Extending the life of your garage door is essential for maintaining the safety, security, and aesthetic appeal of your home. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and a few preventative measures can significantly enhance the longevity of your garage door. Today, we at AAA Action Garage Doors would like to share some practical tips to help you keep your garage door functioning smoothly for years to come.
Regular Garage Door Inspections
Performing regular inspections is crucial for identifying potential issues before they become major problems. At least twice a year, inspect your garage door’s components, including springs, cables, rollers, and pulleys. Look for signs of wear and tear, rust, or misalignment. If you notice any issues, address them immediately to prevent further damage.
Lubricate Moving Garage Door Parts
Proper lubrication reduces friction and wear on your garage door’s moving parts. Use a high-quality garage door lubricant on the rollers, hinges, tracks, and springs. Avoid using grease, as it can attract dirt and debris, which can lead to more problems. Regular lubrication, at least every six months, will keep your door operating smoothly and quietly.
Tighten Garage Door Hardware
The constant movement of your garage door can cause hardware to loosen over time. Periodically check and tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws on your garage door and its tracks. This simple step can prevent many issues related to misalignment and excessive wear.
Clean and Align Garage Door Tracks
Dirt, debris, and grime can accumulate in the tracks, causing the door to operate unevenly or get stuck. Clean the tracks regularly with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove any buildup. Ensure the tracks are properly aligned and free from bends or damage. Misaligned tracks can cause excessive wear on the rollers and other components.
Balance the Garage Door
An imbalanced garage door can put extra strain on the opener and other components, leading to premature wear and tear. To check the balance, disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, it is properly balanced. If it falls or rises, the springs may need adjustment. Consult a professional to adjust the springs, as they are under high tension and can be dangerous.
Inspect & Replace Garage Door Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping helps keep out moisture, dust, and pests, and it also improves energy efficiency. Inspect the weatherstripping along the bottom of the door and around the frame for cracks or wear. Replace any damaged sections to maintain a proper seal and protect your garage door from the elements.
Test Garage Door Safety Features
Modern garage doors come equipped with safety features such as auto-reverse mechanisms and photo-eye sensors. Regularly test these features to ensure they are functioning correctly. Place an object in the door’s path to test the auto-reverse function and clean the photo-eye sensors to remove any dirt or obstructions.
Avoid DIY Garage Door Repairs on High-Tension Parts
While routine maintenance can be handled by homeowners, repairs involving high-tension parts like springs and cables should be left to professionals. Attempting to fix these components yourself can be dangerous and may result in serious injury. Always hire a qualified technician for such repairs.
Protect Garage Door’s Surface
Keep your garage door clean and free from dirt, grime, and salt, which can cause corrosion and damage. Wash the door with mild soap and water, and consider applying a protective wax coating to metal doors. For wooden doors, ensure they are properly sealed or painted to protect against moisture and rot.
Upgrade Your Garage Door Opener
If your garage door opener is old or struggling to operate the door efficiently, consider upgrading to a newer model. Modern openers are more reliable, quieter, and come with advanced features such as smartphone connectivity and battery backup.
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
By following these tips, you can extend the life of your garage door, ensuring it remains functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing for many years. Regular maintenance not only saves you money on costly repairs but also provides peace of mind knowing that your garage door is in optimal condition. To ensure your garage door in the Las Vegas Valley is efficiently and safely serviced, call AAA Action Garage Doors.
