A garage door is an indispensable asset to our homes, offering protection and unsurpassed conveniences for our cars, tools, and other belongings. While many homeowners don’t realize the importance of properly maintaining and caring for their garage doors, failure to do so can result in expensive repairs and even replacements. In this article, we are going to talk about measures that you need to take to always have your garage door in top shape.
The Importance of Maintenance
A functional garage door is of great importance being that it performs several roles that relate to security, safety, and convenience. A well-working garage door protects your property and belongings from potential theft and weather deterioration, thereby improving the security of your home.
Apart from this, a garage door that runs smoothly makes your daily schedule run efficiently by providing you with access to your car and stored items. Besides making your property look more attractive and giving you an edge when it comes to resale value, a well-run garage door also eliminates the risk of accidents caused by worn and old garage mechanisms. In general, the cardinal rule is that the garage door should be checked, lubricated, and tested every six months to preserve the safety and functionality of your property.
Inspect, Lubricate, & Clean
A basic but essential task of garage door maintenance is regular inspection. Inspect the tracks, rollers, springs, and cables for signs of wear and tear. Scan for rust, dents, or loose hardware that may have to be either repaired or replaced.
It’s also necessary to lubricate the garage door’s moving parts to ensure its smooth functioning. Apply some silicone-based lubricant between the tracks, springs, and hinges to avoid friction and extend service life. Make sure you wipe off any excess oil to prevent its accumulation.
By maintaining the cleanliness of your garage door, you can avoid rust and corrosion. Use a mild detergent and warm water for cleaning the door panels, focusing on the areas that often come into contact with dirt and debris. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.
Weather Stripping & Alignment
Next, you’ll want to take a look at the weather stripping of your garage door around the bottom for any cracks or damage. Weather stripping tends to stop drafts and moisture from entering the garage. This is why it needs to be replaced if possible to guarantee energy efficiency and protect the garage from the detrimental effects of the elements.
Be sure to also correctly adjust and balance the garage door to ensure a smooth operation and a longer service life. Try the balance of the door by disconnecting the opener and lifting the door halfway manually. If the door is not staying in its place, it may be incorrectly aligned and necessitate a professional adjustment.
Perform routine tests of the safety features of your garage door, particularly of the auto-reverse feature, the photo-eye safety device, and the emergency stop button. Leave something in the way of the closing door, so it will run backward and make sure that the sensors are all functioning through cleaning them out.
Get Help Maintaining Your Garage Door
Although you can do many things yourself to ensure that your garage door works well and serves you for a long time, you need to schedule professional maintenance at least once a year. If a diagnosis is done by a qualified technician, any issues are likely to be detected before they have time to develop into major problems. This would mean savings of time and money in the long run.
If you want to get professional assistance with garage door installation in North Augusta or garage door replacement in Graniteville, we encourage you to reach out to us at Garage Door Services of CSRA LLC, today to get more details. Our professional team is standing by to answer your questions or provide you with support to ensure your garage doors are installed and maintained throughout the year.