Regular lubrication is key to keeping your garage door operating smoothly, especially in Boise’s changing climate. Without it, moving parts can wear down quickly, causing noise, friction, and even mechanical failure. Choosing the right type of lubricant for your garage door will extend its life and ensure it runs quietly and efficiently.
Why Lubrication Matters
Garage doors are made up of many moving parts that need to work together seamlessly. Without proper lubrication, friction builds up, leading to:
Noisy Operation: Grinding or squeaking sounds can indicate metal parts rubbing together.
Increased Wear and Tear: Lack of lubrication increases friction, which causes parts to degrade faster.
Malfunctioning Components: Over time, parts may break down completely, leading to a costly Boise garage door repair or replacements.
Which Parts of the Garage Door Need Lubrication?
Here are the key components that benefit from regular lubrication:
Hinges: The metal hinges connecting your garage door panels need lubrication to move freely.
Rollers: Rollers, particularly metal ones, should be kept lubricated to prevent friction as they move along the track.
Springs: Torsion and extension springs do most of the heavy lifting, so keeping them lubricated helps reduce strain.
Tracks: While the tracks themselves don’t need lubrication, cleaning them and applying a small amount of lubricant where the rollers move will ensure smooth motion.
Types of Lubricants to Use
Not all lubricants are created equal. Here are the best options for garage doors:
Silicone-Based Sprays: Silicone sprays are perfect for metal parts like hinges and rollers. They don’t attract dust or dirt, making them ideal for keeping your garage door moving smoothly without buildup.
White Lithium Grease: This grease is excellent for the heavy-moving parts of your garage door, like the springs. It provides long-lasting lubrication and can handle higher loads without breaking down.
Avoid WD-40: While WD-40 is commonly thought of as a lubricant, it’s actually a cleaner and degreaser. Using it can strip away the necessary oils and lead to more friction.
How Often Should You Lubricate Your Garage Door?
To keep your garage door running smoothly, lubrication should be part of your routine maintenance:
Every Six Months: Apply lubricant to all the moving parts of your garage door twice a year. This ensures that all components work as efficiently as possible.
Seasonal Adjustments: Boise’s climate can be tough on metal parts, with the heat of summer and the cold of winter causing them to expand and contract. Applying extra lubrication during seasonal changes can help prevent wear and tear.
Proper Lubrication Technique
Here are a few steps for proper lubrication:
Clean the Tracks: Before lubricating, make sure to clean the tracks to remove dust and debris.
Apply Lubricant to Moving Parts: Use silicone-based spray or lithium grease on the hinges, rollers, and springs. Make sure to move the door up and down a few times to distribute the lubricant evenly.
Avoid Over-Lubrication: Using too much lubricant can attract dirt and debris, so only apply a light coating.
Keep Your Garage Door Moving Smoothly
At Garage Door Store Boise, we know how important it is to maintain your garage door with the right products and techniques. Regular lubrication is essential for extending the life of your door and preventing a costly Boise garage door repair down the road.
For expert garage door maintenance and repairs, call us today and let us help keep your garage door in top condition!