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Garage door maintenance is one of the most frequently overlooked tasks on a homeowners’ checklist. However, constantly neglecting the inspection of your garage door can lead to unexpected breakdowns that will not only trap your car inside of your garage door but will also cost you a lot of money.
On the other hand, staying consistent with your garage door maintenance will allow you to prevent the majority of repairs and save money.
While it is recommended to schedule an annual garage door inspection with your local garage door service, the great news is that you can do most maintenance tasks on your own! In the article below, you will find several garage door maintenance tips to help you keep your garage door operating efficiently.
Apart from inspection and lubrication, these include performing safety checks, examining garage door hardware, and servicing the seals and springs.
Continue reading to learn more about how to ensure the proper work of your garage door.
General Inspection
For safety reasons, it is best to inspect a garage door at least once per month. When performing these inspections, there are several important things to look for:
- Broken or missing parts. Broken torsion or extension springs, cracked panels, and damaged cables are the most common issues that require immediate attention. Broken parts cause garage door malfunctions and serious safety risks. If you discover any broken or missing parts, contact a local garage door company to schedule an installation or replacement.
- Bent panels. It is possible for a garage door to “drift” from its original position, especially if you open and close your garage door often. For this reason, you need to measure the gap between the top of your garage door and the ceiling at least once per month. To do this, simply place a level on the floor next to the door and adjust the level so it is centered on the side of the door. Then, measure the gap between the level and the highest point on your garage door. If the gap is more than 2 inches, contact a local garage door company and ask for an adjustment.
- Unbalanced springs. If you notice that one side of your garage door is lower than the other, check your torsion springs. If one spring is broken, it may be causing an imbalance of the door. To find out which spring is broken, examine both springs at the bottom of the door. If one side of the door is lower than the other when the door is lifted, the spring that is attached to that side is broken and needs to be replaced.
- Rust. Rust will damage both the panels of your garage door and the opener. For this reason, you need to regularly check the panels for rust. If you notice any rust, contact a local garage door company and ask for a replacement of damaged panels.
Lubrication
It is also important to determine if your garage door needs lubrication. This can help you prevent serious damage to your door and reduce repair costs in the long run. To determine if your garage door needs lubrication, simply run your hand along its tracks. If there is any resistance, it means your door needs lubrication. You can use WD-40 to lubricate your garage door’s tracks and make sure to use plenty of oil so it can penetrate into all of its components.
In addition, to lubricating your garage door’s tracks, it is recommended to lubricate the other hardware components such as threshold plates, hinges, and latches. To do this, you need to spray some WD-40 on each of these parts and wipe them clean with a paper towel to remove excess oil. Then, put a generous amount of oil on a rag and wipe down all hardware components. Be careful not to over-lubricate your hardware as this can cause more harm than good.
Inspecting Garage Door Springs, Cables, and Door Seals
Another important step in performing regular maintenance on your garage door is inspecting its springs and cables. In addition, you should also check the garage door seals at least once per month. When performing these inspections, it is important to check for any cracks or holes in the seals.
While you can inspect these parts by yourself, it is recommended to contact a local garage door service for an inspection at least once per year. A professional will be able to provide you with specific guidelines regarding how often you need to change or replace these parts so you can maintain them properly over time.
Another common issue that requires immediate attention is a detached garage door seal. This can be quite dangerous and should be fixed as soon as possible. Fortunately, you can fix this problem by yourself. To do this, you need to use a putty knife or other flat tool to remove the old seal. Then, apply some silicone caulk on the back of the new seal and position it on your garage door so it fits snugly against the door frame. Finally, use a putty knife to push the seal into place.
The Takeaway
Regular maintenance is the only way to keep your garage door functioning properly and avoid costly repairs. By performing the tasks above, you will be able to reduce the chances of experiencing a serious problem with your garage door.
If you do discover any issues with your garage door, contact a local garage door service as soon as possible to schedule an inspection and repairs. This can help you avoid unnecessary damage, repair costs, and inconveniences.
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