Expert Advice: 4 Essential Garage Door Maintenance and Repair Tips
Regular maintenance from garage door specialists prevents problems, and you can relax knowing that your garage door functions properly.
Here is some expert advice from Access Garage Doors of Chattanooga about maintenance and repair.
1. Keep the Garage Door Tracks Clean and Lubricated
Maintaining a garage door is crucial for its longevity and smooth operation, and keeping the tracks clean and lubricated is an essential part of this maintenance. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate in the tracks, which can obstruct the door’s movement and cause unnecessary strain on both the door and the motor. Regular cleaning of the tracks can prevent this buildup and ensure that your garage door opens and closes with ease.
Using a soft brush or cloth, you should remove all visible dirt and debris from the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, lubrication is the next step. However, it’s important to use the right kind of lubricant; a silicone-based lubricant is recommended because it won’t attract dirt as some other lubricants might.
When lubricating your garage door, it’s best to follow instructions from your owner’s manual as all garage doors do not have the same components. But typically, lubrication is applied to rollers, hinges, and springs—all these components work together to facilitate a smooth operation. When lubricating, it’s important to apply a moderate amount of lubricant; a heavy application can attract more dirt and create a gummy texture that impairs function.
Moreover, the lubrication process should be done periodically, with most manufacturers suggesting a bi-annual schedule but check with your garage door manufacture. Ensuring the garage door is disconnected from the power supply before starting the cleaning process is a must for safety reasons.
Additionally, while you’re maintaining the tracks and lubricating, it’s a good time to inspect the overall condition of your garage door. Look for signs of wear or damage on the tracks, rollers, and other hardware. If you find bent or damaged tracks or hardware, it’s important to have them repaired or replaced by a professional to avoid further issues.
By keeping the tracks on your garage door clean and properly lubricated, you not only ensure smooth operation but also reduce the risk of costly repairs and extend the life of your garage door. Remember, preventive maintenance is key, and a little attention a couple of times a year can save you from bigger headaches down the road.
2. Test the Garage Door Safety Features
Modern garage doors are equipped with advanced safety features that are vital for the protection of both your vehicle and your family. Among these features, sensors play a crucial role; they have the capability to detect any object that might be in the door’s path, thereby preventing potential damage or injury.
The auto-reverse mechanism is another critical safety component; itautomatically stops and reverses the garage door if an obstruction is encountered, ensuring that nothing gets trapped under the door. It is recommended that homeowners test these safety features on a regular basis to ensure they are functioning correctly.
To test the sensors, you can place an object like a roll of paper towels in the path of the closing door; the door should reverse immediately upon sensing the obstruction. If it doesn’t, the sensors may need cleaning or realignment.
Testing the auto-reverse mechanism can be done by applying a slight resistance to the door as it closes; again, the door should reverse its direction. These tests help to confirm that the garage door will react appropriately in case of accidental obstruction.
We at Access Garage Doors of Chattanooga suggest conducting these safety feature tests often. This regular check-up not only maintains the safety standards of your garage door but can also extend its lifespan by ensuring all parts are working as intended.
Neglecting to test these features can lead to serious consequences, such as damage to your vehicle, harm to pets or children, or even more significant personal injuries. Additionally, ensuring these safety systems are operational is often a requirement to comply with local safety regulations and may affect insurance coverage.
It is also important to keep the garage door, its tracks, and mechanism well-maintained. Debris or wear and tear can cause malfunctions. If during testing, you find that the safety features are not working correctly, it is imperative that you call a professional garage door technician to service the door.
Performing regular tests on the safety features of your garage door is a simple yet effective way to prevent accidents and maintain a secure environment in your home’s garage.
3. Replace Worn or Damaged Garage Door Parts
Garage doors are significant moving parts in many homes and are subject to wear and tear due to their frequent use.
- Springs: Among the components, springs endure immense tension and can eventually lose their strength or even snap, demanding cautious replacement to ensure the door operates smoothly.
- Cables: The cables, which work in tandem with the springs, bear a heavy load, and if they fray or rust, they can lead to serious safety hazards or hinder the door’s functionality.
- Bearings: These play a critical role in reducing friction in the door’s operation, yet over time they can become noisy and less effective, signifying that they require attention.
- Drums: Drums, which are part of the torsion spring system, aid in winding the cable when the garage door opens or closes, and if they become worn, they may cause the door to become unbalanced or stuck.
- Rollers: These facilitate the door’s vertical and horizontal movements, but damaged rollers can cause the door to operate noisily or erratically.
Regular inspections by garage door specialists can help detect these issues early, potentially avoiding the inconvenience of an unexpected breakdown. Replacing damaged parts not only prolongs the life of the garage door but also ensures it operates safely.
Using high-quality replacement parts is essential to maintaining the integrity of the door’s mechanics. For example, replacing worn-out springs with high-tension steel springs can enhance the door’s performance and longevity.
Typically, it’s not advisable for homeowners to attempt replacing these critical parts themselves, as there are significant risks associated with the built-up tension in garage door systems. Professional technicians have the necessary tools and expertise to execute the replacements safely and efficiently.
Scheduled garage door maintenance routines can be established to have specialists check, lubricate, and adjust parts as required, thus avoiding emergency repairs which can be costlier and more inconvenient. In essence, attention to the timely replacement of worn or damaged parts ensures the continued reliability, safety, and efficiency of your garage door system.
4. Schedule Regular Garage Door Maintenance
As mentioned in the first point, regular maintenance of your garage door is essential for ensuring its longevity and safe operation. As garage door specialists, we emphasize the importance of a scheduled maintenance routine that can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.
During a garage door maintenance visit, a specialist checks for these:
- Meticulously inspect the door’s various components, starting with the garage door opener, checking for wear and ensuring it is properly aligned.
- Assess the tracks for any signs of damage or misalignment that could hinder smooth operation.
- Springs, which are under constant tension and are critical to the door’s balance, are examined for signs of fatigue or corrosion.
- Technicians also scrutinize the cables for fraying or kinking that could lead to a sudden failure.
- Follow your manufacture’s instruction on lubrication.
- Test the door’s balance and make adjustments to the spring tension if necessary. This balance test ensures that the door opens and closes with the least amount of strain on the opener.
- Safety features, such as the auto-reverse mechanism and photo-eye sensors, are tested to confirm they’re functioning correctly, providing peace of mind that your garage door will react properly to obstacles.
- We also check the weatherstripping and seals to ensure they’re intact, contributing to energy efficiency and protection from the elements.
Keeping all these components in good working order is vital, as neglect can lead to further damage and potentially hazardous situations. Therefore, we always recommend having a comprehensive maintenance check at least once a year.
By entrusting your garage door’s maintenance to our care, we can catch minor issues before they escalate, ultimately extending the life of your garage door and maintaining a safe environment for your home or business. Regular maintenance is not only a smart investment in the durability of your garage door but also in your security and convenience.
By following these tips, you can keep your garage door in excellent condition and enjoy its benefits for years. Contact us at Access Garage Doors of Chattanooga if you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our garage door specialists.
