A garage door is often one of the entry points people use most frequently while in their homes, providing security, convenience, and aesthetic appeal. Any mechanical system, however, is bound to need periodic care to keep running efficiently as well as prolong its use.
Seasonal garage door care is crucial in avoiding costlier repairs, safe usage, and maintaining the security of one’s home. Here’s a step-by-step guide detailing essential maintenance tips for the proper care of your garage door throughout the year.
1. Inspect and Keep the Tracks Clean
The two guides on one side of a garage door are what make that door move, so these guides must be kept clean and free from debris, along with keeping them in good alignment.
Steps:
Check for Obstructions:
Dust, dirt, and tiny objects can fall into the tracks, which create the door’s misalignment or produce squeaky noises. Use a soft brush or the vacuum to remove the build-up in the tracks.
Look for Bends or Gaps:
If your tracks are bent or not in the right alignment, then this may make the door hard to open or close. Tap any bends lightly with a rubber mallet and get a professional if they are too bad.
Do not Lubricate the Tracks:The tracks should not be wet; rather, focus your lubrication on other parts that move.
Regular checking and cleaning of tracks, particularly before winter and summer, will keep your door on track. This is to ensure that it is not jolting in an unwanted manner or even making noise whenever it’s operated.
2. Lubricate Moving Parts
Moving parts of your garage include rollers, hinges, and springs, among many more, which require adequate lubrication for smooth moving. Otherwise, friction as well as the build-up of rust can end up ruining its performance.
Use a good lubricant:
Silicone or lithium-based lubricant especially designed for garage doors should be used. WD-40 is not to be used as it is meant for short-term lubrication only.
Apply in small quantity:
A little goes a long way. Apply the lubricant to rollers, hinges, and bearings. Then open and close the door a few times to get it spread out evenly.
Lubricate the Springs Gently:
The door bears its weight mainly on the springs, and they get worn out very fast without lubrication. Lubrication should be done carefully as springs have high tension.
Regular lubrication is ideal for all garage door moving parts for at least twice per year, in spring and autumn when seasonal temperatures significantly fluctuate.
3. Weather Seals Inspection and Replacement
Weather seals, located along the bottom and sides of the door, keep debris out, pests out, and bad weather out. But as years pass, seals deteriorate, and that will permit drafts, rain, and snow to enter your garage.
Instructions
Check for Cracks and Gaps:
The rubber seals cracked and formed gaps; hence, the seals are worn out or damaged. Insulation is retained with their replacement.
Apply a Sealant if Necessary:
For minor gaps, you may want to consider applying a weatherproof sealant until you can replace the seal in its entirety.
Consider Energy-Efficient Seals:
If you live in an area of extreme temperatures, upgrading to energy-efficient weather seals could help your garage retain warmth better in the winter and cooler in the summer and reduce unwanted dirt and moisture entering your garage.
Replacing old seals will keep your garage warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, as well as keep unwanted dirt and moisture out.
4. Test the Balance of the Door
An imbalanced garage door puts too much strain on the opener, which can lead to high wear on springs and cables and potentially costly repairs.
Steps:
Disconnect the opener:
Pull the manual release cord to disconnect the door from the opener.
Open the door half way and then let go. A well-balanced door should not budge. If it drops or rises, the springs most likely need adjustment.
Consult with a professional to make adjustments:
adjusting springs is dangerous and should only be done by a professional technician.
It is necessary to check the garage door balance at least once per season. This ensures proper alignment and alleviates tension on the opener, extending the life of the whole system.
5. Check and Tighten Hardware
Screws, nuts, and bolts will gradually loosen because of everyday opening and closing activities and may cause issues with the functioning of the door.
Steps:
Check All Hardware:
Make sure to inspect brackets, hinges, and rollers for loose parts.
Use a Socket Wrench to Tighten:
Tighten any loose bolts or screws you find. Do not overtighten, as this can strain parts and wear them out faster.
Look for Rust or Corrosion:
If any parts are rusting, consider replacing them to avoid weakening the structure of the door.
Doing a quick hardware check every few months can prevent minor issues from turning into costly repairs.
6. Test the Door’s Auto-Reverse Feature
Modern garage doors are designed with a feature called auto-reverse. This prevents the door from closing in case something, or someone, is found in its way. Safety testing is done in homes with kids and pets.
Instructions
An Object Under the Door:
Place an object that is not likely to bend too much, such as a block of wood, in the path of the garage door and attempt to shut it.
Observe the Auto-Reverse Response:
In case of no reversal after contact of the door with the object, it would mean an issue in the sensor or mechanism.
Clean and Align the Sensors:
Sensors may at times malfunction due to accumulation of dirt or misaligned settings. Wipe and clean the sensors properly and correctly position them.
Testing at least once every season with this safety feature can prevent garage door mishaps or accidents.
7. Clean the Exterior and Interior of the Door
While your garage door fulfils many functions, its outlook adds beauty to your curb appeal. Clean it periodically to keep the finish safe from corrosion or rust of metal parts.
Steps
Use a mild soap solution:
Mix water with mild detergent and clean the door surface with a soft cloth or sponge. Do not use harsh chemicals as they could damage the finish.
Rinse Thoroughly and Dry:
Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth to avoid streaks or water spots.
Inspect the car door for paint chips or rust spots.
You can use touch-up paint or rust-inhibiting primer to repair minor chips or rust.
Cleaning your garage door in spring and autumn keeps the car door aesthetic appealing and prevents rust or corrosion from weakening its structure.
8. Engage a Professional to Conduct an Annual Inspection
Although these home repair tips can keep the garage door in excellent condition, an annual check-up with a professional will catch hidden troubles that will keep the whole system running efficiently.
Advantages
Spring and Cable Thorough Tests:
Experts can detect signs that are invisible to someone’s naked eye, perhaps indicative of wear or potential failures
Calibration and Tuning:
A professional can balance the door, check the motor, and recalibrate the opener for smoother performance.
Long-Term Savings:
Catching problems early through a yearly professional check-up saves on costly repairs and avoids unexpected breakdowns.
Schedule an annual inspection, ideally in early spring, to prepare your door for seasonal changes and to give you peace of mind regarding its performance.
Conclusion:
A little regular maintenance goes a long way in ensuring that your garage door runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently throughout the year.
These seasonal maintenance tips will help to extend the life of your garage door, make it more energy efficient, and keep your home safer.
And don’t forget—that while DIY is great—if you’re going to schedule an annual inspection with a professional, your garage door will remain in top shape for a long time.
