Your garage door is like the unsung hero of your daily life, faithfully guarding your vehicles and belongings from the elements and potential intruders. Whether it’s the door to your home garage or a commercial one, you rely on it day in and day out.
To give you an idea, here are six maintenance tips to help extend the life of your garage door.
Regular Garage Door TLC
Think of your garage door as a trusted friend; even friends need a little care now and then. Regular maintenance can help prevent costly garage door repair down the line. You don’t have to be a pro to handle this.
Simple things like tightening loose bits and giving moving parts a good dose of lubrication can do wonders. You can use garage door lubricants, available at your local store, to keep hinges, springs, and rollers working smoothly. This not only reduces wear and tear on your door’s components but also ensures it runs like a well-oiled machine for a long time.
Keep It Clean
Dirt and debris can accumulate on your commercial garage doors, affecting its look and function. It’s like giving your door a bath. Cleaning it regularly can make a big difference. Just grab some mild detergent and water and wash the exterior of the door.
Pay extra attention to the seals and weather-stripping, as they can start to crumble if not looked after. A clean garage door not only adds to your home’s curb appeal but also stops dirt and grime from causing harm.
Balance Matters
Balance isn’t just for yoga; your garage door needs it too. An imbalanced door can put extra stress on the opener and springs, causing them to wear out sooner. To check the balance, close the door and unhook the opener. Then, lift it by hand.
If it stays open or closed, it’s probably not balanced right. Adjusting the balance might require tightening or loosening the springs, a job best left to the experts. Regularly checking and maintaining the balance of your door is like giving it a daily dose of vitamins to extend its life.
Inspect and Replace Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is like the insulation blanket for your garage. Over time, it can get worn out and lose its effectiveness. Take a look at the weather stripping around the door and replace it when it’s not up to the task. Good weather stripping keeps your garage comfy and guards it against the elements. It’s like giving your garage door a warm and cozy sweater to wear in the winter.
Tighten Loose Bits
Your garage door has more nuts and bolts than you might think, and all the movements and vibrations can cause them to get loose. Make a habit of inspecting and tightening any loose hardware. Check for loose screws, nuts, and bolts on the tracks, hinges, and other parts. It’s a bit like checking if your shoes are tied – keeping everything secure and safe.
Professional Check-Up
While you can handle many maintenance tasks on your own, it’s a good idea to schedule regular check-ups with a professional. A certified technician can spot issues you might miss and make sure your garage door is in tip-top shape. They can check the cables, springs, and opener, and make any necessary adjustments or replacements. Professional check-ups are an investment in the long life of your garage door, saving you time, money, and stress in the long run.