You trust your garage door to open and close without any problems each time you press the button on your clicker… until the day it doesn’t. Though your garage door should stand the test of time, it needs a little TLC to ensure proper functionality, to prevent this day from coming around.
One of the standard maintenance items for your garage door is lubricating the chain. This post will teach you everything there is to know about lubricating traditional garage doors in Rancho Cordova, CA.
Benefits of Lubrication
Lubricating your garage door chain has a number of advantages. Here are just a few of the many reasons why you should oil your chain ASAP:
- Smooth opening/closing: Everyone wants their garage door to open and close smoothly and quickly. You’ve got places to be, and you can’t wait around for your door to rattle back and forth while opening and closing. A well-lubricated chain ensures there’s no problem when you hit the clicker. If your chain is lubricated, your door will open just as easily as it did the day you installed it.
- Prevent breakdowns: It’s not uncommon for a garage door opener to stop working at some point during its lifetime. However, lubricating the chain can lessen the chance of it happening. In addition to scheduling routine maintenance, lubricate your chain every couple of months to prevent a breakdown.
- Prolong lifespan: You want your garage door to last for as long as possible. After all, they’re not exactly cheap to replace. An inexpensive bottle of lubricant can prolong the lifespan of your garage door, saving you hundreds of dollars on the cost of replacing it.
Lubrication Steps
Though you could hire someone to lubricate your chain, it’s something you can do yourself. Follow the steps below, and you’ll have a well-lubricated chain in no time.
First, close your garage door and ensure the garage door is unplugged from the power outlet. The last thing you want is to accidentally open the door while lubricating the chain.
Next, clean off any old grease and residue from the chain using an old rag. Once your chain is clean, apply a thin layer of standard bicycle grease on the upper side of the rail. Though the bicycle grease helps with lubrication, it typically isn’t enough. Spray a heavy-duty silicone spray lubricant on the chain much like you would with a can of spray paint. Be sure to get both sides and both ends of the chain.
Finally, plug your power cord back in and open and close the garage door a few times. You might need to perform this process again if the door still sounds a little creaky or acts strange while closing.
Even the most well-lubricated garage doors can run into problems. If your door isn’t working as it should, be sure to give us a call. We’re your go-to choice when it comes to fixing and installing traditional garage doors in Rancho Cordova, CA.