Your garage door is a workhorse, consistently lifting and lowering to provide access to your home. To keep it operating smoothly and quietly, regular lubrication is crucial. Lubricating your garage door is a simple yet effective maintenance task that can prevent wear and tear, reduce friction, and extend the life of your door and its components. Today, we at AAA Action Garage Doors you through the steps on how to lubricate your garage door for optimal performance.
Do I Need to Lubricate My Garage Door?
Over time, the moving parts of your garage door system can accumulate dirt and debris, leading to increased friction and wear. Lubrication helps to reduce this friction, preventing premature aging of components such as springs, rollers, hinges, and tracks. It also minimizes noise, ensuring your garage door operates quietly.
How to Lubricate Garage Door
– Silicone-based or lithium-based garage door lubricant
– Clean cloth or rag
– Stepladder
– Safety gloves and protective eyewear
Step 1: Safety First. Before starting any maintenance task, ensure your garage door is closed. Disconnect the power to the automatic garage door opener to avoid any accidental activation during the lubrication process. If your garage door has extension springs, ensure they are properly secured with safety cables.
Step 2: Clean the Surfaces. Use a clean cloth or rag to wipe away any dirt, dust, or debris from the various components of your garage door, including the tracks, rollers, hinges, and springs. Cleaning the surfaces ensures that the lubricant can penetrate effectively and provides a smooth surface for the moving parts.
Step 3: Choose the Right Lubricant. Select a high-quality silicone-based or lithium-based garage door lubricant. Avoid using greases or oils that can attract dirt and grime, leading to a sticky mess over time. These specialized lubricants are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and provide long-lasting protection.
Step 4: Lubricate the Moving Parts. Apply the lubricant to the following components listed below.
Rollers: Apply a small amount of lubricant to the rollers, ensuring it reaches the ball bearings. Roll the door up and down a few times to distribute the lubricant evenly.
Hinges: Apply lubricant to the pivot points of each hinge. Move the door to allow the lubricant to work into the hinges.
Springs: Apply a light coat of lubricant to the springs. Be cautious when working with springs, as they are under tension. If you’re unsure, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance.
Tracks: Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the inside of the vertical and horizontal tracks. Wipe away any excess to prevent accumulation.
Step 5: Test the Door. After lubricating the various components, operate the garage door a few times to ensure smooth and quiet movement. Listen for any unusual sounds or friction, as these could indicate areas that may need additional attention.
Step 6: Regular Maintenance. Make lubricating your garage door a part of your regular maintenance routine. Aim to lubricate the door at least twice a year or more frequently if you notice any signs of increased friction or noise.
Garage Door Services in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
Basically, a well-lubricated garage door is key to its optimal performance and longevity. With a small investment of time and the right lubricant, you can ensure that your garage door operates smoothly and quietly for years to come, saving you money on costly repairs and replacements. Regular maintenance is the key to a hassle-free garage door experience, and lubrication is a fundamental aspect of that upkeep. To ensure your garage door is properly maintained, repaired, and installed, contact AAA Action Garage Doors and let us assist you.