In a place with changing seasons, maintaining your garage door is important to keep it in good working condition. Specialists recommend a few simple maintenance techniques to keep your garage door running like new.
Lubrication
Lubrication is a key step in annual garage door maintenance. Here are some areas to look at:
Guide Tracks – Inspect the tracks, and clean whenever necessary. It is important that the surfaces stay as smooth as possible, and free from moisture or dirt.
Springs – If you are able to reach them it is recommended they be wiped down with an oily rag.
Bearings and Hinges – A simple 3-in-1 machinery oil is recommended for these, and will keep them moving freely.
Opener Chains – The opener chain should be carefully lubricated with a chain lube.
It is recommended that you should lubricate the components three to four times a year, or approximately every three months.
When To Service
Having your garage door serviced once a year is a good, proactive practice. Some components can pose a safety hazard, and are best left to the assistance of a professional. These components include:
Springs – It is highly important that the springs’ tension be at the correct level. Over time, springs can lose their tension. This can result in slower operating times, or the door may stop opening all together. The professional can remedy this and give the springs a good tune up.
Lifting Cables – Wear, fraying, and corrosion will be checked for and serviced as needed. Like with the springs, these cables function under specific tensions and it is recommended by manufacturers that a professional make any needed repairs to them.
Various Other Components – Such as nuts, bolts, and screws will also be checked and repaired/replaced as needed.
Following these recommended maintenance guides and having annual tune-ups will greatly lengthen the lifespan of your garage door, providing you with years of dependable service. If you would like to know more about maintenance techniques and garage door repair, give us a call today.
