The garage door is used every day, resulting in wear and tear over the period that calls for proper maintenance and timely repair to ensure smooth functioning and extended lifespan. Any malfunction in the garage door may create inconvenience in your daily routine. Garage door maintenance includes inspection, lubrication of moving parts, inspecting for hardware damage and conducting safety tests at least once in a year. In this article, we will review “How Often Garage Door Maintenance “ in detail.
What is Included in the Garage Door Maintenance?
The garage door maintenance has various components such as inspection, lubrication or any replacement of parts. Each of these should be looked into and maintained properly at regular intervals. It’s advisable to seek help from an expert for inspection and testing of components (spring, cable, roller, hinges, safety sensors and tracks). Whatever the expert's advice, get the repair and replacement done. If you notice any sign of malfunctioning, call the professional garage door expert to avoid heavy costs due to delayed repair.
Tips to Maintain Garage Door
Certain ways help in the proper upkeep of garage doors, saving substantial repair costs in the future.
Door inspection - Inspect the garage door twice a year for smooth motion and proper alignment.
Perform Safety Test on the Garage Doors - Perform safety inspections on the garage door to keep it in place and also check the reverse feature ( if an item is kept near the entrance, the door sensor detects it and doesn't close).
Periodic Inspection of Garage Door Hardware - Periodically check the door tracks,and hinges, tighten loose bolts and replace the rusted parts.
Service the Drive Chain or Belt - If there's a groaning sound on opening and closing the door, check for slack in the drive chain.
Service the Seals - Seals are essential to stopping vermin and snakes from entering the garage. If seals look brittle or worn out, replace them.
Keep the Garage Door Clean - Keep the garage door clean by wiping and washing depending on the door material.
Replace the Backup Battery and Bulb - Replace the garage door opener light and batteries in the remote, if it stops working.
Fix Wheels Stuck in the Door - Fix the stuck wheel in the garage door and loosen the nut holding the bracket to the door frame. Also ensure there’s a half inch gap between the door and the track.
Reduce Friction Between Doors and Door Stop - Friction can be easily reduced by adjusting the track bracket.
Adjust the Tension of the Torsion Springs - Adjust the tension of torsion spring to adjust the speed of door opening and closing.
How Often Do Garage Doors Need Maintenance?
As a preventive measure, you should call the professional garage door expert twice a year for a thorough inspection from the top of the door to bottom including lubrication and garage door balancing to ensure all the components are in working condition. The best time to service your garage door is spring and fall because that’s the time to prepare for summer and winter. The garage doors get affected by weather changes.
What Are the Early Signs That Garage Doors Need Servicing?
Slow Operation - If the garage door takes more time than usual in opening or closing, it could be due to problems in spring, cable or rollers.
Loud Noise - Loud noise during operation or grinding or rattling sound could be an early sign of worn-out parts which technicians can identify and fix.
Door Jamming During Operation - Broken rollers or hinges could be the reason for door jamming that seeks attention.
Sensors Not Working - Sensors are installed to prevent the door from closing if something is kept on the way and if they stop working, it could lead to safety hazards that call for urgent attention. Regular maintenance of a garage door with these components primarily involves checking their functionality. Poorly maintained openers easily develop issues, including motor and gear wear. This means the door won’t open or close properly.
Wear and Tear of Door Components - Door components can wear and tear over the years due to continuous use resulting in a low-performance risk of breakdown.
Advantages of Maintaining Garage Door
Higher Safety - Garage doors are heavy, so any breakage or mishandling can cause severe injury to the homeowners. Many times, the door also malfunction due to damaged openers or broken springs.
Regular Garage Maintenance Helps Save Heavy and Sudden Repair Costs - If a damaged garage part is not fixed immediately, you may have to replace it, resulting in higher expenses later.
Better Lifespan of Garage Doors - A well-maintained garage door can last up to 20 years, so it’s advisable to maintain it regularly to extend its life.
