Is There Any Preventive Maintenance for Garage Doors?

A garage door that isn’t working properly can be quite a nuisance, not to mention a security hazard. And all the exertion can undoubtedly take a toll on it if not taken good care of!

So, it is essential to maintain it from time to time to keep it in good working order so it can last for many years. All you need is to spare some time to look at it, or you can always hire an expert for regular maintenance check-ups.

Garage Door Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

Here are a few tips on how to keep your garage doors in good working condition: 

• Inspect the Door Often

It would be best to inspect your garage door at least once a month to look for any signs of wear and tear. This is especially important if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, as the door will be exposed to the elements more often.

Or call a professional to look at it immediately if you hear even the slightest grinding noises when the door is in operation.

• Clean the Door Regularly

Another important part of maintenance is keeping the door clean, both inside and outside. This will help to prevent any dirt or debris from building up and causing problems.

You can use a mild soap and water solution to wipe down the door, paying special attention to only wash off the panels and not the hardware.

• Lubricate the Moving Parts

Once you’ve given the door a visual inspection, it’s time to lubricate all the moving parts, such as:

1. Hinges
2. Rollers
3. Springs
4. Pulleys 
5. Tracks, etc.

Doing this will help reduce friction and keep the door working smoothly. You can use any household lubricant, such as WD-40. 

• Check the Balance

If your door is starting to feel heavy or is taking longer than usual to open and close, it could indicate that the springs are beginning to lose their tension. This serious issue needs to be fixed by a professional as soon as possible, or else it could cause the door to come crashing down. 

• Check the Hardware

Another thing you should do regularly is to check all the nuts, bolts, and screws to ensure they are tight and not loose. This is especially important after extreme weather conditions, as high winds can sometimes loosen them.

All you need is a wrench and some muscle strength to get it done!

• Check the Weather-Stripping

The weather-stripping is what helps to keep the door insulated and prevents drafts from coming in. Over time, it can start to wear down, crack and break.

To check if the weather-stripping needs to be replaced, open the door and see if any daylight is coming in from the sides. If there is, then it’s time to replace them.

• Investigate the Safety Features

Most garage doors nowadays come with built-in safety features, such as sensors that prevent the door from closing if something is in the way.

Most homeowners do not realize that these safety features must be tested regularly to ensure they are working properly. So, every month or so, put an object in the door’s path and see if the sensors are working properly.

• Fix Any Dents or Bent Panels Immediately 

Some countries face more extreme weather than others, which can damage garage doors with high winds and hail. If your door has any dented or bent panels, it’s essential to get them fixed by a reliable garage door repair expert as soon as possible.

Not only will this help to improve the look of your door, but it will also help prevent any further damage.

• Replace the Batteries in the Remote

Lastly, don’t forget to regularly check and replace the batteries in your garage door opener remote control. It is often overlooked, causing a lot of frustration if the batteries die and you can’t open the door.

Why is It Important to Do Preventive Maintenance for Garage Doors?

A garage door is a piece of complex machinery with multiple parts working harmoniously to open and close the door smoothly. Over time, these parts can wear out or break down due to regular use and exposure to various elements, leading to malfunction.

This is why it’s so important to do regular maintenance checks on your garage door and its parts. Doing this allows you to identify potential issues early on and fix them before they cause significant problems. Not to mention, it will also help prolong the life of your garage door and keep it working properly.

A Little Effort Goes a Long Way

Keeping a garage door in good working condition may seem like quite a task to many. But it’s important to remember that a little effort goes a long way.

By taking the time to do some basic maintenance, you can avoid bigger and more expensive problems down the line. Not to mention, you’ll be able to keep your family safe and secure from unanticipated accidents caused by a malfunctioning door.

And if you cannot spare some time for maintenance, getting in touch with a credible garage door maintenance company is the next best thing to do.