We may not think stop to think about it, but garage doors take a lot of wear and tear day in and day out. The constant opening and closing can do a number on wheel tracks and other parts. Fortunately, regular maintenance can go a long way toward preserving the longevity of your garage door and prevent serious issues from arising. Here are five of the easiest things you can do to keep your garage door working and looking great.
Routine Inspection
All garage doors benefit from a good monthly inspection, and it only takes a few minutes. Check the door’s springs, tracks, pulleys, and other hardware for damage or excessive wear. Make sure everything is tightened and that cables are in good shape. If you notice fraying, damaged cables can become a serious problem quickly so it’s best to have a professional repair them as soon as possible. Also look for and clean any dirt or buildup in the tracks that may be obstructing the movement of the garage door.
Lubricate Tracks
Garage door tracks take the brunt of daily wear. Over time, tracks can lose their lubrication. You’ll know this is the case if you hear loud screeching or squeaking when the door opens and closes. To prevent this and further damage from happening, simply oil the tracks at least twice a year. You can use a spray-on garage door lubricant to treat the tracks, rollers, and hinges.
Reversing Checks
The reversing mechanism may be the single most important safety feature on your garage door. It is a photo sensor where the door meets the floor that will reverse a closing door if something or someone is in its path. Fortunately, this is easy to check. With the door open, place an inanimate object like a broomstick in the path of the garage door. Press the button to close the door. When it hits the object, it should reverse quickly and automatically. If it doesn’t, have the sensors and door serviced immediately.
Balance Checks
Even if you have an automatic garage door, it’s still a good idea to check for balance once a month. You can do this by disconnecting the automatic opening mechanism and lifting the door with your hands. It should rise easily and smoothly with little effort. If it does not lift easily, you should have it inspected by a professional. One important exception is if you have already noticed your door jerking open unevenly even after you’ve applied fresh oil to the tracks. If that’s the case, do not attempt to fix it yourself. You may need a new garage door or parts. These are just some of the simplest things you can do regularly to ensure your garage door and parts are working smoothly. If you notice anything unusual or suspect you might need a professional inspection, don’t hesitate to contact Carroll Garage Doors for service and repair.
