Garage doors are a crucial part of your home. Not only do they add security and privacy, but they also keep your car safe and sound. It is essential to keep your garage door in good condition by performing regular maintenance tasks. Below are some tips for keeping your garage door in top shape.
Tighten the hardware
Tightening the hardware is one of the easiest and most effective ways to maintain your garage door. All you need is a screwdriver or wrench.
If you have a sectional garage door, make sure to tighten the bolts on each section. These hold the sections together and help keep them in alignment. If these bolts are loose, the sections can start to sag over time, which can cause the door to bind up or even fall off its track.
If you have a tilt-up garage door, check the tension of the springs every few months. The springs should be tight enough so that the door closes easily when it’s released but not so tight that it’s hard to open. You can adjust the tension by turning the spring adjustment screws and hinges. This will vary depending on the make and model of your door, so be sure to consult your owner’s manual.
Regularly tightening the hardware can help keep your garage door in good condition for years to come. It only takes a few minutes, and it’s a job you can do yourself. So don’t wait – get started today!
Lubricate moving parts
Lubrication is key to keeping your garage door functioning properly. All the moving parts on your door should be lubricated often. You can use a spray lubricant or a lithium grease pencil for this task.
Make sure to avoid getting any lubricant on the rubber seal around the edge of your door, as it could cause it to deteriorate over time. Also, take care not to get any lubricant on the tracks, as it could make them slippery and cause accidents.
If you have an automatic opener, keep in mind that some lubricants can interfere with its operation. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before applying any lubricant to your door or opener.
Check the seal
The seal around your garage door is important for two reasons: it helps keep out the cold in the winter and keeps out the hot air in the summer. To check the seal, close your garage door and look at the edge where the door meets the ground.
If you can see daylight between the door and ground, then the seal is not working properly and needs to be fixed. You can buy a new seal or weatherstripping at most hardware stores. If you have an automatic garage door opener, make sure to keep the sensors clean. Debris like leaves or snow can block the sensor’s line of sight and prevent your garage door from opening.
Wipe down the tracks
The tracks of your garage door can often get dirty and full of debris. To keep your garage door functioning properly, it’s important to wipe them down regularly with a wet rag. This will help to remove any dirt or build-up that may be causing the door to malfunction.
If you have a particularly dirty set of tracks, you can use a small amount of dish soap on your rag to help break up the gunk. Be sure to rinse off the soapy residue with water when you’re finished.
Inspect the rollers
Inspecting the rollers is a crucial part of garage door upkeep. If the rollers are worn down, they can cause damage to the door and increase the risk of an accident. To inspect the rollers, you’ll need to remove them from the door.
Once they’re removed, look at each roller and see if it’s smooth or if there are any nicks or gouges in it. If there are, then that roller needs to be replaced. You can also check for excessive wear by measuring the roller diameter. If it’s more than half an inch smaller than when it was new, then it’s time for a replacement.
If everything looks good, give each roller a light coating of lubricant before putting them back on the door. This will help keep them functioning smoothly and prevent any future damage.
Check the Cables and Pulleys
The cables and pulleys are an important part of the garage door system. They help to lift and lower the door. It is important to check these parts regularly for wear and tear. If they are damaged, it can cause the door to malfunction.
To check the cables and pulleys, you will need a ladder. You should also have some gloves and safety goggles. First, climb up the ladder and take a look at the cables. Make sure they are tight and in good condition. If there is any damage, such as fraying or cracking, you will need to replace them immediately.
Overall Conclusion
Garage door upkeep is important to keep your home and family safe. While it may seem like a daunting task, following the few simple tips above can make regular maintenance quick and easy. Keep these tips in mind the next time you tackle garage door care.
