8 Garage Door Maintenance Tips You Should Know

Garage doors are among the most important home components. They protect your house against burglars, provide security, and keep out unwanted visitors. Garage doors also play an important role in the overall energy efficiency of your home. If your garage door isn’t working properly, however, it could cause problems. Here are some garage door maintenance tips to help keep your door in tip-top shape.

1. Inspect the Door

The best way to inspect your garage door is to open it once a month, preferably during the day. This gives you plenty of time to look around without having to worry about being caught outside in inclement weather.

If you notice anything unusual about the garage door, such as squeaking, rattling, or grinding sounds, or if the door doesn’t seem to close properly, contact us to address the issue immediately. If you wait too long, you could end up spending thousands of dollars replacing damaged parts rather than simply fixing the problem.

2. Examine Garage Door Hardware

Garage doors require routine maintenance to ensure safety and security. You may want to check the following areas:

• Tracks – Make sure that the track rails are straight and level. Look for cracks or gaps where the rail meets the floor. Also, inspect the bottom edge of each track section to make sure it is flat and free of debris.
• Hinges – Inspect the hinge pin for rough spots or excessive play. Lubricate the pivot points every six months.
• Rollers – Examine the roller bearings for cracks or damage.

3. Service the Chain or Belt

If you hear groaning or banging sounds as the door opens and closes, there could be a problem with the drive chain or belt. This is usually caused by a loose connection or worn-out components Contact us to complete these repairs.

4. Service the Seals and Springs

The garage door seal at the base of the door protects the garage from the outside elements and keeps pests out. A garage door seal needs to be checked regularly because it can crack or break down over time. If you notice cracks or signs of wear, replace the seal immediately.

To check whether the seal is damaged, look at the bottom edge of the door. You’ll see a small piece of metal that fits into a groove along the side of the doorframe. Look closely at the bottom edge of your door; if there are cracks or chips, the seal could be broken or missing.

If you notice that the garage door seal is cracked or broken, contact a professional garage door repair technician. This job requires experience and specialized tools.

5. Clean the Garage Door Surface

Wipe down the exterior of the garage door with a clean, damp rag. Avoid getting water inside the door itself, as it could cause mold growth. You can use a mild soap and warm water solution. If your garage door is wooden, wipe down the entire surface of the door with a clean, dry rag.

6. Inspect and Replace the Rollers

The rollers, whether steel, nylon or plastic, need to be inspected every six months and replaced every seven years. If you use your garage door often, it might be worth replacing the rollers sooner than that.

7. Lubricate the Moving Parts

Garage doors are heavy — about 50 pounds per square foot — and moving at speeds up to 30 miles per hour, so keeping everything well oiled is important. But you don’t want to use too much oil or grease because it could mess with the seal around the door’s rollers and cause squeaks. Instead, use white lithium grease on the chain or screw, and apply a spray lubricant, such as WD-40, to coat the overhead spring. This will keep things running smoothly without adding extra weight.

8. Clear the Tracks

It’s important to make sure that there aren’t any obstructions in the way of opening and closing the door. The best thing to do is to clear away any debris from around the door. If the tracks are covered in leaves or dirt, it can affect how easily the door opens and closes. And if you notice anything suspicious, like wires hanging off the track, call us to address the issue immediately. Our technicians will know exactly what needs to be done.

Need an inspection or a new garage door?

At Lensing Garage Doors, we offer unparalleled residential garage door service backed by decades of experience in the business. Our experienced experts can ensure that you get the garage door that you need and desire. To learn more or to clarify any questions about the installation process, give us a call at (812) 423-6891 or visit our showroom on West Franklin Street in Evansville!