Top 10 Preventive Maintenance Tips for Garage Door Owners

The garage door is one of the most important parts of your home. It operates multiple times per day and year, so you must take care of this large-scale machinery not only to work efficiently but also to last long!

As a garage door owner, there are a few things you can do to extend the life of your door and keep it operating smoothly. First, be sure to regularly clean the door and tracks. This will help to prevent the build-up of dirt and debris, which can interfere with the door’s operation.

Second, lubricate the door hinges and rollers every month This will help to reduce friction and wear. Finally, have your door professionally inspected and serviced every year. This will ensure that any potential problems are caught early and that your door continues to operate safely and efficiently. By following these simple tips, you can keep your garage door in good working condition for many years to come.

1. Keep it clean: The number one rule for preventive maintenance is to keep it clean! Whether it’s the door itself or the tracks, regular cleaning will help to prevent the build-up of dirt and debris, which can interfere with the door’s operation. For best results, use a mild soap and water solution and make sure to dry the door afterward.

2. Lubricate monthly: To keep your garage door operating smoothly, be sure to lubricate the door hinges and rollers every month. This will help to reduce friction and wear. For best results, use a light oil or silicone-based lubricant. Avoid using WD-40 or other petroleum-based products as they can damage the door’s finish.

3. Inspect and service annually: Even with regular cleaning and lubrication, it’s important to have your garage door professionally inspected and serviced at least once a year. This will ensure that any potential problems are caught early and that your door continues to operate safely and efficiently.

4. Look and Listen: Every time you use your garage door, take a moment to visually inspect it for any signs of damage or wear. In addition, listen for any unusual noises that may indicate a problem. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, be sure to contact a professional for further assistance.

5. Replace the Weather stripping: The weather stripping around your garage door can become cracked or damaged. This can lead to drafts and increased energy costs. To prevent this, be sure to replace the weather stripping every few years.

6. Check the Cables: The cables that operate your garage door are under a lot of tension. Over time, they can become frayed or even break. This can be dangerous, so it’s important to regularly inspect the cables and replace them if necessary.

7. Test the Safety Features: Most garage doors have safety features that prevent them from closing if something is in the way. These features are important for preventing injuries, so it’s important to test them regularly. One way to do this is to place a broom handle in the path of the door and then try to close it. If the door reverses direction when it comes into contact with the handle, then the safety feature is working properly.

8. Check the Balance: A garage door that is properly balanced should be able to open and close with ease. If your door seems to be struggling, then it’s possible that the springs are not balanced correctly. This is a job for a professional, so be sure to contact one if you think this may be the case.

9. Clear the Tracks: The tracks that your garage door runs on can become clogged with dirt and debris. This can interfere with the door’s operation, so it’s important to keep them clean. You can do this by using a soft cloth or brush to wipe away any build-up.

10. Tighten up the Hardware: The hardware on your garage door can become loose. This can cause problems with the door’s operation, so it’s important to check and tighten all of the nuts and bolts regularly.

Conclusion

By following these simple tips, you can keep your garage door in good working condition for many years to come. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection will help to prevent problems and ensure that your door continues to operate safely and efficiently. If you have any concerns, be sure to contact a professional for further assistance.