How Do You Maintain a Garage Door?

Not sure how to maintain garage doors?

A garage door is an essential component of a home. It’s usually the main entry point and there’s nothing more frustrating than a garage door that just won’t open – or worse, opens halfway!

Broken or malfunctioning garage doors can be expensive to fix and end up being a safety hazard.

To avoid major inconveniences and personal injury, you should schedule regular garage maintenance.

Clean the Tracks

It’s not uncommon for debris and rust to build up along the tracks of your garage door.

But the dirt along the track can impact the functionality of the door since various components can’t operate as smoothly or at full capacity.

To get rid of the dirt, use a small toothbrush to remove the grime, grease, and dirt. Next, spray the roller tracks with disc brake cleaner and wipe the area down with a clean rag to remove any remaining grease and debris.

Tighten the Hardware

Garage doors are used multiple times a day. In fact, they’re used about 1,500 times annually. 

But as you open and close your garage door, the vibrations and movement can lead to hardware loosening – this includes bolts, chain screws, brackets, and more.

As a result, you’ll need to inspect the hardware and tighten any loose bolts and nuts you find. If you notice any rusted or damaged nuts and bolts, you’ll need to replace those immediately. 

Look at the Cables, Springs and Pulleys, and Rollers

Your garage door’s rollers need to be checked at least twice a year. If the roller is cracked, worn, or chipped, you’ll need to replace them.

Generally, rollers should be replaced every five to seven years, so don’t be surprised if you notice any damage to your rollers.

When it comes to springs, cables, and pulleys, all you can do is inspect them for any damages. Look for broken strands, stretched springs or other wear and tear issues.

If your garage door’s cables or springs are damaged, it’ll be quite challenging to replace them on your own. As a result, you’ll need to contact a professional garage door company or technician to inspect and replace the damaged components.

Test the Balance

Your garage door’s balance refers to the tension in the springs. If the tension is too low or too high, then the door is unbalanced.

Why should you test the balance of your garage door?

If your garage door is unbalanced, the garage opener will have to work extra hard, putting additional strain on the system. 

Replace Weatherstripping

Garage door weatherstripping is the rubber material located at the bottom and sometimes on the sides of the garage door . 

Garage door weatherstripping is there to prevent water, hot air, and cold air from entering the garage.

But like most things, over time, this rubber material can crack and peel away. If you notice any issues with your door’s weather seal, it’s probably time to replace it. 

If you need garage door opener maintenance, a brand new garage door, or general door maintenance, visit the Tri-Lakes Garage Doors website.

We specialize in new garage door installation, custom garage doors, and repair and maintenance for homes and businesses. Our team of experts have the experience and skills required to diagnose any problem with the electrical components of the entire garage door opener system.

Contact Tri-Lakes Garage Doors today to learn more about how to maintain a garage door.