Older garage doors require routine checks and
maintenance in order to continue functioning efficiently. But many homeowners
are unaware of the factors involved in a garage door repair/maintenance checklist.
The following tips can be helpful in keeping your
garage door in great shape, even as it continues to age. An annual inspection,
maintenance, and repair routine are all necessary for old garage doors to work
properly.
1. Inspecting the garage door system
Homeowners should check all sections of the door for
damage. This is important so the joints in between the sections can close for
it to be weather-tight.
The spring system also needs to be inspected on a
regular basis. The springs should not be broken or excessively rusted. Be extra
cautious if you’re trying to repair them on your own. To avoid risk of injury
or further damage to the springs, you should call a professional garage door
repair service if you suspect they need to be changed. Always inspect both
springs, and look for signs of rust, fragility, and wear and tear.
The door’s hinges should not bend or twist, and the
screws must always be properly tightened. Make sure the rollers are not worn
out or broken, and the lifting cables are not frayed. The cables need to wind
properly around the spool (at the vertical track’s top).
Always manually lift the garage door when undertaking
a maintenance inspection. This ensures that the overall lifting system is
working properly.
2. Maintenance for old wooden garage doors
As far as wooden
garage doors are concerned, the maintenance approach is slightly
different from that of metal doors. If damaged, they can easily be repaired and
brought back to life with some professional help.
It is possible to scrape off old paint and apply a new
color. This simple change will literally make your property come alive.
Homeowners also need to replace rotten wood and paint the door with a fresh
coat after every few years to keep it aesthetically appealing.
3. Door balance
Inspecting the balance of your old wooden garage door
on a regular basis is crucial.
You must shut the garage door and disconnect it from
the door opener. Open and close the door manually to make sure it is operating
smoothly. Lubricate the springs or rollers to help in the opening/closing of
the door. After opening the garage door halfway, simply let it go. The door
should neither rise nor fall if it is properly balanced.
These are some of the basic steps for checking the
health of your old garage door, and should be a part of your annual inspection
checklist!
