Learning more about your garage door’s care needs can help you greatly extend the system’s lifespan. Regular maintenance will also lower your risk of running into issues like broken sensors and unpleasant grinding noises. While homeowners can easily handle small care tasks, you should always leave bigger concerns to the professionals. Keep this helpful checklist in mind when completing your garage door maintenance this spring.
Fully Inspect Your Garage Door
Make time at least twice a year to inspect how your garage door looks and functions. Be sure to take note of any changes in how the system sounds, moves or responds to commands. Unexpected noises such as screeching, humming or whining could point to issues with the motor or chain. A compromised system may also open unevenly or suddenly jerk and stop. While many common garage door issues start small, they could ultimately grow to pose a danger to your property and family. Keeping track of your system’s health throughout the year can help you determine when to call for professional garage service.
Examine the Motor and Hardware
After checking your garage door’s exterior components, you should inspect the system’s important indoor hardware. A garage door’s hinges are the metal parts that connect each door section. The track holds the rollers that pull the door open and shut. Your system also has several springs that work against gravity to move the door. Other parts of interest can include the motor itself and your wall-mounted door control.
Check these components for new signs of wear and tear and rust. Frequent use can leave some essential bolts loose or cracked. Additionally, your door’s cables may fray or lose integrity over time. While you can complete some basic garage door care tasks, you should avoid handling the motor or cables. Only experts have the training and experience to service and replace these components without risk of injury.
Check Your Garage Door’s Safety
Testing your garage door’s safety is an excellent way to determine if it’s functioning correctly. First, disconnect your door from its automatic opener so you can manually operate it. After pulling the door a few feet off the ground, let it go and step back. A balanced garage door will stay in place. However, if it falls to the ground, you should call for service.
You should also examine the efficiency of the system’s sensors and reverse features. After reconnecting the automatic opener, put a stone or bucket under the door. When the door touches this object as it’s closing, it should immediately begin to reverse. If your system uses sensors, locate them toward the bottom of your garage door. When properly aligned, these sensors should light up. After activating the door, move an object into the sensors’ path. Test this along several points to ensure the door always begins reversing.
Garage doors older than 15 to 20 years may not have these advanced safety features. To improve the safety and efficiency of your home, you may want to consider investing in a garage door upgrade.
Examine Your Garage Door’s Weather Stripping
Your modern garage door should have a long sealant strip along its bottom edge. Also called a weather seal, this strip protects your garage from rain, snow and pests. The average garage seal lasts about 20 to 30 years. If you notice your seal is brittle or cracked, you can replace it with a new one. Installing weather stripping involves unscrewing your current seal and cleaning the groove along the bottom of the door. You’ll then be able to affix a new sealant strip and screw it into place. If you find it difficult to push the strip in, apply a minimal amount of lubricating oil.
Clean Your Garage Door
Keep your garage door in good health by regularly wiping it down. For old-fashioned wooden doors, you can wash them with a clean, damp cloth. As you’re cleaning your door, look out for new signs of pests or surface damage. Wooden doors may need to be routinely stained or painted to prevent rot. To correct small holes, you can use a water-resistant wood filler. Significant garage door damage, like cracks, dents and gaps, often indicates it’s time for a replacement.
If you have a vinyl or synthetic garage door, feel free to clean it with a soapy sponge and hose. Make sure your door is completely shut to avoid letting water into your garage. Once it’s cleaned, you can dry it off with a gentle microfiber cloth. You should never use a power washer on your garage door as it may cause dents, bends or chipped paint.
Schedule Yearly Professional Maintenance
The most effective way to care for your garage door over the years is to schedule yearly professional maintenance. A garage door expert will check your door’s balance, safety features and overall security. They’ll also lubricate all moving parts and confirm your track and springs are in good condition. As a homeowner, you likely don’t have the training or experience to be able to efficiently spot small problems. A professional, on the other hand, can address these concerns before they become expensive repairs. They also conveniently keep a wide selection of industry-grade replacement parts on hand.
Professional maintenance is more comprehensive and dependable than only relying on your own inspection. Additionally, many garage door warranties require regular care from an expert. Without this yearly service, you could have to pay for all of your garage door’s unexpected costs out of pocket.
Benefits of Routine Garage Door Care
When you invest in expert maintenance, you can expect enhanced garage door safety. These heavy doors operate under a lot of tension, which can pose a serious risk when they begin to malfunction. A tune-up ensures all essential parts are secure and in good working order.
Maintenance can also extend your garage system’s lifespan and boost its efficiency. A worn-out garage door will likely struggle with poor insulation and a compromised weather seal. These issues can take a toll on your indoor comfort, increasing your monthly energy costs. Annual tune-ups will significantly decrease your repair needs while boosting your peace of mind.
Finally, well-maintained doors are quieter and more secure. For many homes, the garage door is a main point of entry. When this door stops working correctly, it could make your home vulnerable to intruders. Caring for your garage door is an investment in your comfort, budget and family safety.
Family-Owned Garage Company in Colleyville
When you need reliable garage door services in Colleyville, TX, look to Door Works Garage Doors. We’re a family-owned business with over 30 years of industry experience. Every member of our skilled team is committed to superior customer service and quality results. From emergency repairs to garage door renovations, we can handle all your residential garage needs. Trust us with your new garage door installation or door opener upgrade. We have the skills and experience to work with steel, glass and insulated doors. We’re also proud to offer free 26-point garage door inspections. Call Door Works Garage Doors today to learn about our maintenance services in Colleyville.
