Many people don’t realize how important garage door maintenance is. Often, they get into the habit of storing unwanted or overflow items in their garage, meaning they don’t go in often, and thus don’t think about whether everything is functioning properly. We discourage this behavior because the truth is, garage doors can be a safety hazard when not maintained properly.
Imagine digging through the garage for Christmas decorations, only to have the door suddenly slam shut, trapping you inside. Or perhaps you’re searching for a tablecloth your mother-in-law gave you in preparation for an upcoming visit, and you don’t realize your beloved pet has followed you outside. You hit the close button on the garage door, and without properly-maintained safety features, it injures your little Tuna or Sparky. To prevent tragic accidents like these, you need to take garage door maintenance seriously. Here are eight garage door maintenance tips:
1. Observe and Listen
Close your garage door, then watch to see how it moves. Is it wobbling? Is it moving too slow or too fast? Those are sure signs your garage door needs maintenance from a professional. But if your garage door’s movements are smooth, that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear yet. You also need to keep an ear out for suspicious noises like screeching or whirring. Those sounds signal the need for professional maintenance as well.
2. Tighten Loose Hardware
On average, your garage door opens 1,500 times a year. Each time your garage door opens, it puts weight and strain on the hardware holding it up, such as the tracks attached to the wall. You should check your hardware for loose spots and be sure to tighten any screws that need it. The last thing you want is your garage door caving in because the hardware collapsed.
3. Check the Garage Door’s Balance
If your garage door isn’t balanced properly, it will wear itself out sooner. Turn off your automatic opener and roll your door up manually. Leave at the halfway point and step away. It should stay in place. If it moves back down, the garage door balance is off. Likely, the springs need adjustment. You should never adjust springs yourself unless you’re a professional, as they could be dangerous if they snap.
4. Check the Rollers
Rollers help move your garage door along the tracks when it goes up and down. After a while, they will start to chip and break. You should replace any chipped or broken rollers with new ones, then apply lubricant to keep them working smoothly. After seven years, replace all of your rollers.
5. Look Over Your Cables and Springs
You need to look over your cables and springs each time you do garage door maintenance. The keyword here is look. Check the cables for signs of fraying and wear, and make sure both your springs seem to be in good condition. But do not attempt to adjust or replace them on your own. Both cables and springs might snap back and injure you.
6. Perform Safety Checks
Automatic reverse systems help prevent accidents such as pets and children getting injured by garage doors. Sensors set four to six inches above the ground sense when objects are in the way. If the sensors are not working properly, the garage door should still reverse once it makes contact with something in its path thanks to the opener motor. To keep this system working properly, wipe the sensors with a soft cloth to make sure they’re clear of debris. Then place a small, solid object in the path of the garage door and make sure it reverses upon contact. If it doesn’t, call a professional to take a look.
7. Inspect Your Weatherstripping
The weatherstripping at the bottom of your door is important. When maintained properly, it helps keep the elements out of your garage so you can avoid mold and mildew growth. Additionally, proper seals prevent rodents from getting in, as garages are one of their favorite places to nest. Always make sure your weatherstripping is in good condition. If it isn’t, replace it right away.
8. Clean Garage Door Tracks
Your garage door tracks provide a path for the rollers to operate. Sometimes, they can get clogged by debris and oil. It’s important to clean out your tracks once in a while to ensure your door will open and close correctly.
Let Us Help You With Garage Door Maintenance!
The team at Garage Door Pros is committed to helping our neighbors in Houston, Texas. We enjoy working alongside you to maintain functional garage doors. You’ll find our team efficient, friendly, and professional. We’ll diagnose your problem quickly and accurately, then implement long-lasting solutions. Give us a call today for help with garage door maintenance!