The garage door is used multiple times every day at any hour and in all seasons. To ensure that it operates smoothly for a long time, preventive care and maintenance is a must.
Here are a few preventive maintenance tips for homeowners:
Tighten Hardware
The average garage door goes through a lot of movement and vibration every year, which can loosen the hardware. Examine and tighten all roller brackets and bolts with a socket wrench.
Test the Door Balance
If the door is improperly balance, the door opener needs to work harder, and will need to be replaced soon. After you disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle (usually a red cord), manually move the door about halfway up. If it doesn’t stay put, the counterweight system (springs) are improperly balanced. Get professional help for spring adjustment.
Lubrication of Moving Parts
If you keep your garage door parts greased up, the system will operate effortlessly for years. All it takes is a few minutes! It is best to use white lithium grease on the opener’s chain or screw, along with a spray lubricant to coat the overhead springs.
Inspect and Replace Rollers
Regardless of whether your garage door has steel or nylon rollers, you have to check them twice a year and replace them accordingly. Worn, chipped or cracked rollers should be replaced as soon as possible. Remove and reinstall any roller brackets that are not directly attached to the cable system.
Clear the Tracks
Check to ensure the tracks on either side of the door are totally free from debris. You can use a level to inspect the plumb, if needed. Any major adjustments to tracks must be done by a professional garage door technician.
Examine the Door Itself
It depends upon the material used to make the garage door. For instance, if the door is made of wood, it should be checked for water damage, warp, and chipped and peeling paint. Steel doors may have rust spots that need to be sanded, primed and painted. Wash your garage door regularly with a mild all-purpose cleaner at the same time you do your car.
Watch out for the signs that there is something wrong – it is an important part of preventive maintenance. If you hear odd noises while opening or closing the door, or find that it is moving jerkily in places, call a professional without further delay.