Last Updated on November 4, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
Your garage door. It’s the guardian of your vehicle, a safeguard for your storage items, and sometimes even an alternate entryway to your home. But while we’re quick to remedy a squeaky hinge or apply a fresh coat of paint, we often overlook the nitty-gritty maintenance tasks.
In this article, we will highlight frequently missed maintenance tasks to help you keep up with your garage door and ensure its longevity.
Lubrication:
One of the most commonly overlooked maintenance tasks is lubricating the moving parts of the garage door. Proper lubrication helps reduce friction, prevent wear and tear, and extend the lifespan of these components.
Areas that require lubrication include hinges, rollers, and springs. Using a quality silicone or lithium-based lubricant is recommended. Remember to avoid using grease or oil-based lubricants as they can attract dirt and cause more harm than good.
Inspecting and Cleaning the Tracks:
Over time, dust, dirt, and debris can build up in the tracks of your garage door, obstructing its smooth movement. It is essential to periodically inspect and clean the tracks to ensure they are free from any obstructions.
Use a damp cloth or a mild cleaning solution to wipe away dirt and grime. Additionally, inspect the tracks for any signs of dents or misalignment, as these can affect the door’s operation and safety.
Testing Safety Features:
Garage doors are equipped with various safety features like sensors and auto-reverse mechanisms to prevent accidents and injuries. However, these features can become faulty over time.
It is crucial to test these safety features regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly. Place an object in the path of the closing garage door to test if the auto-reverse mechanism engages. Also, clean the sensors periodically and ensure they are properly aligned for optimal performance.
Checking for Balance:
Garage doors operate with the help of springs that counterbalance their weight. If the door is not properly balanced, it can strain the opener and lead to premature wear.
To check the balance, disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place without falling or rising, it is properly balanced. If not, consult a professional to adjust the springs to achieve proper balance.
Tightening Hardware:
With regular use, the hardware of your garage door can become loose. This includes screws, bolts, and hinges.
Loose hardware can compromise the door’s stability and cause unnecessary vibrations. It is advisable to periodically inspect and tighten all the hardware to ensure a secure and safe operation of the door.
Checking for Wear and Tear on Cables and Pulleys:
The cables and pulleys of your garage door are under constant tension. They lift a heavy door day in, day out. So, when they show signs of fraying or wear, take it seriously.
Unlike other tasks, this is not a DIY job. Damaged cables can snap, and the tension can cause injuries. Call in a professional for this one.
Regularly Updating Remote Control Batteries:
We’ve all faced that frustrating moment when the garage door remote refuses to work, often at the least convenient time.
While we’re quick to blame the door’s mechanics, sometimes it’s just a matter of weak batteries. Change the batteries at least once a year to keep your remote control in optimal condition. Consider setting a calendar reminder so you don’t forget.
Cleaning and Painting the Exterior
The exterior of your garage door is subject to the elements. Rain, snow, and even sun can take their toll.
While you might think of this as purely aesthetic, a corroded or decaying door can eventually affect its functionality. A fresh coat of weather-resistant paint can protect the door and also boost your home’s curb appeal.
Checking the Manual Override
Most modern garage doors come with a manual override feature, usually a cord you can pull to operate the door if the power fails.
How often do you check if it’s working? Make it a part of your regular maintenance routine. Pull that cord and ensure that you can lift the door manually. In case of power outages or mechanical failures, you’ll be glad you did.
In Conclusion:
Your garage door might seem like a mundane aspect of your home, but it plays multiple roles: security barrier, weather shield, and sometimes, a style statement.
Small tasks, often overlooked, can significantly affect its performance and longevity. From lubricating moving parts to updating remote batteries, each task takes but a few minutes. Yet, these minutes can save you hours of hassle and quite a bit of money in long-term repairs.
