Do you know the components of your garage door? Do you know what to look for when something seems off or doesn't sound right? How often should you schedule maintenance on your door? Proper and routine maintenance will keep your garage door and its various systems and components in their best condition.
We've compiled a list of things you should know about your door, when you can perform your maintenance, and when you should leave things up to the experts.
Garage Door Basics
What are the "basics," and what can you do for your garage door without calling the experts? You can take care of some things, like listening to the system and watching it operate. Familiarizing yourself with your system will help you identify issues and know what to expect from a properly working door.
Cleaning Counts
There are several parts of your garage door system that need regular cleaning. Wash the door regularly to keep debris and dirt from building up. Washing should include the doors inside, where cobwebs and other things can start to collect. It doesn't seem like a big thing, but doing it can make a big difference in your garage door's look, operation, and longevity.
Clear the Tracks
In addition to washing your garage door and keeping the various parts clean, you also want to ensure that the garage door tracks are always cleaned and clear of debris. If something gets caught up or builds up in the tracks, it can affect the operation of the door, possibly even causing it to get derailed entirely in some situations. Keep the tracks clean.
Schedule Routine Maintenance
You will want to schedule maintenance for your garage door at least once a year. A licensed garage door repair expert should do this maintenance for the best outcome. They will be able to tighten all the hardware, check for necessary repairs or replacements, and inform you of what to watch for to ensure that nothing happens to your garage door and its systems.
More importantly, they will have the skills and experience to work with the many parts of a garage door that can become dangerous, including garage door springs. A repair technician should inspect these parts carefully to ensure they don't need attention.
Check the Balance
Another maintenance tip is to check the balance of your garage door to ensure that everything is working, including the garage door springs. Open and close the door with the automatic opener, if there is one. Then, disconnect the opener and release the door switch. The door should lift easily with one hand. If it doesn't, the springs may need attention.
Call a Professional for Garage Door Maintenance and Repairs
A little attention can go a long way regarding garage doors, including maintaining the springs, opener, and working systems. Keep these tips in mind to keep your garage in great shape.