Your garage door is an essential part of your house as it protects you and your family from the elements while also providing security for your car. It is a significant investment and a key aspect of your home, so it is worthwhile to maintain it. Here are some basic garage door maintenance tips you can apply to keep your door in top condition.
Clean up the area next to the door
Your garage door mechanism collects a lot of the dirt and dust that accumulate in the garage, so keeping the area clean and clutter-free is a good first step. Do not leave clutter or greasy tools lying around the garage. Remove cobwebs from corners and sweep any dirt and debris on the floor. For what it’s worth, garage door upkeep starts with a clean garage.
Check your weather seal when the seasons change
Switch on the garage light at night, then step outside and check the bottom of the door in the dark. If you find light coming in through the bottom of the garage door, you know the seal is not airtight. You can also use a hose and spray some water on the base of your garage door. If you see any leaks coming into your garage from the outside, the seal is failing and must be replaced.
Tighten any loose hardware
With the constant movement and vibrations, the screws, nuts, and bolts on your door will ultimately loosen, and the roller brackets will need to be tightened. Tighten nuts and bolts with a screwdriver or a socket wrench. Keep in mind that any screws or bolts painted red or attached to the bottom roller fixture should never be removed. Adjusting these pieces could jeopardize the safety of your door and yourself.
Free the tracks of dirt and grime buildup
Door tracks deteriorate over time, so make sure to look for any missing or loose screws or bolts and tighten them if necessary. Check the metal components of your tracks for any cracks using a flashlight. Brush any dust, leaves, spiderwebs, and other debris off the track. Using an old rag, you can use an automotive brake cleaner to clean the tracks.
Clean the garage door sensors
Check the photo eye sensors near the bottom of both sides of your door for any obstructions or visible cracks, or bad abrasions. Use a microfiber cloth to clean off the dirt, dust, or oil that has accumulated on the sensors. If you see one of the sensors is blinking, it means the sensors are misaligned. Adjust the sensors if necessary.
Lubricate all moving parts of the garage door
Apply silicone spray lubricant on the hinges, springs, rollers, and the opener’s chain (if you have a chain-driven opener). If you have metal rollers, spray lubricant inside the rollers and the ball bearings. There is no need to lubricate nylon rollers.
Wash your garage door at least twice a year
If you reside in a region with harsh weather conditions, you may need to do it on a quarterly basis. To clean garage door dirt and grime, use a light detergent like dishwasher soap or car wash soap. Instead of using a sponge or brush to scrub the door, use a non-abrasive sponge or cleaning cloth. If your door is made of steel, wax it after cleaning to protect the finish and repel dirt and grime.
Make sure your garage door is working properly and looking its best with a J&M Garage Doors’ maintenance service. We provide garage door repair and garage door installation services, and our technicians are knowledgeable in all types of garage door maintenance services. For free estimates, call us at (307) 222-3830.