Do you need garage door repair? If so, you’re probably wondering how to avoid costly repairs in the future and keep your garage door in good working condition as long as possible. Quality garage doors should last for years. Unfortunately, lack of maintenance can significantly diminish their lifespan. Many homeowners don’t understand the importance of consistent maintenance on their garage doors. You can hire professionals to offer maintenance garage door services regularly. Or, if you prefer to save money, you may want to do things yourself. Here is a brief how-to-guide for garage door maintenance.
Dirty tracks are a common cause of garage door malfunctions. Dirt and other debris tend to settle on the tracks over time. When this happens, it can cause the garage door to roll unevenly. This can eventually cause the tracks to go out of balance and may lead to an expensive repair or full garage door replacement if it isn’t taken care of on time.
To clean the tracks, use a stiff-bristled scrub brush to sweep out all the debris. Then, use a gentle household cleaner and a soft cloth to clean the tracks thoroughly. Dry them with a soft microfiber cloth
Even minor dents in overhead tracks can cause excessive wear to your garage door. That’s why you should periodically inspect your overhead tracks up close to make sure they’re free from dings and blemishes. If you locate any dents, use a rubber hammer to pound them out carefully. Major obstructions and dents may require garage door repair or complete replacement.
Painting your garage door regularly will not only make it look nice but protect it from the elements as well. At least once every year, it would help if you inspected the door for cracked, peeling, or otherwise damaged paint. When it comes time to repaint, sand down the old layer of paint, so you have a smooth, fresh surface to work with. Use paint that’s formulated for heavy-duty outdoor use and make sure you seal it properly, as you want it to have a long lifespan.
Every year, you should check all the fasteners on your garage door, including the nuts and bolts. Make sure they’re all tight and in good condition. If any lose their stripping or look like they’re rusting away, replace them. You want to make sure your entire garage door mechanism doesn’t come loose from loose or damaged fasteners.
All the moving parts on your garage door require regular lubrication to work properly. If they don’t have adequate lubrication, your garage door is more likely to get stuck or noisy. You can find garage door lubricants that come in easy-to-use spray bottles. Spray them on your pulleys, tracks, and rollers to make sure they all move smoothly.
The bottom of your garage door has a weather sealant that keeps rain and other elements out. With age, the sealant can become cracked and damaged. Check the sealant annually to make sure it’s still in good condition. Replace it if you see any cracks.
Cracks in your garage door are never a good sign. If they are only minor, you may be able to fill them in with caulk. However, major cracks may mean you need a garage door specialist or new garage door installation.
Rust can weaken and destroy the components of your garage door. It can also prevent the moving parts of your garage door from working properly. Every year, check all moving parts for rust. If you notice rust, replace the affected part as quickly as possible before it spreads to other parts.
If your garage door isn’t moving smoothly, you may need to adjust its sensitivity. You can do this by following instructions in your owner’s manual. You may also be able to find step-by-step instructions for improving the door’s sensitivity online.
If you don’t have the time or the know-how to keep your garage door properly maintained, please let us do it for you. A well-maintained door is one that will last for many years, while a poorly-maintained door won’t last long at all. To request a service or quote, give LGA Garage Door Overhead Door Systems a call or fill out our online form.
Garage Door Maintenance: How To DIY | LGA Garage Door