If you are like a lot of people, you probably have never really stopped to think about your garage door. As long as it is working, doors like these tend to blend into the background, performing their job without really standing out. As it turns out, however, it is important to properly maintain your garage door if you don’t want to run into problems further down the line. Periodic maintenance can keep it functioning properly and can save you a lot of money on future repair bills. Well-maintained doors are less likely to malfunction, which reduces the risk of accidents or injuries occurring.
Since the safety and security of your home are both at stake, it is best to conduct annual garage door inspections. Taking a little bit of time out of your schedule to maintain your door can give you confidence that your belongings are protected. You ca do this by buying DIY garage door parts to keep your door in good condition. Garage door inspections help verify that the parts are all working correctly and that none of them are damaged. Parts that move like the springs, rollers, and cables are particularly vulnerable to damage. The tips below should help you keep your garage door in great shape for many years to come.
Pay Attention To How Well Your Garage Door Is Working
It is easy to perform everyday activities like opening the garage door without really paying attention to what you are doing. With repetitive activities like these, your body and mind tend to operate on autopilot. The next time you open your garage door, however, pay close attention to how well it is working. Does it make any strange noises? How smoothly does it glide? Has the way that it operates changed in any significant way since when it was first installed? Symptoms like these could indicate that there is a problem. Proper balance is also important when it comes to garage doors. Try opening the door halfway and taking your hand off of it. It should stay exactly where it is. If it doesn’t, it could mean that the springs are out of balance, which is a problem that needs to be repaired by a qualified garage door specialist.
Check the Rollers
Garage door rollers are typically made out of nylon or steel. Both types of rollers should be inspected on a biannual basis. Ideally, you should replace them approximately every seven years. If you spot any signs of damage like cracking or chipping, they need to be replaced even sooner than that. The process is relatively straightforward as long as you are comfortable removing and replacing the brackets that hold the rollers in place.
Check For Proper Lubrication
Lubricants help the door move smoothly and reduce wear. The moving parts of the garage door should be frequently lubricated. You can accomplish this using a spray lubricant. The roller is attached to a hinge that should be lightly lubricated. Avoid going overboard with the lubricant. Otherwise, dirt could accumulate in it, creating a gummy mess that interferes with the door’s operation. Lubricate any hinges and holes for keys, as well. The manufacturer of your garage door should provide instructions on which parts to lubricate in the owner’s manual.
