Garage doors are a huge investment for any homeowner. Not only do they provide security and privacy for your belongings, but they also add to the overall value of your home. That’s why it’s important to properly maintain your garage door in order to ensure its longevity. Read on to learn how.
Keep It Clean
First of all, you must make sure your door, as well as the area around it, is clean at all times. The people working at the Towson best garage doors repair team know how important it is for people to have a functional entry point into this part of their house. With a little effort, it can be easily achieved.
When cleaning your garage door, pay attention to the tracks, springs, and rollers. Over time, these components accumulate dirt, dust, and grime which can eventually impact their performance. Keeping them free from debris and keeping the surrounding area clean as well is essential for keeping your garage door in great shape.
Perform Safety Tests
There are some problems that commonly occur when it comes to home garage doors and regular safety tests are a great way to maintain them. Performing these is an important part of keeping your garage door safe and performing properly.
Ideally, performing these tests should be done at least once a year to ensure that the garage door is functioning correctly and safely. Before performing any maintenance on the door itself, it is advised that you unplug the garage door opener for safety.
For example, performing a balance test is one way to check your garage door. To do this, simply open the door manually and let it go halfway. If the door stays in place, then it is balanced.
Inspect The Parts Regularly
There are tons of parts that make a garage door. These are the following:
- Springs
- Rollers
- Tracks
- Cables
- Drums
- Openers
It is important to inspect all these parts regularly as they are working together to make the door open and close properly. Keeping an eye on them will help you detect any issues with them before it’s too late.
For example, inspecting the rollers may help you spot any worn-out parts that need to be replaced. Similarly, inspecting the cables and tracks can alert you to rusting or other signs of wear and tear.
Tighten Loose Bolts
Whenever you notice that the bolts of your garage door are becoming loose, it is time to tighten them. Loose bolts can be dangerous, as they can cause the door to come off its tracks or malfunction in other ways. To ensure that your garage door operates efficiently and safely, tightening the loose bolts should be a part of your regular maintenance routine.
The same should be said about the springs and hinges. When tightening bolts, it is important to use the right tools and take appropriate safety measures. It is also important that you don’t over-tighten them or you will risk causing damage to the door’s structure.
Lubricate The Door Often
Make sure to regularly lubricate the door of your garage as part of its regular maintenance. This helps keep it running smoothly and efficiently, ensuring that its components are properly lubricated and free from dust and dirt. Generally, lubrication should be done every six months or so to ensure the proper functioning of the door over time.
If you want to improve your garage, the process starts with the door. Making sure it easily opens and closes without any hiccups and storage noises should be the number one priority.
Replace Your Weatherstripping
Protecting your garage door from the elements is essential for its longevity. One way to do this is to replace your weatherstripping on a regular basis. This helps prevent water, dirt, and pests from entering the garage through the gaps between the door and its frame.
When replacing the weatherstripping around your garage door, it’s important to make sure that you’re using the correct type of weatherstripping. Different materials are designed for different climates and types of doors, so make sure to do your research before replacing your weatherstripping.
Limit Its Use
Don’t play around with your garage door, as it can cause serious damage to the mechanism. Limiting its use means limiting how often you open and close it so that you don’t wear out its parts more quickly than necessary. Opening and closing your garage door a few times a day is fine, but try not to abuse it with constant opening and closing throughout the day. This not only puts too much strain on the system but also creates an unnecessary energy drain from your home.
A garage is one of the most important parts of any home, so making sure it’s easy to enter is essential. Make sure to keep it clean and perform regular safety tests. You should also inspect every part on its own. Make sure to tighten loose bolts and lubricate the door every chance you get. Replace the weatherstripping from time to time and make sure to limit the use of your garage door!