A well-maintained garage door keeps the important things in your life safe and secure. As a business owner, this means your source of livelihood; as a family member, this may mean your family car, your other possessions, or even your family’s lives.
A malfunctioning garage door can cause a number of safety concerns. In addition, it can be an eyesore and devalue property, and it can negatively affect your daily life. You should take the time to perform basic preventive maintenance on your garage door. Here’s how you can start—with the ABCs of garage door maintenance.
A Is for Automatic Reversal System
One of the most important safety features of your garage door is the automatic reversal system. This system ensures that if an object or person is in the path of the closing door, the door will automatically reverse direction and open.
Check the rollers and cables
First, check the rollers that hold up your garage door. These rollers play an important role in the operation of your garage door. They help the door move smoothly and efficiently, and they also help keep the door stable as it opens and closes. If you notice that your garage door is not moving as smoothly as it used to or that it seems to be wobbling more than usual, then it’s likely that your rollers need to be serviced. To service your rollers, remove the cover panel on the side of the garage door. Once you have access to the rollers, use a screwdriver or wrench to loosen the screws that hold them in place. Then remove the old roller bearings and replace them with new ones. Finally, reattach the screws and put the cover panel back in place.
Check the high-tension cables that lift your door, too. However, err on the side of caution and do not tinker with them. If you can see fraying or anything that looks unnatural about it, just take pictures of it and consult a pro.
Test the system
Now, you may have finished looking at the parts, but you still have to test the automatic reversal system. Place a piece of wood or cardboard under the center of the door and attempt to close it. If the door reverses direction and opens when it hits the object, your reversal system is working properly. If not, you may need a professional garage door opener repair service to have it serviced or replaced.
B Is for Balance
Another important factor in maintaining your garage door is keeping it balanced. Your garage door is made up of several sections, and over time, these sections can become warped or damaged. Damaged or warped door sections can cause your garage door to become unbalanced. An unbalanced garage door can put unnecessary strain on the opener, leading to premature wear and tear.
If you notice any gaps between the sections, it’s time to replace them. Then, check if your door is balanced by opening it halfway and letting go. The door should stay in place. If it starts to close on its own or moves erratically, it’s time to call a professional for help.
C Is for Cleaning and Lubrication
Lubricate the moving parts
To keep your garage door operating smoothly, be sure to regularly lubricate all moving parts. Take the time to remove objects that may be in the way, too. If there is an obstruction in the path of the rollers, it can cause them to become damaged. Use a rag or brush to remove any built-up dirt or debris from tracks, rollers, springs, and other parts. Then apply a light coat of lubricant such as WD-40 or 3-in-1 oil. This will help reduce friction and prevent rusting.
Apart from the rollers and tracks, you must ensure that the garage door is clean. Depending on how your garage door was made, it may have nooks and crannies where dirt and mold may gather; even the garage door itself may have mold growing on it if it’s made of wood.
Clean up mold
To check, look for areas where moisture may be gathering. This can be around the door’s seams or near the bottom where it meets the ground. You may also see black or green patches growing on the surface of the door. To clean mold off the surface, wear a mask, eye protection, and gloves—you will be working with bleach and borax. Apply a light coat of disinfectant or mold removal solution (made of four tablespoons of bleach, 16 ounces of water, and one teaspoon of borax powder) to the affected areas. Let the solution soak in for 10 to 15 minutes. Lightly spray it again right before you use a brush or rag to scrub the mold off. This prevents the mold from throwing spores into the air. Then, rinse it with water, dry it off with another rag, and allow the door to air-dry completely.
If you suspect your garage door has mold under the surface, take a picture and send it to a professional for further inspection.
Maintaining your garage door is important to keeping your home and belongings safe. You may be using your garage several times a day, and the last thing you want is to have it malfunction right when you need it to work. By following the ABCs of garage door maintenance, you can keep your door functioning properly and your day hassle-free.
