Some homeowners overlook the squeaky noises their garage make, thinking that it is normal. Unfortunately, it is not, and it is just going to get squeakier and squeakier because it needs lubrication as soon as possible.
Fortunately, those squeaks are not permanent. Once you properly lubricate your garage door, those squeaks and squawks would stop. Several components of your garage door need regular lubricating. These include the springs, hinges, tracks and rollers. So to keep the squeaks at bay, here are the things that you need to do.
Springs
Give some lube to the torsion springs responsible for lifting and lowering your garage door. When applying lubricant, apply just enough to make them move seamlessly and quietly, and not to the point that you see the lube dripping out of the garage door’s spring in your Salt Lake City home.
Tracks
Clean the tracks with a clean rag first to get rid of any debris that might have accumulated, interfering with the tracks’ seamless operation. You do not need to lubricate the tracks; just make sure that they are always free of debris.
Hinges
Only lubricate hinges if they are made of steel. If your garage door has plastic hinges, never lubricate them since doing so could cause the premature wear of the plastic.
Rollers and Wheels
If the wheels are nylon, they will not need to be lubricated; just the bearings would do. If your rollers have all-metal components, lube them and wipe down any excess lube so it will not drip on your vehicle or the garage floor. Avoid lubricating the tracks with oil since oil could easily clump up.
In general, the tracks need six dots of lube, two drops of lube to the wheels, and a couple of drops inside and along the front of the wheels. The front tracks also need a couple of drops of lube at the top.
Locks
If you have difficulty opening and closing the lock or key sticks, give them some lube as well. Ensure that all moving parts and the tumbler get some lube.
Once you are done lubricating all the parts that require it, try opening and closing your garage door a couple of times to ensure even distribution of the lubricant. If you still hear significant squeaking, try to determine where it’s coming from to see if that part needs more lube or if your garage door needs more maintenance other than lubrication.
Essentially, ensuring that your garage door parts are properly lubricated would help prolong its service life. It is, however, vital to note that you should not use the old favorite WD-40, engine oil, or mechanic’s grease to lube up your door. Opt for white lithium grease or silicone spray instead since these will not clump up or attract dust like WD-40 and engine oil does. Lubricating your garage door components every six months or as needed, such as when you hear significant noises, would help keep the squeaking at bay and prevent more expensive repairs later on.
