Because your garage door is a frequently used part of your home, it only makes sense to inspect it regularly and provide routine maintenance to keep it running at tip-top shape. However, many homeowners overlook the importance of checking their garage door for issues and then find themselves in a bind when something does go wrong.
Observe Your Garage Door In Action
Do you find yourself rushing out of the house, barely looking behind you as you’re reversing out of the garage? If this is the case, try to carve time out to be able to observe your garage door as it opens and closes. Seeing it in action and listening to the noises it’s making will alert you if something is amiss. By knowing how your garage door operates and hearing what is sounds like when it functions properly is key in spotting a problem before it becomes a larger issue.
Tighten, Replace, Examine
Your garage door has multiple moving parts that all work in synchrony, making it very important that everything is functioning properly. Take a few minutes a month to tighten, replace, and examine.
- Tighten bolts and roller brackets, as frequent vibration from lifting the door up and down can cause them to loosen over a period of time.
- Replace roller brackets and weather stripping when you notice cracks, breaks, or signs of wear for maximum performance. At a minimum, these parts should be replaced every several years to avoid them wearing and breaking from overuse. Consult with a specialist to find out what that timeline looks like for you.
- Examining all parts before an issue arises will save you time and money in the long run.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Greasing the moving parts on your garage door will prevent it from seizing up from frequent use and preserve its longevity. Lubrication to a garage door is like water to the human body–it keeps it going and going and going!
Keep It Clean
Make sure the tracks on both sides of your garage door are clear and free from debris, cobwebs, and other materials that can accumulate in that area. Inspect the outside of your garage door frequently too, whether you have a steel door, a wooden door, or another type of material. Repair any problems such as chipping paint or warping from water exposure as this could shorten the lifetime of your garage door.
At Straight Up Garage Doors, we believe your garage door is an important exterior part of your home and we strive to help you with all your garage door needs. Contact us today for the quality, speed, and efficiency you’ll come to expect from a family-owned company with 35 years and counting in the business, we look forward to serving you!
