From leaves in the track to iced over hardware, your garage door could easily break in winter. Follow these garage door maintenance tips to keep it working.
Are you one of the many people who hate the cold?
If so, nothing could be more frustrating than getting trapped outside during the winter because your garage door won’t open.
Do you want to learn how you can keep your garage door running properly all year round? Keep reading for 7 garage door maintenance tips you’ll want to do before cold weather blows in.
1. Clean Your Garage Door Track
Every time you open and close your garage, your gear gets exposed to the elements. Over time, it’s easy for debris like leaves and dirt to get trapped inside the track and cause opening and closing issues. Cleaning out the tracks can also help prevent pesky garage door rust that can decrease its lifespan.
2. Inspect the Weatherstripping
Every garage door has rubber padding on the bottom called weatherstripping. This feature is designed to help insulate your garage to keep the cold out. If you notice any cracks or damage, it’s time for a replacement.
3. Tighten Your Hardware
Garage doors are heavy, which means the hardware that keeps everything in place can get put under a lot of strain. After extended use, it’s normal for the the parts to get loose. Every homeowner should get into the habit of tightening the roller brackets and the nuts and bolts that support them every year.
4. Lubricate Moving Parts
Do you know how to lubricate a garage door? The good news is that this job is easy. All you need to do is buy some spray-on white lithium grease at a home improvement store and apply it to the rollers and hinges.
5. Inspect the Pulleys, Cables, and Rollers
Although wear and tear is normal, not addressing it can lead to some big problems. Twice a year, homeowners should inspect the pulleys, cables, and rollers to look for signs of damage like chipping or fraying. If you notice any damage, it’s important to get a professional inspection.
6. Test the Garage Door Balance
If your springs aren’t balanced, that means you garage door has to work harder than it needs to when it opens and closes. Imbalances can decrease the springs’ lifespans and make the door more prone to dangerous accidents.
To test the balance, disengage the opener by pulling the release handle. Next, lower your door halfway and see if it stays in place. If the door rides back up or slams down, then that means you need to call a professional to safely adjust your springs.
7. Call a Professional for a Garage Door Tune-Up
Since there are a lot of moving parts and heavy gear, maintaining your garage door can get confusing or even dangerous. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always best to get professional help. Since professionals know exactly where to look, they can help you determine if anything needs replacing.
Garage Door Maintenance Is Important
With these 7 garage door maintenance tips, you can ensure your garage door opens and closes smoothly all year round.
Are you having problems with your garage door and you can’t figure out what’s wrong? If so, All-Pro Overhead Door would love to help you with any job. Contact us to schedule an appointment so we can fix your garage door.
