Keep the Garage Door in Good Shape with These Maintenance Tips

Everyone wants to ensure that their garage stays in good shape. However, doing so can prove difficult. The first thing that you want to do is ensure that you are inspecting your garage door annually. This will allow you to identify a potential issue before it becomes a major, and rather expensive, issue. There are plenty of things that you can do yourself when it comes to maintenance for your garage door. However, you may want to contact a professional if you find yourself in need of garage door repair in Sacramento so that you won’t have to worry about whether or not the job was done correctly. Additionally, if you have windows and doors looking a little rough, addressing these issues can prevent future problems and enhance your home’s overall appearance. Here are some things that you can do in order to ensure that you are properly conducting the maintenance needed to prevent your garage door from having major future issues.

Listen and Look

The most important thing you can do is to use your sense of sight and your sense of sound. Make sure that you are observing how the door to your garage is working each and every time that it is used. Take into consideration whether or not the operation is smooth or if it appears a bit jerky, whether or not you hear an unusual sound, or if the sides of the system appear to be symmetrical or not.

Tighten Up the Hardware

You may also want to tighten up any relevant hardware. Think about how often you use your garage door. Your garage door moves a lot of times within the span of a year. Each movement causes vibration, and this vibration can result in hardware becoming loose. For this reason, it is essential that you examine all of the roller brackets and bolts and tighten them when necessary using a socket wrench.

Check the Door Balance

A balanced garage door is crucial for its proper operation. If the door isn’t balanced, it causes the garage door opener to work harder, decreasing its lifespan. To check the balance of the door, start by disconnecting the opener. You do this by pulling the release handle, typically a red cord. Once done, move the door about halfway up manually. If the door doesn’t stay, this is a sign that the springs are not balanced properly. Adjusting the springs can be dangerous, so it’s best to find a professional garage door service in Sacramento for this task. This applies to both traditional garage doors and roll-up doors. If you need specialized roll-up door repair, make sure to contact a professional experienced in handling these types of doors.

Inspect and Replace Rollers

Rollers can be made of steel or nylon, and you should check them every six months. Rollers should be replaced every seven years or more frequently if you use the garage door multiple times a day. If the rollers are worn, cracked, or chipped, replace them as soon as possible. To replace the rollers, you need to remove and then reinstall roller brackets that are not directly attached to the cable system.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Keeping your garage door’s moving parts lubricated will add years of seamless operation to your system. Apply a high-quality spray lubricant on the rollers and hinges at least twice a year. Lubricating the chains or screws of the opener can also reduce the wear and tear on these parts.

Check the Cables

Inspect the lift cables for signs of wear and damage. If you see broken strands or other damage on the cables, they need to be replaced. This is a job best left to professionals, as the cables are under high tension and can cause serious injury if handled improperly.

Clear the Tracks

Make sure the tracks on either side of the door are free from debris. You can do this by wiping them with a damp cloth and then drying them. Use a level to ensure the tracks are perfectly vertical along their vertical sections. Minor adjustments can be made yourself, but major track adjustments should be done by a professional garage door technician.

Inspect the Weatherstripping

Check the weatherstripping at the bottom of the door. If it’s cracked or brittle, replace it right away to keep the elements out of your garage. Weatherstripping can be found at most hardware and home improvement stores.

Thinking about a garage conversion in LA? Check out Bright Builders in the Los Angeles area:

Bright Builders

4924 Balboa Blvd #457