3 Garage Door Maintenance Tips

You probably give your garage door little thought—that is, when it's operating correctly. While most garage doors today are durable, low maintenance, and mostly trouble free, it's important to remember that, like all other major components of your home or business, it does require a little maintenance. If you take a few minutes out of your day every so often to give your garage door a little care, you'll reduce the risk of unexpected malfunctions and extend the life of your door. In the event that your garage door fails to operate properly, it's best to leave it to a professional to diagnose and fix the problem. Otherwise, here are a few preventative steps you can take to do your own garage door repair, lowering your repair cost and keeping your garage door working longer. 

Lubricate Components

All garage doors are comprised of various parts, including rollers, bearings, hinges, and tracks, to name a few. Over time, the lubricant on these parts becomes dry and the garage door starts to work less efficiently. A big sign that your garage door components need lubricating is that they begin to make noise. If you notice your garage suddenly making squeaking, squealing, or rumbling noises as it opens and closes, it's time to break out the lubricant. The good news is, you usually won't need any special lubricant; some WD-40 from your local automotive shop is often enough to do the trick.

Do a Routine Balance Check

It's extremely common for garage doors to become misaligned over time. When this happens, you may notice your garage door start to jerk, stutter, or stall upon opening or closing. When the door is off-track, the sensors won't work properly, which causes the stalling and jerking. To check the alignment of your door, simply turn off the automatic opener and lift it manually. You're looking for it to lift smoothly and glide on the track in the proper alignment. If you notice that it's difficult to open or doesn't seem to glide properly on the track, call your local repair technician to have it serviced.

Use Weather Stripping

Many property owners are unaware of this, but when moisture gets in and collects on vital components of your garage door, it can cause rusting and corrosion. Before you know it, your door will start giving you problems. It's best to keep moisture out by using weather seals. You'll want to install them in any gaps and at the bottom of your door. Weather stripping has a short lifespan, so it's crucial to check them at the start of each season and replace any that have become ripped or tattered.


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