Your garage door is used daily, putting it at risk for damage and wear. Having a garage door technician perform regular maintenance can help prevent problems and save you money in the long run.
Regular garage door maintenance is often overlooked, but it goes a long way in preventing expensive repair costs down the road.
Check the Rollers
Each part of your home can only function briefly with some form of long-term maintenance, including your garage door. It is essential to check several things, including the rollers, tracks, and hinges, for damage that may affect its performance.
If your garage door is making unusual noises, such as grinding or screeching, it could indicate that the rollers are beginning to wear out and need garage door repair Austin. It is also good to clean the rollers regularly and lubricate them with a specialist lubricant, such as lithium grease or silicone.
It is a good idea to check the rollers and tracks for loose hardware, such as screws and bolts, as this can cause damage. Loose hardware can also be tightened using a socket wrench. However, it is recommended to avoid tightening red-painted or hardware on the bottom roller fixture as this can cause the door to be unbalanced and pose safety concerns.
Check the Tracks
The tracks the garage door travels on can become misaligned or damaged due to heavy usage or a lack of proper lubrication. To ensure the door functions properly, it is essential to perform regular maintenance, which can also prevent any potential issues.
Check for rust and debris in the track. If the track has significant damage, it will need to be replaced. This task is best left to a professional but should be part of routine maintenance.
A garage door can also be crooked when it moves up or down, usually caused by broken springs or worn hinges. Failing to address the issue promptly may lead to additional strain on other system components, like the cable and photo-eye sensors. If these problems are caught during the maintenance inspection, they can be fixed before a serious problem develops. This can save you money in the long run by preventing emergency repairs.
Check the Weatherstripping
The weatherstripping around your garage door seals out unwanted elements, reduces noise, and helps save energy. Over time, it can become damaged or worn and needs garage door spring replacement Austin. Regular maintenance will help ensure the weatherstripping is in good condition.
Garage doors are heavy, complex machines that must operate smoothly and quietly to avoid damage and injury. Getting a professional service provider to perform routine inspections and lubrication is best. These professionals can tighten loose nuts and bolts, adjust the photo-eye sensor to prevent the door from closing on people or objects, and ensure all safety features are working properly.
Regular lubrication will keep all moving parts in good shape and reduce wear and tear. The best silicone-based lubricants should be applied to springs, rollers, hinges, and tracks. It’s essential not to lubricate too much, or the dirt and grime could collect on the components and cause them to wear down faster.
Check the Safety Features
Most modern garage doors have photoelectric sensors and mechanical auto-reverse mechanisms to prevent your door from closing on objects or people. These safety features must be checked regularly to ensure they work correctly. A simple way to test the safety sensors is to wave a broom under the door as it closes — if the sensors detect this movement, they will reverse automatically.
Your garage door moves up and down hundreds of times a year, which means it will naturally develop a lot of friction over time. Lubricating your garage door’s chains and gear with lithium grease will reduce this friction and keep everything running smoothly.
A malfunctioning garage door can let cold air into your home and be a dangerous hazard for children or pets caught under the doors. Annual maintenance checks from a professional garage door technician will help ensure that all the necessary precautions are taken to protect your family.
