Your garage door is the hard-working component of your home, opening and closing hundreds of times every year. It can protect your car and belongings, enhance curb appeal, and add a layer of security to your property. Yet, a garage door is often taken for granted; until it starts to malfunction. Fortunately, regular upkeep can prevent most common issues and keep your garage door running smoothly for years.
Please check out maintenance tips every homeowner should follow to ensure that their garage door performs reliably and safely:
Inspect and Tighten Hardware Regularly
Your garage door moves up and down several times a day, causing vibrations that can loosen bolts, nuts, and brackets over time. You can use a socket wrench to check and tighten the roller brackets and bolts every few months. You need to inspect the mounting brackets that hold the tracks to the walls and ceiling. You should never overtighten; just make sure that everything is snug and secure.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Friction can affect the smooth operation of the garage door. Applying lubricant to essential components can help the system run quietly and reduce wear and tear.
You can use a silicone-based spray or white lithium grease to lubricate the rollers, hinges, tracks, springs, and the opener’s chain or screw. You should avoid using WD-40, as it’s a cleaner, not a lubricant. You can lubricate every 6 months to maintain peak performance.
Check the Door’s Balance
If your garage door is not properly balanced, it can affect the opener and shorten its lifespan. If you want to test the balance:
• You can disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle (usually a red cord).
• You need to lift the door halfway manually.
• If it stays in place, the balance is perfect. If it falls or rises, the springs may require adjustment.
Inspect Rollers and Cables
You should inspect rollers, whether steel or nylon, twice a year and replace them every 5–7 years if worn or cracked. You need to visually inspect the lift cables for signs of fraying, rust, or wear. If you notice damage to the cables, you can call a professional. These components support the door’s entire weight and need expert handling.
Clean and Clear the Tracks
Debris or gunk buildup in the door tracks can cause your door to work roughly or even get stuck. You can use a damp cloth to wipe down the tracks and remove any obstructions like leaves or dirt. You should avoid using lubricants on the tracks as they should remain dry for the rollers to glide smoothly.
Final Consideration
Routine garage door maintenance doesn’t take enough time, but it can save you significant money on repairs and replacements in the long run. You can consider tightening hardware, lubricating moving parts, checking the balance, and testing safety features. So, you can keep your garage door running smoothly, quietly, and safely.
If you encounter more serious issues, you should hesitate to call a trusted garage door technician available at BWI Garage Doors. Whether you need garage door installation in Montgomery County, Bethesda, garage door repair in Hyattsville, MD, garage door repair in Crofton, or garage door installation in Gaithersburg, please contact us today at +1 888 388 1847.
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