Garage doors are something you look at every day; you probably use them every day too… but how often do you think about their maintenance and what you should be doing to ensure optimum performance and getting the most out of your investment?
Here we share with you some pointers and garage door maintenance tips that are guaranteed to add extra longevity and use from your current garage door whilst also preventing often avoidable and costly repairs.
Test the Door Balance
Over time garage doors can become unbalanced, just as the tracking on your motor vehicle may need realigning during a service. It’s something that can easily be tested by opening the door part way and seeing if either side moves. You can also listen out for any strange knocks or grinds, which may also indicate that the balance is off.
Auto-reverse Safety Test
This is not only for garage door maintenance in general. It is imperative for safety and reducing any chance of danger to life or damage to possessions. The auto-reverse safety test will determine whether the garage door reacts to resistance and, if so, does the opener continue to have enough force behind it to reverse rather than stop in its tracks.
To carry out an auto-reverse safety test, follow these simple steps:
- Place an object on the floor directly within the garage door’s path to the ground
- Activate the doors to close
- Check from a safe distance whether the door sensed the object within its path.
- If it struck the object, check to see if it reverses within 2 seconds of doing so
- If this doesn’t happen, your auto-reverse safety test has failed and requires urgent maintenance.
Lubrication
Lubricate all moving parts to ensure a smooth operation and prevent any rust or corrosion that may start to appear.
Check or Replace the Weatherstripping
Garage door maintenance can be so inexpensive and easy that it may not really seem a necessary task at all. Weatherstripping really is important. It should be replaced as often as required to protect the door from the elements such as rain, hail, wind, snow.
Cable and Pulley Check
Visually inspect the pulleys and cables. This is where you may find the answer to your crooked door issues, screeching sounds, or discovering your door won’t open or close at all. If pulleys are broken, or cables are loose, do not touch them. Disconnect the power before anything at all, and contact a reputable garage door company for further advice.
Examine Rollers and Replace when Required
Rollers are a consumable part in that they won’t last as long as your actual garage doors will! Be sure to examine your rollers regularly, replacing them as required upon signs of wear and tear. This will keep everything running fluidly.
The user manual should have concise instructions on how to undertake this yourself, but garage doors are heavy! Ensuring safety is number one, and if you don’t feel comfortable in having a go yourself, leave it to a professional who can do this in no time.
Tighten Hardware
Any moving mechanism will experience a loosening of screws or bolts; that goes for electronic or otherwise, think of your bed or chest of drawers, for example. Garage doors are no different! Check all hardware such as handles, nuts, and screws and give them a little extra tightening to ensure optimum performance and prolonged life.
Check for Clear Tracks
Dust, bugs, or even leaves blown in during the darker autumn evenings; they will find a way to land within your tracks, guaranteed. Anything in the way of the doors running smoothly will add extra strain to the mechanism itself. Keep the tracks clear to allow for an easy glide when your garage doors open and close, without putting any unnecessary pressure on the system.
Inspect Closely
Sometimes what appears to be cosmetic, to begin with, can soon turn into something more serious such as rot or corrosion. So, inspect your door parts for any sign of possible damage. The sooner you catch it, the better for getting the most out of your garage doors.
Watch and listen
If you notice anything that you hadn’t ever noticed before, the chances are that it’s something new. Any changes in appearance or sound can indicate a failure or that maintenance is required; If you’re unsure, it’s best to
Clean and paint the door.
Cosmetic maintenance is always good! There’s nothing quite like a freshly painted door to add a new burst of life to your garage. Keeping your door clean prevents corrosion, rust, or flaking, too, so not only is it great for keeping up appearances, but it will also be adding months and years to your investment.
If you need help in maintaining your garage door or would like to find any further information regarding best practices, contact Ascend Door today.
