A well-maintained garage door can last for decades, providing security and convenience for your home. However, neglecting its upkeep can lead to costly garage door repair and even premature replacement. To keep your garage door in excellent condition and avoid expensive fixes, follow these five essential maintenance tips from Arnold's Garage Door, your trusted garage door company.
1. Lubricate Moving Parts Regularly
One of the easiest and most effective ways to extend the lifespan of your garage door is to keep all moving parts well-lubricated. Without proper lubrication, metal components can wear down due to friction, leading to operational issues and noisy operation.
How to Lubricate Your Garage Door:
- Use a high-quality silicone-based lubricant on the rollers, hinges, springs, and tracks.
- Avoid using WD-40, as it can attract dust and dirt, which may cause buildup over time.
- Apply lubricant at least twice a year or whenever you hear squeaking noises.
Regular lubrication reduces strain on the motor and other components, helping you avoid unnecessary garage door repair costs.
2. Inspect and Tighten Hardware Periodically
Your garage door moves up and down multiple times a day, which can cause hardware to loosen over time. Loose bolts, screws, and nuts can lead to misalignment, rattling noises, or even mechanical failures.
How to Keep Hardware in Check:
- Inspect all nuts, bolts, and screws on the garage door tracks, hinges, and brackets.
- Use a wrench or socket set to tighten any loose hardware.
- Check the track alignment and ensure there are no gaps or bends.
By routinely tightening these components, you’ll help your garage door function smoothly and prevent potential damage that could require professional garage door repair.
3. Keep the Tracks Clean and Aligned
Garage door tracks guide the door’s movement, and any obstructions or misalignment can lead to serious problems. Dirt, debris, and even small objects can interfere with the tracks, causing the door to operate unevenly or get stuck.
Steps to Maintain Your Tracks:
- Use a soft cloth or brush to remove dust and debris from the tracks.
- Check for any bends or misalignments. If you notice a bent track, contact Arnold's Garage Door, a reliable garage door company, for professional realignment.
- Make sure the tracks are securely fastened to the wall and floor.
Regularly cleaning and maintaining the tracks ensures your garage door opens and closes smoothly, preventing premature wear and tear.
4. Test and Maintain the Garage Door Springs
Your garage door’s springs play a crucial role in lifting and lowering the door. If they become worn or break, the door can become difficult—or even dangerous—to operate.
How to Check Your Springs:
- Conduct a balance test by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door. If it doesn’t stay in place when halfway open, the springs may be worn out.
- Look for visible signs of wear, such as rust, gaps, or stretched coils.
- If you suspect your springs are weakening, avoid attempting DIY repairs, as they are under high tension and can cause injury. Instead, call Arnold's Garage Door for professional garage door repair.
Regular inspections can prevent sudden spring failures, which can be costly and inconvenient to fix.
5. Schedule Professional Maintenance Annually
While DIY maintenance is essential, some issues require expert attention. Scheduling an annual inspection with a professional garage door company ensures that minor problems are caught before they turn into expensive repairs.
Benefits of Professional Maintenance:
- A technician can identify worn-out components and replace them before they fail.
- Professional tune-ups help optimize your garage door’s performance.
- An expert can check the safety sensors, auto-reverse mechanism, and other critical features.
By investing in regular maintenance from Arnold's Garage Door, you can extend the life of your garage door and minimize unexpected repair costs.
Final Thoughts
Extending the lifespan of your garage door doesn’t require extensive work—just a few simple maintenance habits. By regularly lubricating moving parts, tightening hardware, keeping tracks clean, checking springs, and scheduling annual professional inspections, you can avoid costly garage door repair and ensure that your garage door lasts for years to come.
If you need expert assistance, trust Arnold's Garage Door, the leading garage door company in your area. Our experienced technicians are ready to provide top-notch service to keep your garage door in peak condition. Contact us today for a professional inspection and maintenance service!