Fall Garage Door Upkeep Considerations

The hot summer is on its way out, and residents around Idaho are transitioning their properties into fall and the eventual winter period. Among several areas of your property that should be considered here, the garage door is one of the most important.

At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we’re here to help with everything from garage door repairs and opener services to new garage door installations for clients around Boise, Meridian, Nampa and other parts of Idaho. We’re also happy to offer tips and expertise on basic garage door care, including seasonal maintenance. While you may not necessarily have to cover every area we list here depending on the state of your garage door, here are some helpful tips on simple fall garage door upkeep.

Checking and Sealing Air Gaps

Over the course of the summer, it’s possible that the temperature shifts have caused some of the components on your garage door to swell, resulting in gaps between panels. This is especially true if your garage door has an insulation core.

Inspect these areas and look for any possible air gaps with a flashlight or similar tool, looking specifically for small cracks and openings. If you find these, use caulk or weatherstripping to seal them up as needed, ensuring that air intrusion is blocked off from the outside.

Lubricating Your Door’s Hardware

Your garage door opens and closes on a number of moving parts, including hinges, rollers and even the tracks themselves. To ensure they move smoothly and without a hitch, regular lubrication is key. You can usually use some kind of garage door lube to accomplish this – just make sure you read the instructions on the label first before applying it.

If you’re unsure where or how to apply lubricant, this is an area where our team can help – reach out to us for more information.

Check Tracks for Dust or Debris

Over time, the tracks that allow your garage door to move up and down can accumulate dirt, dust and other debris. This build-up isn’t just unsightly – it can also impact the movement of your garage door if left unchecked.

The fall is often an ideal time to check on this and make sure everything is clean and clear. For best results, you can use a damp cloth to remove the buildup before doing a more thorough cleaning with an all-purpose cleaner. Be sure not to use any harsh chemicals or those that may interact negatively with your track material, however.

Roller and Spring Inspection

Another important area to keep an eye on is the rollers and springs, which undergo a lot of stress over the course of their service life. Check both to ensure they appear intact and free from any corrosion or damage. If you find issues in either area, it’s best to contact our team for further assistance.

Rollers and springs are another area where lubrication can be useful – try to look into a lubricant specifically made for springs and rollers, as these have been tested and proven safe for use.

Basic Cleaning

While this may or may not be necessary depending on your location and climate, it’s also a good idea to take some time every once in a while to simply give your garage door a good cleaning. This is especially true if it has been exposed to the elements for an extended period of time.

Take off all of the dirt and grime with a damp cloth or soft brush. Once again, be sure not to use any harsh chemicals as these can damage the paint or other components on your installation.

Consider a Professional Inspection

If your door has been operating strangely recently, or if it’s just been a while since you had your garage door inspected by a professional, now might be the ideal time to do so. Our team of experienced and certified technicians can come out to your property and inspect all of the components on your door, offering advice and services on what needs to be done from there.

This is especially true if you’re in an area that experiences extreme temperatures or weather changes – our experts can help to identify any potential issues before they become major problems.

No matter your need, Price’s Guaranteed Doors is here to help with all your garage door and exterior door needs around Boise, Meridian, Nampa and other parts of Idaho. Contact us today to learn more about any of our products or services!