Your garage door was a big investment. It’s natural to want to get the best out of it, for the longest amount of time. Garage doors are one of the largest and most frequently used moving parts in your home.
Maintaining them in good condition will ensure their safety and functionality. Garage door maintenance is just as important as other home repairs. Here are some maintenance tips on how to prolong the life of your garage door.
1. Keep your home clean regularly
Regular cleaning will keep your garage door in pristine condition for many years. It is important to clean the garage door regularly. This can be done by wiping it down with a wet cloth or by spraying with a hose. It is important to not only keep the door looking nice, but also to remove any harsh corrosive materials that may be present in the snow melting your car brings into the garage during winter. This will help prevent corrosion by removing it from the bottom three to four inches of your garage door. You can also use a floor squeegee to remove any standing water.
2. Fix Loose Hardware
To maintain your garage, make sure all the hardware is tightened. It is important to tighten screws that have become loose over time.
The door may not open or close properly, or it could be misaligned, if the nuts, bolts and screws are loose. Hardware inspections should be performed at least annually, and more often if you live in an area with extreme weather. It is important to check the fasteners of the door hinges and tighten any that have become loose.
3. Lubricate moving parts
Lubricating rollers and hinges regularly is vital to keep your garage door moving smoothly. The rollers, and the hinges on each side (where they bend) should be lubricated twice a year. A small amount of spray lubricant will reduce friction and prevent parts from sticking or squeaking. Be careful not to use too much lubricant, as it could do more harm than good. This simple step will make your door operate more smoothly and silently if you do it twice a year. In our Canadian climate we recommend lubricating garage doors in the Fall and Hallway through Winter. These cold months are particularly hard on garage door mechanisms.
4. Check for Corrosion and Rust
Rust and corrosion on metal garage doors can make them look unattractive, but they also compromise their structural integrity. This could lead to more serious problems in the future.
You should inspect your garage doors at least once per year to prevent corrosion and rust. If necessary, apply a protective coat. You will need to remove any corrosion from areas you find particularly rusted before you can prime and paint the area. Once rust has begun, it is difficult to stop.
5. Check weatherstripping
Weatherstripping protects your garage door against wind and other elements. This can become worn down over time or brittle from exposure to moisture and sunlight.
By inspecting the weatherstripping regularly, you can prevent air leaks or drafts from forming around the door. Replace any weatherstripping that is worn out with new material.
6. Test Safety Features
Safety features are built into garage doors, including force detection sensors, photo eyes and other safety devices. These are used to detect objects that block the path of the door, so it doesn’t close on someone or something.
You should test all safety features to ensure that they work properly and are safe for your family. Contact a professional like The Door House immediately if you see any issues. They can help with troubleshooting, repairs and other problems.
Extend your garage door’s life today
Garage doors, like any other mechanical device or machine need to be maintained regularly in order to remain in good condition. It is important to regularly inspect the garage door’s components. This will help you avoid costly and long-lasting repairs.
Ultra Garage Doors believes that proactive maintenance is always preferable to reactive repairs. Our team of experts has been helping homeowners in South Florida on how to prolong the life of your garage door for years.
Call us at 561-494-4070 for more information on our services or send us an email to receive a no-obligation quote.