A well-maintained garage door not only ensures smooth operation but also extends its lifespan, saving homeowners from costly repairs or replacements. Regular maintenance can keep your garage door functioning efficiently and enhance its durability. Here’s a list of simple yet effective maintenance tasks that homeowners can perform to keep their garage doors in top condition for years to come.
1. Visual Inspection
- Frequency: Monthly
- Task: Examine the garage door's springs, cables, rollers, and pulleys for signs of wear or damage. Look for any loose hardware or misalignments. If you notice any issues, especially with the springs or cables, it's best to contact a professional for repairs to avoid injury.
2. Lubrication
- Frequency: Every 6 months
- Task: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the garage door’s moving parts, including rollers, hinges, and tracks. This will ensure smooth operation and prevent rusting. Avoid using WD-40 as it is a cleaner, not a lubricant.
3. Test the Balance
- Frequency: Annually
- Task: Disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle (usually a red cord) and manually lift the door halfway up. If it doesn’t stay in place, the springs are improperly balanced. Adjusting the spring tension is dangerous and should be left to professionals.
4. Check the Auto-Reverse Features
- Frequency: Every 6 months
- Task: Place a piece of wood or a brick on the ground in the path of the door. When the door touches the object, it should automatically reverse. This is a critical safety feature that needs to work correctly.
5. Tighten Up the Hardware
- Frequency: Annually
- Task: The vibration of a moving garage door can loosen its hardware over time. Use a socket wrench to tighten all roller brackets and bolts to ensure everything is snug.
6. Clean and Paint the Door
- Frequency: As needed
- Task: Wash the garage door regularly with a mild detergent and water to keep it clean and free from corrosive substances. If your door is made of wood, check for water damage and repaint or seal it as necessary. For metal doors, look for rust spots that need to be sanded, primed, and painted.
7. Inspect and Replace the Weatherstripping
- Frequency: Every 6 months to 1 year
- Task: The rubber weather seal strip on the bottom of your door helps keep out the elements and pests. If it's cracked or brittle, replace it to maintain insulation and protection.
8. Test the Safety Features
- Frequency: Every 6 months
- Task: Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features like photo-eye sensors that prevent the door from closing if something is in its path. Test these features by placing an object in front of the sensors to ensure the door reverses direction.
9. Clear the Tracks
- Frequency: Annually
- Task: Make sure the tracks on either side of the door are free from debris and rust. You can wipe them out with a cloth or use a vacuum. However, if you notice significant misalignment, professional adjustment is necessary.
10. Schedule Professional Maintenance
- Frequency: Every 1-2 years
- Task: Even with regular homeowner maintenance, it’s wise to have a professional inspect and service your garage door periodically. They can identify issues you might miss and perform complex maintenance tasks safely.
Brookline Doorworks offers tailored maintenance plans to fit your specific needs. Our professional team is equipped to handle any issue, big or small, ensuring your garage door operates safely and efficiently year-round.
Choosing Brookline Doorworks for your garage door maintenance means entrusting your home to experts committed to quality and customer satisfaction. Let us take the hassle out of garage door maintenance, so you can enjoy the convenience and security of a perfectly functioning garage door without the worry. Contact us today to schedule your maintenance service and experience the Brookline Doorworks difference.