Many homeowners never think about their garage door until it stops working. However, regular maintenance can help keep your garage door in good working order and prevent costly repairs down the road. The experts at Champions Garage Door Repair have put together a list of the top 15 preventive maintenance tips for garage door owners.
- Test the balance of your garage door monthly. An unbalanced door can put unnecessary strain on the opener, leading to premature wear and tear. If you’re not sure how to test the balance, contact a professional garage door repair company.
- Lubricate the door’s moving parts at least once a year. This will help keep them working smoothly and prevent rusting. Here are some tips on how to lubricate your garage door.
- Inspect the rollers and tracks for signs of wear and tear, and replace them if necessary. The Champions’ experts claim that the best garage door rollers are made of nylon and have sealed bearings. Another great option is steel rollers with sealed bearings.
- Keep the garage door opener in good working order by testing it monthly and replacing the batteries as needed. In order to prolong the life of your opener, it’s also a good idea to disconnect it from the door when you go on vacation.
- If your garage door has windows, make sure they are clean and free of debris. To clean them, simply remove the glass panes and wash them with soapy water.
- Periodically check the weather-stripping around your door to ensure it is in good condition and not letting in drafts. If the weather-stripping is worn, cracked, or peeling, it should be replaced.
- Make sure your garage door opener’s force setting is adjusted properly. An opener that is set too high can cause damage to the door, while one that is set too low may not be able to open the door fully.
- Test your garage door’s safety features regularly to ensure they are working properly. If your door has an automatic reverse feature, test it by placing a block of wood in the path of the door and activating the opener. The door should reverse direction when it comes in contact with the block.
- Keep your garage clean and free of clutter to prevent trips and falls. That goes for the entire garage, not just in front of the door. You should also keep flammable materials, such as gasoline and cleaning products, away from the door. You can place them in a storage cabinet or shed if necessary.
- Be sure to opener’s emergency release handle is in good working order and easily accessible. Openers manufactured after 1991 should have an emergency release handle that is accessible from the outside of the garage. If your garage door opener does not have one, contact a professional to have one installed. The most recommended garage door opener is LiftMaster. LiftMaster is a Chamberlain Group brand and offers a wide variety of products. Their new opener models include myQ technology.
- Inspect your door for signs of damage, such as cracks or dents, and have them repaired as soon as possible. You should also check the door for loose hardware and tighten any screws or bolts that may have come loose.
- Have your garage door serviced by a professional at least once a year. This will help ensure that all the parts are in good working order and that any potential problems are caught early.
- If you have a garage door opener with a wireless keypad, be sure to change the batteries regularly. You can find the keypad on the outside of the garage door, usually near the handle.
- When you are away from home for an extended period of time, unplug your garage door opener to prevent it from being used by unauthorized persons.
- Be sure to read the owner’s manual for your specific model of garage door and opener, and follow all manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance and care.
By following these simple tips, you can help keep your garage door in good working condition and prevent costly repairs down the road. For more information on garage door maintenance or repairs, contact the experts at Champions Garage Door Repair.
