Life can be hectic sometimes, and like many other things, garage door maintenance often falls down our priority list. However, properly looking after your garage door will keep them not just looking their best, but ensure their longevity, too.
This article will explain the importance of garage door maintenance, and provide you with some tips on how you can successfully maintain your garage door and keep it functioning like new.
Do garage doors need maintenance?
Yes, they definitely do! Garage door maintenance is an important part of getting value for money from your garage door, especially if you’ve invested in a high-quality electric garage door. A good garage door is designed to last more than 10 years, and proper care and maintenance will help you keep your door in good condition for many years to come.
Regular garage door maintenance also prevents you from having to pay specialists, like the team at PCS Garage Doors, to come out and fix it. However, if you do need a professional to look at your door, we can get your garage door working seamlessly once again.
6 tips for garage door maintenance
1. Schedule regular inspections
One of the worst things you can do is overlook your garage door until there is a major problem that needs fixing. Scheduling an inspection twice a year to check everything is in working order will help you stay on top of any issues associated with hinges, pulleys, panels, rollers, springs, and cables. We also recommend performing seasonal checks, for example, looking for ice build-up at the bottom of the door in winter and looking out for signs of rust on metal components in the summer.
2. Test safety features
Testing the safety features is especially important if you have an electric garage door. Checking the safety sensors are still functioning well can be done if you place an object in your door’s path and close it. If your door doesn’t reverse upon contact, it’s time to clean the sensors or adjust how they’re aligned. Many roller garage doors also come with a smart auto-reverse feature, so it’s worth testing regularly to keep your door working at an optimal level.
3. Lubricate any moving parts
Smooth and quiet garage door operation requires proper lubrication. Keeping rollers and all other moving parts lubricated like hinges, springs, and tracks will reduce friction and prevent the components from becoming susceptible to excessive wear. We recommend using a silicone-based lubricant rather than a grease or oil-based one; grease and oil-based lubricants can attract debris which can lead to damage to your garage door.
4. Clean and repaint the exterior
Your garage door spends all its life exposed to the elements; after a few years, it’s likely to have taken a good beating from the sun, wind, and rain. Regularly cleaning the door’s exterior will help remove any dirt and grime that’s collected over time, while adding another lick of paint will help maintain its appearance. For steel garage doors, we recommend sanding, priming, and painting any rust spots that have appeared. For wooden garage doors, we advise removing chipped and peeling paint before giving it a good sanding and another coat of paint.
5. Weatherstrip and seal
Regardless of what you use your garage for, weatherstripping and sealing the edges is a crucial part of any garage maintenance process. Weatherstripping helps not only prevent drafts (which in turn will help you save energy) but also prohibits any pests from entering inside – which is essential if you’re using the space to store perishable goods. If you notice any cracks or signs of wear when inspecting your garage, you should promptly replace the weatherstripping to maintain an effective seal.
6. Test the door balance
The balance of your garage door is one of the most important parts of its functionality. To check the door balance, first disconnect the automatic opener. You then need to manually lift the door halfway. If you find that your door stays in place when it’s partially open, you have nothing to worry about.
However, if your door falls or rises, you should seek a professional technician to address this imbalance. Regularly watching and listening to the door in operation is another easy way to make sure its overall functionality is to its optimum standard.
Maintaining your garage door is key to increasing longevity and getting the most from your purchase. However, good-quality garage doors typically require less maintenance. At PCS Garage Doors, we have a vast range of bestselling styles, finishes and automations so you find a garage door that’s not just high quality, but has a long lifespan.