Now that the colder weather settles in, you may use your garage more frequently. Did you know that regular maintenance is required for a garage door? If not, read on to find out what needs to be done and why regular maintenance helps keep your garage door functioning correctly and can prevent costly repairs in the future. Some of the tasks you should perform regularly include checking the door’s balance, lubricating all moving parts, and cleaning the tracks.
Steps to Follow When Garage Door Maintenance?
Checking the door’s balance is essential because an unbalanced door can put unnecessary strain on the opener, leading to a shortened lifespan or even breakage. To check the balance, open the door about halfway and let go. If it stays in place, it is balanced. If it starts to close on its own or seems to fall to one side, you will need to adjust the springs accordingly.
Lubricating all moving parts help keep them working smoothly and prevents corrosion. It would help if you lubricated any roller bearings, pulleys, springs, and hinges. You can use a lubricant such as WD-40 or 3-in-1 oil.
Cleaning the tracks is also essential for proper functioning. Over time, dirt and grime can build up on the tracks, which can cause the door to stick or even come off the tracks entirely. To clean them, wipe them down with a rag or brush.
Another vital part of maintaining your garage door is ensuring the weatherstripping is in good condition. The weatherstripping helps seal the door and keeps out drafts, so it’s essential to ensure it’s not cracked or peeling. If it is, you can replace it yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
Finally, you should regularly check the hardware on your garage door to ensure everything is tight and in good condition. It includes the bolts, screws, and nuts that hold everything together.
Tips for Troubleshooting Common Problems With Garage Door Openers
If your garage door opener is having trouble opening or closing the door, you can attempt a few things before contacting a professional. But, keep all tools and generator away safely from the door. First, make sure the remote’s batteries are brand new. If they are not, replace them and see if that solves the problem.
You should also check the sensors’ alignment. The sensors are what tell the opener when to stop and start, so if they are not correctly aligned, it can cause problems. To check the alignment, look at the sensors from outside the garage. If they are lined up with each other, they are correctly aligned. If not, adjust them until they are.
It’s time to contact a professional if you’ve tried these suggestions and your garage door opener is still not functioning correctly. They can identify the issue and carry out any required repairs.
How Often Should You Do Maintenance Tasks?
You should check the balance of your door monthly. Lubricate moving parts every three months and clean the tracks quarterly. Inspect the weatherstripping and hardware at least once a year to ensure everything is in good condition.
If you have any inquiries regarding how to maintain your garage door correctly, or if you need to schedule a repair, contact a local garage door company. They will be happy to help you keep your door in good working order.
How to Replace a Damaged or Broken Garage Door Opener
If your garage door opener is damaged or broken, it’s crucial to replace it as soon as possible. A damaged opener can cause serious problems, such as preventing the door from opening or closing correctly or even causing the door to come off the tracks.
- To replace your opener, disconnect the power by unplugging it from the outlet or flipping the circuit breaker.
- Next, remove the opener cover so you can access the motor. The screws holding the motor should then be removed using a screwdriver. You can take out the old motor and put in the new one after they are loosened. Before replacing the opener’s lid, make sure the screws are tight.
- Finally, reconnect the power and test the opener to ensure it works correctly. If it is, you’re all done! If not, you may need to call a professional to help you troubleshoot the problem.
While garage door openers are built to last, they will eventually need to be replaced. Following these steps, you can easily replace your opener and get your garage door back in working order.
Why is Garage Door Maintenance So Essential?
Maintaining your garage door is essential because it helps keep the door functioning correctly and can prevent costly repairs in the future. By performing regular maintenance tasks, you can prolong the life of your door and avoid major issues down the road.
In Conclusion
Using these maintenance tips, you can maintain the functionality of your garage door and save expensive repairs. Make sure to lubricate moving parts every three months, check your door’s balance every month, and clean the tracks every three months. To make sure everything is in good shape, it would be beneficial if you also looked over the weatherstripping and hardware at least once a year.
