Taking care of your garage door is essential for safety and longevity. To keep it working well, make sure to do some simple visual and auditory checks regularly. Apply lubricant to moving parts, look over the tracks and sensors for any issues, check the garage door opener, and ensure nothing is blocking the door’s path. These are steps Door Pro America experts in Maryland take to keep garage doors working. Here is a small guide to maintaining your garage door.
Types of Maintenance That the Garage Door Needs
Lubrication is important, but additional maintenance is necessary to keep your garage door safe and secure. It’s best to let us take care of most of these maintenance tasks since we have the training, countless hours of experience, and specialized tools.
Checking and Tightening Bolts, Screws and Fasteners
The constant opening and closing of your garage door can eventually dislodge the nuts, bolts, and screws that secure its many parts. The door may wobble due to loose hardware, which can create problems with its functioning. Yearly tune-ups can help to keep everything tight to keep the door steady and avoid expensive repairs.
Inspecting and Adjusting the Track Alignment
The proper operation of the door depends on the alignment of its tracks. A door that operates unevenly due to misaligned tracks may make a clunking or shaky sound as it moves. The door opener and other parts are under extra stress when the tracks become misaligned. One of our garage door experts will inspect and adjust the tracks to check the alignment. If we notice any damage or bending, we may have to realign or replace the tracks.
Examining the Springs
The springs on a garage door are crucial to its operation since they support the door’s weight. However, these spring components are susceptible to corrosion, wear, and eventual failure due to repeated stress in damp environments. A door’s unexpected fall due to broken or malfunctioning springs is a safety concern. By watching for wear and tear, an expert can replace the springs before they give out.
Testing and Adjusting the Balance
Even when half-opened, a well-balanced garage door won’t budge or move. An uneven load strains the door opener, increasing the likelihood of a breakdown. When checking for imbalances, an expert will manually pull the emergency release cord and open and close the door. This will help identify any issues with the door springs. It may be necessary to adjust the tension of the springs to ensure the door stays balanced.
Cleaning and Inspecting Sensors
The door’s sensors can identify whether anything or anyone is blocking its route, and it won’t shut if that happens. When sensors get clogged with dust and debris, they can provide inaccurate readings and even prevent the door from closing. You can keep these sensors working by cleaning them regularly.
Inspecting Cables for Frays and Damage
Your garage door raises and lowers using springs and lifting cables. When these parts experience too much pressure, they can fray and break, leading to significant safety concerns. It’s important to examine the cables for fraying to prevent misalignment. If you notice any, contact us right away, and don’t use the door until the problem gets fixed.
Inspecting the Rollers
Thanks to the rollers, the door glides effortlessly down the rails. However, these rollers can develop cracks or wear over time, causing them to operate in a jerky, loud manner. To make maintenance more manageable, look for worn-out rollers when you check for frayed cables. Having rollers replaced by us is the safest and most efficient way to keep your door open and close smoothly.
Testing Remote Controls
Using a remote control to open and close the door from a distance is convenient, but it’s not without its risks. The batteries could go dead, or you could experience connection problems. To ensure they perform when required, you should often test the remotes. If the remote is not working properly, you may need to reprogram or replace the batteries. Any other issues will likely necessitate the help of an expert.
Why Do Garage Doors Need Lubrication?
Garage doors rely on a multitude of moving components, such as hinges, rollers, and springs, to open and close. These parts are prone to wear and friction. Over time, the wear can cause operating problems, early deterioration, and even breakage if not lubricated regularly. Your garage door will last longer with regular oiling since it will experience less friction and resist rust and corrosion. This is particularly important for doors that are always wet.
Signs That Mean You Need to Lubricate the Door
Keeping your garage door in good shape can save you from costly repairs. One sign that your door might need some lubrication is if you hear noises like squeaking, grinding, or creaking when it opens or closes. Another indication is if the door moves unevenly or has a jerky motion. This can happen when there isn’t enough lubricant, leading to more friction.
If the springs and rollers feel stiff, it’s another signal that they need some lubrication. This stiffness can make it hard for the door to move smoothly. Additionally, if you see any rust or corrosion, it could be time to add lubricant or even replace some parts.
What Kind of Lubrication Should You Use
Because of their low weight and durability, lithium or silicone-based sprays or greases are ideal for garage doors. These materials can permeate moving components without leaving a sticky residue. Try using a silicone spray to coat hinges, rollers, and springs with a protective coating that won’t collect dust.
Because of its weight and durability, lithium grease is ideal for protecting metal components subject to friction. To be sure you’re using the right lubricant for your door, read the owner’s handbook or call one of our technicians.
Creating a Schedule for Lubrication Applications
Lubricating a garage door once every six months is a good idea, but it’s essential before and after storms. A quarterly maintenance plan would be more appropriate if your door is subjected to high humidity or is used frequently. To make sure your door operates smoothly throughout the warmer months, lubricate it at the beginning of autumn before the cold, rainy winter months. Then, do the same thing in the spring. Following a regular lubrication schedule can be as simple as writing days on a calendar or setting phone reminders.
Integrating Your Door With Smart Technology
Integrating your door with smart technology is a fantastic way to make maintenance easier. You can set up notifications when things require fixing, balancing, or lubricating. Upon detecting certain problems, several smart garage doors even allow you to arrange for expert repair.
Door Pro America makes keeping your garage door working more manageable than ever. We offer repairs, replacements, garage door tune-ups, installations, and maintenance agreements. Our large assortment of garage doors simplifies and improves your home’s curb appeal. Call us today to schedule garage door maintenance for your home in Maryland.
