There are certain issues most garage doors will experience over time. Thankfully, you can prevent this damage from getting too bad by providing your garage door with routine preventative maintenance. Proper preventative maintenance will help ensure your garage door hardware works smoothly for many years to come. While it’s good to have your garage door professionally inspected once a year, there are certain things you can take care of on your own. Read on for some great preventative maintenance tips for your garage door:
- Clean your garage door: There are many benefits to keeping your garage door clean. Not only will the cleaning process keep your garage door looking great, but it may also help prevent dirt and other debris from damaging your door. In general, you should clean your garage door at least twice a year. The process should include scrubbing your door with a soft rag and mild detergent. Avoid using a pressure washer on your garage door, as this could remove any paint. It’s also important to avoid using harsh cleaning materials like bleach. Some people recommend waxing a garage door after cleaning. If you want to do this, be sure to research waxes before applying one to your door.
- Check the balance: The components of a garage door system need to be perfectly balanced in order to work efficiently. When a garage door is off balance, it may start closing or sliding on its own. There are many ways to fix an off-balance garage door. Have your technician try adjusting the torsion springs or correcting the side-mounted springs. For safety reasons, it’s best to have a garage door technician take a look at the door if there are any spring issues. This type of maintenance will likely prevent the need for expensive repairs down the line.
- Keep moving pars well lubricated: It’s important to apply a top-quality lubricant to your garage door’s moving components from time to time. This will help prevent the rollers from scratching and similar types of damage. The process doesn’t take long and should include lubricating your garage door’s rollers, overhead springs and chains. Ask a garage door expert in your area for lubricant recommendations.
- Check the lift cables: These high-tension cables can wear down over time and may eventually snap if not replaced quickly enough. If your lift cables look like they may need replacing, contact a professional right away. Don’t try to replace lift cables on your own—this process can be very dangerous.
- Keep an eye on garage door hardware: The hardware on certain components of your garage door system can loosen and rust over time. Check this hardware from time to time and tighten any loose bolts and brackets when necessary. You can easily tighten the hardware on your own with a socket wrench. It’s also a good idea to replace old hardware as needed.
Routine preventative maintenance will help ensure your garage door works well and lasts a long time. This maintenance should include a professional inspection at least once or twice a year. Contact Action Door Service for a consultation.