Garage doors feature a wide variety of moving parts and components that must be properly lubricated if they are to operate smoothly and efficiently without causing unnecessary wear and tear due to debris buildup, corrosion and friction. This can be more complicated than you might expect—different parts of the garage door system may need to use different types of lubrication, and the lubrication schedules for those parts may also be different in some circumstances.
So, what do you need to know about garage door lubrication and the frequency with which you need to perform it? Here are a few important garage door maintenance tips in Rancho Cordova, CA for you to keep in mind.
The importance of lubrication
First, it is important to understand why lubrication is necessary so you know why you must stick to a regular lubrication regimen. Lubricants keep the moving parts from getting worn out from rubbing together. Proper oiling can keep the parts moving smoothly and functioning as they’re supposed to. Over time, the lubrication will begin to wear off, which can cause excessive friction and a greater potential for damage, and potentially failure of the entire garage door system.
You’ll know when the lubrication is wearing off because you’ll start to hear loud grinding sounds, knocking noises or screeching while operating your garage door.
What kinds of lubrication you need
If you’re going to oil the garage door yourself, it’s important that you purchase the correct lubricant for the job, as not just any kind of grease will do. Garage door mechanisms will most frequently use a lighter grease. You should always purchase products that have been made specifically with garage doors in mind—don’t try to use the same lubricant you would use for power tools or vehicles. Too heavy of a lubricant can form a sludge that covers up parts that don’t need to be greased, and will also be more likely to attract dirt and dust that will interfere with the operation of the garage door components.
Frequency of lubrication
The big question you’re likely to have, then, is what sort of schedule you need to stick to for your garage door lubrication. This varies from part to part.
The rails, for example, may only need to be greased once a year, if at all. It’s the moving parts that really need your focus. The tracks, springs, hinges and rollers should be greased once every three months or so, which will help you to significantly extend the usable lifespan of the garage doors and help to maintain smoother, quieter operation of the system.
You can also proceed based on what you notice from the garage door’s operation. If you notice it slowing down, making strange grinding or screeching sounds or simply not working as efficiently as it once did, you can apply some lubrication and see if that helps resolve the issue.
For more information about garage door lubrication in Rancho Cordova, CA, contact the team at Action Door Service today.