A garage door is one of the most used openings in a home, typically opening and closing multiple times a day. With this level of use, it’s important to perform regular maintenance to extend the life of your garage door and prevent costly repairs down the road. In this article, we’ll cover some simple maintenance tasks you can do yourself to keep your garage door running smoothly for years to come. When in need of repairs or a new installation, trust the experts at Garage Door Installation in Gainesville, GA.
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Lubricate Moving Parts
One of the best things you can do is lubricate all moving parts of your garage door system regularly. This includes rollers, hinges, tracks, springs, and any pulleys or cables. WD-40 or silicone spray are good general purpose lubricants. Spray parts and roll or move the door a few times to work lube deep inside. Lubrication prevents squeaks and reduces wear.
Inspect Hardware
Inspect all mounting hardware, bolts, screws, and any other fasteners securing your door, tracks, and opener monthly. Over time, vibration can cause fasteners to loosen. Tighten any that are loose using the proper size wrench or socket to prevent noise and ensure proper operation. Loose hardware can lead to bigger issues if not addressed.
Check Alignment
Periodically inspect tracks, rollers, hinges, and springs for proper alignment. Over time and with use, these heavy-duty components can become misaligned. Realign any issues promptly before they cause damage, noise, or safety problems. Proper alignment optimizes performance.
Test Safety Features
Check that photo eyes and any other safety features on your opener are clean and functioning properly monthly. Make sure the invisible light beam is not obstructed and your door reverses smoothly when triggered. Safety features prevent accidents and damage.
Inspect Cables
Inspect lift cables for signs of wear, rust, or fraying every 6-12 months. Cables that support the weight of your door take a lot of stress over time. Replace any that show damage before they snap. Proper cables ensure smooth, balanced door movement.
Test Emergency Release
If your door has an emergency manual release, use it monthly to test that the door can be disengaged from the opener properly in a power outage. Also check that the door is properly re-engaged after testing the release. This ensures it will function correctly when needed.
Clean and Paint
Periodically wash your garage door with mild soap and water to remove dirt, grease buildup, and road grime. Inspect the door surface and repaint any areas showing rust or wear at the first signs to prevent damage. Fresh paint protects the door material.
Adjust or Replace Seals
Inspect door perimeter seals every 6-12 months. Replace seals that are cracked, loose, or no longer form an airtight seal to prevent drafts and energy loss. Proper seals optimize efficiency and comfort.
With regular maintenance like lubrication, inspection, adjustment, and cleaning, you can extend the life of your garage door for many years to come. Consider upgrading to a new door installed by the professionals at Garage Door Installation in Gainesville, GA when your current door reaches the end of its lifespan. Proactive maintenance is easier and more affordable than major repairs.
