How many times a day do you open your garage door? Not only is it convenient, your garage door keeps you and your family safe. A good garage door will perform well and last a long time, if it is properly maintained.
Pay attention to your garage door.
Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to pay attention. When you use your garage door, does it move smoothly? Is it quiet or does it make strange grinding noises? Do both sides of the mechanism look symmetrical?
Test the balance.
If your garage door is not balanced correctly, the system will wear out more quickly. You can check the balance by disconnecting the opener. This is done by pulling the release handle (generally a red cord), and moving the door halfway up. If it does not stay there, it is out of adjustment. Spring adjustment is tricky and should be done by a professional.
Tighten up loose hardware.
Your garage door is constantly subjected to motion and vibration, which can loosen the hardware. Examine and tighten all loose hardware, bolts and roller brackets.
Check the weatherstripping.
The rubber weatherstripping on the bottom of the door helps protect your home from the weather. If it is cracked, brittle or worn out, it can be easily replaced. Just cut it to size and insert with the wide angle of the flange inside the door.
Keep it lubricated.
This takes very little time and can add years to the life of your system. Use the lubricant recommended by your garage door professional to grease up the moving parts.
Check the tracks.
Check the tracks for any trapped debris. If the tracks need adjustment, this should be done by a professional garage door technician.
Watch out for the cables.
Do not fool around with the high-tension cables on your door. They can seriously injure or even kill you. If you notice broken strands or other damage, or are aware that they need repair, call a professional technician.
Inspect and/or repair the rollers.
Rollers that are damaged or worn should be replaced as soon as possible, by removing and replacing any roller brackets not directly attached to the cable system. They should be inspected twice a year and replaced every seven years, depending on how much your garage door is used.
Auto-reverse safety features.
To test your auto-reverse system, place a brick, a roll of paper towels, or other object on the ground in the door’s path. When the descending door touches the object or the photoelectric beams sense the presence of the object, it should go back up. If your opener is more than 20 years old, or lacks this safety feature, it’s time to consider a new one.
Remember to contact a garage door service professional if your garage door is stuck, or out of balance. Never try to adjust the pulleys, cables, springs, brackets or related hardware, as they are under a great deal of tension and are dangerous. When in doubt, always call a service professional.
If you would like more information or have questions about your garage door, please contact us.
