How to Maintain Your Garage Door for Longevity

We all naturally want to get maximum lifespan out of the more high-value components on our properties, and the garage door is no exception. Maintenance plays a big role in your garage door’s ability to last for years without any problems – how do you maintain your garage door with longevity in mind?

At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we’re your one-stop shop for all things entry doors, garage doors, Pella windows and more around Salt Lake City, St. George and nearby areas, including garage door repair for both commercial and residential garage doors. Here are some tips from our professionals on how to approach garage door maintenance in simple, easy ways that will maximize the longevity of your door.

Regular Lubrication

One of the single most important steps you can take for garage door maintenance is keeping it properly lubricated. This will help prevent wear and tear on the moving parts, reducing friction and extending their lifespan.

Be sure not to use just any lubricant – consult your owner’s manual or a professional for the best type of lubricant to use on your specific garage door model. You should be lubricating each of the following parts at least once every six months:

• Rollers
• Hinges
• Chains or belts
• Springs

Remember, a well-oiled machine is a long-lasting one – make sure your garage door gets the proper care it needs!

Track Cleaning

Your garage door operates using tracks, which can accumulate dirt, dust and debris over time. To ensure smooth operation and prevent any damage to the door or tracks themselves, it’s important to regularly clean these tracks.

Use a clean cloth or even an old toothbrush to gently remove any buildup from the tracks. Be careful not to use too much force as this could cause damage – if you notice any significant issues with your tracks, contact a professional for repairs.

Inspection and Maintenance

In addition to regular lubrication and track cleaning, it’s important to perform overall inspections on your garage door at least once every few months. This includes checking for any signs of wear and tear, rust or other damage that may require professional repairs.

Pay close attention to the springs and cables, as well as any brackets or other hardware that could be loose or damaged. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it’s best to call a professional for repairs rather than attempting to fix it yourself.

Periodic Safety Feature Testing

The garage door also has a few vital safety features:

• Sensor eye: This is the sensor that detects if an object is in the way of the door closing. Check that it’s properly aligned and functioning correctly regularly.
• Auto-reverse feature: This feature causes the door to automatically reverse if it comes into contact with an object while closing. Test this by placing a small object, such as a roll of paper towels, in the doorway and see if it triggers the auto-reverse function.

By testing these safety features periodically, you can ensure they are working properly and prevent any potential accidents or injuries.

Checking Balance

Around once a year or so, it’s recommended to check the balance of your garage door. To do this, close the door and disconnect the automatic opener, then manually open and close the door. If it slides smoothly and stays at any position you leave it in, that means it is properly balanced.

However, if it falls or closes on its own, or takes significant effort to open or close by hand, this could indicate a problem with the springs or other parts that may require professional repairs. In this case, it’s best to call a garage door specialist for proper diagnosis and repairs.

Basic Tightening

Every so often, it’s a good idea to go around and tighten any loose bolts, screws or other hardware on your garage door. This will help prevent any parts from becoming too loose or damaged over time.

There are several such areas to check:

• Roller brackets
• Bolts and screws on hinges
• Tracks

Be sure not to over-tighten anything, as this could cause damage. Simply tighten until snug and then stop.

Protecting Against Weather

Finally, it’s important to protect your garage door against harsh weather conditions that can lead to rust or other damage. This includes applying a coat of protective paint or sealant every few years, depending on the climate in your area.

In addition, you should also regularly check for any signs of water damage or leaks around the edges of the door and address them promptly to prevent further issues.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your garage door stays in top condition and lasts for many years to come. Remember, regular maintenance is key to maximizing the lifespan of any high-value component on your property – including your garage door.

At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we offer professional garage door maintenance and repair services to help keep your door in optimal condition. Contact us today for all your garage door needs in Salt Lake City, St. George or nearby areas!