You wouldn’t keep driving a car with a flashing engine light, and you wouldn’t trust food stored in a powerless refrigerator. Similarly, your garage door, a large and frequently used moving part, needs proper care, especially since it can impact the safety of your loved ones.
While many homeowners rarely think about their garage door after installation, regular maintenance is crucial. Routine care ensures the door operates smoothly. It helps avoid expensive repairs and extends its lifespan. Ignoring a garage door’s upkeep poses risks to your family. This makes maintenance an important safety priority. Here are maintenance tips you can follow.
Examine Safety Features
During regular maintenance, inspect the safety features of your garage door. The photoelectric sensor and mechanical auto-reverse are designed to prevent the door from closing on objects, minimizing safety risks. You can easily test these features at home using a few common items.
To check the photoelectric sensor, try waving a broom underneath the door as it’s closing. For the mechanical auto-reverse, place a wooden plank or a brick under the door and then start closing it. The door should reverse immediately upon making contact with the object. If either of these features doesn’t function correctly, call a professional to address the issue.
If your garage door is older, it may lack these crucial safety functions. In such cases, consider replacing your door and opener with updated models that include modern safety features. These upgrades are critical for safeguarding people and objects from potential harm and ensuring safe everyday use of your garage door.
Inspect the Cables and Rollers
Rollers and cables play a crucial role in your garage door’s operation. They handle the heavy lifting and support the door’s weight while it’s open. Check that the rollers are properly aligned in their brackets and free from any bowing or sagging, which could be signs of wear or warping.
The counterweight cables should also be tight and straight, kinks or twists in the cables might cause the mechanism to jam. Be cautious when working with these cables, as they are tension-wound and sharp.
If they were to snap unexpectedly, they could cause serious injury. A garage door repair company can offer you professional installation services for overhead garage doors and openers, ensuring the safety and durability of your garage door system.
Test Balance
An imbalanced garage door can place undue strain on its components, accelerating wear and leading to costly damage or repairs. To check your door’s balance, close it fully and disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle, usually marked with a red cord. Manually lift the door until it rests halfway open, then release it.
A properly balanced door will remain in this position. If the door moves, it may indicate an issue with the cables or springs, both of which are high-tension components that require professional attention. Avoid handling these parts yourself and contact a qualified technician to ensure your garage door is rebalanced safely and correctly.
Lubricate Key Parts
Not all garage doors function the same way. Keeping their moving parts properly lubricated is essential for smooth operation. However, using lubrication on the wrong components can lead to issues.
For up-and-over or sectional doors, you can safely lubricate parts like rollers, pulleys, springs or chains. Simply apply a suitable lubricant to these areas to prevent sticking or stiffness, which could cause more serious problems down the line.
On the other hand, roller garage doors are designed to operate without lubrication. Applying it to the guide runners, where the slats move, can cause clogging and hinder proper movement. You can find effective garage door lubricants both online and at DIY stores. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and apply lubrication twice a year for optimal performance and longevity.
Check the Hardware
If your garage door is making squeaky noises or moving oddly, inspect the hardware to ensure it’s in proper condition. Regular maintenance is helpful, even when the door appears to be functioning fine.
Start by examining all the door hinges. Apply garage door lubricant to keep them moving smoothly, and check that they’re securely fastened. Next, clean the tracks using a carburetor or brake cleaner, but avoid using lubricants on the tracks as this could make the door slip or become misaligned. Finally, verify that all hinges and track components are firmly tightened.
Endnote
Properly maintaining your new garage door helps you maximize your investment. A safe and dependable garage entry is essential for your family’s needs. The condition of your garage door significantly impacts the appearance of your home. This makes curb appeal a top priority for many homeowners. Dedicating a bit of time and effort to regular garage door maintenance gives you lasting benefits.
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