by spraying the top of the rail (the place where the chain runs), and spread the product around with a cloth. The chain has its own natural protectant and does not need additional lubrication.
Yearly: Have a Tune-up
Your garage door system is made up of over 300 moving parts that work together in harmony. If your garage door is more than two years old, it is a good idea to have it serviced by a professional once a year to ensure that all parts are working properly. A garage door technician will carefully examine the springs, sensors, door panels, hardware, track, and other parts in order to identify potential problems, and advise you on what steps to take. This preventative maintenance can ward off possible garage door emergencies and expensive future repairs.
As Needed: Seek the Advice of a Professional
Pay attention to how your garage door looks and sounds. If your door is not opening or closing properly, or if it is making strange noises, don’t hesitate to call a professional. The problem could be as simple as replacing the batteries, or as advanced as changing major parts. Small problems that go untreated can turn into big problems. Calling a professional as you notice something is off can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
