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Like most homeowners, you may not think much about your garage door until it stops working. Suddenly, it’s all you can think about! To keep your garage door functioning properly and avoid costly repairs, it’s important to service it regularly. But how often should you do that? In this article, Local Garage Door Pros will discuss how often you should service your garage door and what maintenance it requires.
Your garage door is one of the most critical components of your home. It’s not only a functional door that provides access to your garage but also adds curb appeal and can be a significant security feature. Given its importance, it’s no surprise that your garage door needs regular maintenance to stay in good working order. That brings the question,
How often should you service your garage door?
The answer to that question depends on several factors, including the type of garage door you have, how often you use it, and the environment it’s in. However, on average, it’s recommended to service your garage door at least once a year.
Garage Door Maintenance: How Do You Do It?
A garage door needs to be properly maintained to offer reliable service. This maintenance starts with the basics, which every homeowner can do. These include regularly cleaning the door and tracks and lubing the moving parts. More comprehensive maintenance tasks, such as adjustments and repairs, should be left to professional services.
Make sure the garage door is in balance
For a garage door to operate smoothly, it must be in balance. This means that the door must be evenly weighted so that the springs can do their job properly. If your garage door is unbalanced, it can cause the door to operate inefficiently. For instance, it may open rapidly or slam shut when released. An unbalanced garage door is also more likely to come off its tracks.
To check if your garage door is balanced, open it several times and observe how smoothly it moves. Also, listen to the belt or chain drive to see if it makes any strange noises. If the door seems unbalanced or is making unusual noises, call a professional garage door repair technician to take a look. They will be able to adjust the springs and other components to get your door back into balance.
Sensors for auto-reverse should be checked
The auto-reverse feature on a garage door opener is a critical safety feature. It prevents the door from closing if something is in the way. However, over time, the sensors can become dirty or misaligned. This can cause the door to close even when something is in the way.
To test the sensors, place an object in the door’s path. Then, try to close the door. The door should automatically reverse when it senses the object. If it doesn’t, then the sensors need to be cleaned or realigned.
Ensure the bottom gasket is in good condition
The garage door’s bottom gasket helps seal the door’s bottom and keeps out drafts, moisture, and pests. Due to frequent use, the bottom gasket can become worn or damaged. So, it’s prudent to check it regularly and replace it when necessary.
Open the door, look for any cracks or holes in the gasket, and replace it if necessary. Also, check to see if the gasket is loose. If it is, tighten the screws that hold it in place.
Keep all moving parts lubricated
Your garage door has several moving parts, including the springs, rollers, tracks, and opener chain. These moving parts need to be adequately lubricated to prevent wear and tear. Lubricating these parts also helps keep the door operating smoothly. Lithium grease is an ideal lubricant for garage door spring systems.
To lubricate the moving parts, start by closing the door. Then, apply the lubricant to the rollers, opener chain, and tracks. Next, open the door several times to work the lubricant into the moving parts.
Maintain the springs
The role of the garage door springs is to balance the door’s weight and make it easy to open and close. However, the springs can wear out over time. When this happens, they need to be replaced. When you notice that you need more effort to open and close your door or the door is making creaking noises, it’s time to replace the springs. A garage door repair technician will be able to replace your springs quickly and safely.
Check the rollers for wear and tear
The rollers need to be in good condition for your garage door to operate smoothly. The best way to check the condition of your rollers is to open the door and visually inspect them. If you see any bends or chips, it’s time to replace them.
It’s essential to keep your garage door in good working condition by regularly inspecting and maintaining its parts. This includes balancing the door, checking the sensors, lubricating the moving parts, and replacing worn-out springs and rollers. By taking these steps, you can prevent major problems with your garage door and keep it operating smoothly for years.