Garage doors play a crucial role in safeguarding your vehicles and possessions from theft and inclement weather. Therefore, it's imperative to maintain it to ensure it operates smoothly and safely. Conducting routine maintenance on your garage door can extend its lifespan, prevent accidents, and save you from expensive repairs. Here are some of the necessary maintenance that your garage door needs and when it's best to call in professional service.
Visual Inspection
The first step to maintaining your garage door is to conduct a thorough visual inspection. Look out for any signs of damage, dents, cracks, rust, or worn-out components. Check the alignment of the tracks, hinges, rollers, and springs to ensure that they're not loose or bent. Lubricate the moving parts, such as the chains, cables, and pulleys, to prevent friction and reduce wear and tear.
Testing the Door Balance
Imbalanced garage doors are not only dangerous but can also strain the opener, leading to motor failure. To verify the balance of the door, disconnect the opener and manually lift it halfway. If the door stays up, it's well-balanced, but if it falls back, it's unbalanced, and you need to call in professionals to balance it.
Cleaning the Door and Tracks
Dirt and debris have a tendency to build up on the door and tracks, resulting in friction and hindering the smooth operation of the door. Clean the door, tracks, and other components using a mild detergent and a soft rag. Avoid utilizing harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that may damage the door's finish or tracks.
Tightening of Loose Components
Regular opening and closing of the garage door can cause wear and tear, making nuts and bolts come loose. Tighten all the loose nuts, bolts, and screws using a wrench or socket set. Avoid over-tightening, as it may cause the door to bind.
When to Hire a Professional Service
While regular maintenance helps keep your garage door functional, some repairs require professional attention. If you experience any of the following issues, call in a professional garage door repair service:
- The door makes grinding, screeching, or rattling noises
- The door moves slowly or stops
- The door's balance is off, and you can't fix it
- The door has dents, cracks, or worn-out components
Regular maintenance is pivotal for ensuring the smooth and safe operation of your garage door. This includes visual inspection, testing the door balance, cleaning, and tightening of loose components. Knowing when to call in professional garage door repair services can save you from costly repairs and ensure that your garage door operates efficiently. Keep in mind that a properly maintained garage door enhances the attractiveness of your property and increases its overall value.
Contact a local company to learn more about garage door services.
