Summer brings out the best in us, from spending more time outside to hosting backyard barbecues every week. And with all this extra time spent outdoors, it’s only natural that you start to notice issues with your garage door, especially if you live in an area where temperatures regularly reach over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. But don’t worry. Here are six simple things you can do to keep your garage door in great shape this summer.
Change and Check Opener Batteries
As part of your garage door upkeep, it’s important to change and check opener batteries regularly. Batteries can die without warning, so it’s best to change them every few months. Plus, if you have a backup battery, you’ll be prepared in case of a power outage.
It also doesn’t hurt to keep some extra batteries on hand. It’s not always easy to tell when the batteries are running low, but there are plenty of ways you can tell. For starters, you might notice that your remote doesn’t work as well or has lost its range.
You may also notice that the lights at the top of your door aren’t turning on anymore as they used to before. The last way to know is by listening for a click sound when you push the button on your remote. If you don’t hear any sound, then it’s time for new batteries.
Clean and Lubricate Rollers
You should regularly clean and lubricate your rollers. This will help keep them free of dirt and debris and ensure that they move smoothly. To clean them, simply wipe them down with a rag.
For best results, use a solution made up of one part vinegar to two parts waters. Once you have cleaned the rollers, lubricate them by spraying WD-40 or silicone spray on the surfaces where the roller turns. Be sure to lubricate the hinges as well.
If you are unable to do this yourself, consider contacting a professional for help. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of upkeep every so often to make your garage door last longer.
Inspect, Replace, or Repair Broken Components
One of the most important things you can do to keep your garage door in top shape is to regularly inspect it for broken or damaged components.
If you find any, be sure to replace or repair them as soon as possible. Regular upkeep will help prevent major problems down the road. For example, if a spring breaks and isn’t replaced right away, then that could lead to other springs breaking which would cause significant damage.
A minor problem can quickly become a major one if not addressed quickly and with care.
Applying New Paint
A fresh coat of paint can give your garage door a whole new look. But it’s not just about aesthetics-paint can also help protect your door from the elements and keep it looking good for years to come.
Apply two coats of primer, followed by three coats of oil-based or latex paint, which will stand up to everything Mother Nature throws at it. Brush on the first coat with a 3/4 nap roller so you don’t get drips; brush on the second coat with a 2-nap roller to fill in any gaps.
When painting doors that have rounded corners, use an edger to get into tight spots. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next one. Don’t forget to put tape around the area where you’ll be working, so you don’t accidentally get paint on other surfaces.
Do Some Insulation
This will help keep the heat out in the summer and the cold out in the winter. You can insulate your garage door by adding weather stripping around the edges and using insulated panels.
You should also look for cracks in your garage door and fix them before they become a problem. If you have an older home, consider adding foam insulation.
Be sure to wear gloves when installing this type of insulation as it can cause skin irritation if not handled properly. Pay attention to how smoothly your garage door operates so that you know whether it needs servicing or repair.
Consider Rust Removal
If your garage door is starting to show signs of rust, it’s important to take care of it right away. Not only will this help keep your door looking its best, but it will also help prevent further damage down the road.
If you don’t want to do this yourself, there are plenty of professional services that can help you out. Alternatively, you can try using a commercial product designed for this type of problem.
It’s important to clean up any spills or drips from these products before applying them so as not to create an additional mess for yourself.
Bottom Line
These are just a few of the most common things that can happen with your garage door, and it is best to know how to fix them. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to every problem.
The first step to solving any problem is understanding what’s going on and what steps you should take next.
