Caring For And Maintaining Your Garage Door, And When To Call For A Professional

If you live in an area where the seasons can be on the extreme side, it's important to maintain your garage door and keep it in good working condition. Specialists recommend a few simple maintenance techniques to keep your garage door running like new.

 

Lubrication

As a key part in the maintenance of your garage door, lubrication should be done regularly to several components of your door, including;

• Guide Tracks - Using methylated spirits, wipe down the internal area of the guide tracks. It is important that the surfaces stay as smooth as possible, and free from moisture or dirt. Please be advised you should NOT use any oils or grease on these components. Sectional doors will not need the inside of their guide tracks polished.
• Springs - If you are able to reach them it is recommended they be wiped down with an oily rag.
• Hinges - For steel hinges, simple 3-in-1 machinery oil is recommended. No lubrication is required for plastic hinges, however you may use silicon based lubricant spray to loosen them if they get stuck.
• 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

It is recommended that a professional come out to service your garage door once a year. Some components you cannot repair or replace yourself, thus requiring 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 lose their tension with use. This can result in slower operating times and 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, feel free to contact us at our website.