Your garage door is more than just a functional entryway to your home. It is one of the most important parts of your property’s security, curb appeal, and convenience. To ensure that your garage door keeps working smoothly and efficiently, regular maintenance will be needed.
By making and following a maintenance routine and addressing issues promptly, you can extend the life of your garage door, prevent costly repairs, and maintain the safety and functionality of your home.
That’s what we are going to help you with. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll list down the important ways you can care for your garage door.
Conduct Regular Visual Inspections
The first thing you will have to do in garage door maintenance is to conduct regular visual inspections to identify any signs of wear, damage, or malfunction. Inspect the exterior of your garage door for dents, cracks, rust, or warping, as well as any loose or damaged hardware such as hinges, rollers, and springs.
Check the condition of the weatherstripping around your garage door to ensure it is intact and effectively sealing out moisture, drafts, and pests. Additionally, closely examine the operation of your garage door as it opens and closes. Pay attention to any unusual noises, vibrations, or jerky movements that may indicate issues and require garage door repair.
Keep Moving Parts Lubricated
Proper lubrication is more than important for maintaining the smooth and efficient operation of your garage door. Regularly lubricate the moving parts of your garage door system, including hinges, rollers, tracks, springs, and bearings, using a high-quality lubricant.
Apply lubricant carefully to avoid excess buildup, and wipe away any excess with a clean cloth. Lubrication helps reduce friction, prevent rust and corrosion, and increase the lifespan of your garage door components. This ensures smooth and quiet operation for many years.
Test Safety Features Regularly
Garage door safety features are designed to protect you, your family, and your belongings from accidents and injuries. Test the safety features of your garage door system regularly to ensure they are functioning properly and provide the protection required from them.
Test the automatic reversal mechanism by placing a sturdy object, such as a piece of wood or a brick, in the path of the closing garage door. The door should automatically reverse direction and open back up upon contact with the object. This shows that it is in good condition and does not require garage door repairs in the near future.
Tighten Loose Hardware
Over time, the hardware on your garage door may become loose due to normal wear and vibration. Periodically inspect and tighten any loose bolts, nuts, screws, or brackets on your garage door system to ensure they are secure and stable.
Use a screwdriver to tighten the hardware as needed. While doing this, pay particular attention to hinges, rollers, track brackets, and mounting hardware. Loose hardware can compromise the stability and safety of your garage door, so it’s important to address any issues right away to prevent further damage or accidents.
