Every home improvement you make is an investment, and a new garage door is no exception. Garage doors can be expensive to replace, and ignoring necessary maintenance can shorten their useful life. Repairs are expensive, too, but most repairs can be avoided if you take steps to maintain your garage door.
Maintenance Requirements
There are three basic requirements for the proper maintenance of a garage door. Keep in mind that maintenance of the door opener is a separate matter. To keep your garage door in good shape it needs to be cleaned on an annual basis. If you live in a dusty environment or near the ocean, then you’ll need to clean your garage door more often. Simply remove loose debris with a broom or cloth, wash the door with dish detergent and warm water, and then rinse thoroughly.
Annual/Semi-Annual Safety Inspection
The annual safety inspection is important not only for your own safety but also for the longevity of the door. The safety inspection is something that should be handled by a professional. It can be a dangerous job, and it’s important to know what to look for when you’re doing the inspection.
Your service professional will inspect the extension and torsion springs. They will also look at the rollers, tracks, cables, brackets, and hinges. Finally, your service professional will examine all the bolts and screws to make sure they are tight.
Your door needs to be properly balanced to function properly. Even something as simple as a loose screw can unbalance your door and cause severe damage. Your service professional will ensure that your door is safe and properly balanced.
Lubrication
This is another service that should be managed by a garage door service professional. The hinges, springs, bearings, and rollers all need to be lubricated. The type of lubricant used is important and depends on the materials that your door is made from. Additionally, there are some parts that should not be lubricated. It’s just one of the many reasons to rely on a knowledgeable service professional.
Keeping your garage door in good shape is important and ensures the safety of anyone that uses the door. Additionally, proper maintenance can lengthen the life of your door and prevent costly repairs down the road. Add your garage door to your home maintenance checklist and make sure that you hire a knowledgeable professional.