With the garage door taking up a large portion of your home, it's important to take care of it. You want to make sure that your garage door is operating properly and safely, so you don't end up with an accident that could have been prevented.
Here are some tips on how to keep your garage door in good shape:
Keep It Clean
Keeping your garage door in good shape means keeping it clean and dry. Use a mild detergent to clean the door, tracks, sensors, and sensors cover. Clean the springs and cables with a wire brush, then lubricate them once a year with 3-in-1 oil or WD-40.
Clean the motor using a soft cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol, removing dirt and grime without damaging the unit's surface.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
When you are lubricating the moving parts of your garage door, make sure that you use a lubricant that is compatible with the material of the moving parts. For example, if you have an aluminum track, it is important not to use a type of oil that can cause corrosion in aluminum.
Always talk to a professional if there are any questions about what type of lubricant will work best for your garage door system.
Remove Rust
If you have a garage door that has been exposed to the elements for a few years, it may be beginning to rust. Rust is bad because it can lead to rusting of the tracks and gears that make your garage door run smoothly. Rust also makes your garage door heavier because of all the water trapped in rusted metal.
To prevent this problem from occurring or reoccurring, you should clean off any existing rust on your track as soon as possible and apply a protective finish like WD-40 (or similar protectant) before storing your vehicle in the garage over winter or during periods when it won't be used regularly.
Look for Worn Wires and Cables
Check the cables for kinks, cracks, or other damage. If you find any of these issues on either one of your garage door cables, replace them as soon as possible to prevent problems in the future.
Making sure your cables are in good condition is one of the most important things you can do to keep your garage door safe. If an old and worn-out cable snaps while you're driving into your garage, it could cause serious injury. Preventing a disaster like this is easy if you take the time to inspect your cables.
Tighten Hardware and Bolts
When you are adjusting the height of your garage door, it is important to tighten all of the hardware and bolts. Using lubricants on any part of your garage door can help prevent rust from developing. If you have an issue with squeaks, we recommend using anti-squeak spray or grease on the hinges.
When tightening bolts and hardware, make sure not to over-tighten them, as this will cause damage to your garage door springs and other parts within the system that controls its movement.
Check the Batteries in your Remote
It’s always a good idea to check the batteries in your garage door remote. If you have a keypad, check the batteries in it as well. If your remote or keypad is not working, it’s possible that there is something wrong with your system.
We recommend calling a garage door repair company like us right away so we can send someone out to take care of the issue. Having an expert look at your garage door can help you avoid further damage and ensure everything is working properly.
Keep Your Garage Door in Good Condition
All these tips may seem like a lot of work, but they’re important to keep your garage door in good shape. It's important to maintain your garage door on a regular basis so that you don't have to deal with expensive repairs down the road.
At Peter and Sons Construction, we make sure that you have the best service when it comes to your garage door. We will work with you to make sure your garage door is working properly and always keep it in good condition. Feel free to contact us today!
