Your garage door is a big investment, and like any major appliance, it requires regular care to ensure it lasts as long as possible. With just a little attention, you can keep your garage door functioning smoothly, avoiding costly garage door repairs and replacements. Let’s look at some simple tips to extend the life of your garage door and keep it running like new.
Regular Lubrication is Key
Keeping your garage door’s moving parts well-lubricated is key to smooth, hassle-free operation. Without it, parts like rollers, hinges, and springs can grind against each other, causing extra wear and tear. Regular lubrication helps everything run like a dream and prevents costly breakdowns.
- Where to Lubricate: Apply lubricant to the rollers, springs, hinges, and the top of the opener’s chain or belt. Make sure to use a silicone-based or garage door-specific lubricant to avoid attracting dust and debris.
- How Often to Lubricate: Aim to lubricate the moving parts at least once a year, or more frequently if the door is used daily.
Lubricating your garage door not only helps it run quietly but also reduces strain on the motor and other components.
Inspect and Tighten Loose Hardware
Over time, the constant use of your garage door can cause screws, nuts, and bolts to loosen. Loose hardware can lead to unstable door movement, causing strain on the motor and other parts.
- What to Check: Regularly inspect all the hardware, including tracks, rollers, and springs. Tighten any loose screws or bolts you find to maintain smooth operation.
- Why It’s Important: Tightening hardware helps prevent your door from derailing and ensures that the components stay secure, which reduces the risk of unexpected malfunctions.
Regularly Check the Balance of Your Door
A well-balanced garage door requires less effort to open and close, and it extends the lifespan of your opener and springs. If your garage door is unbalanced, it could cause premature wear on the components.
- How to Check: Disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle and lift the door manually. If the door doesn’t stay in place when lifted halfway, it’s out of balance and needs adjustment.
- When to Call a Professional: Balancing a door requires careful adjustments, so it’s best to call a Meridian garage door repair professional if you’re unsure about handling this on your own.
Schedule Professional Inspections
While regular maintenance is essential, it’s important to schedule professional inspections to ensure everything is functioning as it should.
A professional technician will inspect all aspects of your garage door system, including the springs, opener, and cables, and can catch small issues before they become big problems.
- What’s Included in the Inspection: Technicians will check for wear and tear on springs, alignment issues, and lubrication needs. They’ll also perform any necessary adjustments or garage door repairs to keep your door in top condition.
- Why It’s Important: Having a professional inspect your door annually can prevent major breakdowns and ensure the door operates safely.
Conclusion
With a little care and attention, you can significantly extend the life of your garage door. Regular lubrication, hardware inspections, and balance checks, along with annual professional inspections, will help keep your garage door running smoothly for many years.
Want to extend the life of your garage door? Call Garage Door Store Boise at (208) 514-2871 for expert advice and maintenance services!