How Do I Perform Routine Maintenance on My Garage Door?

Garage door maintenance should be performed once a year. An annual garage door tune-up helps ensure safety as well as reliable, quiet operation. The maintenance process is easy and is worth it to keep your garage door in optimal condition.

It’s likely that no other part of your home experiences as much wear and tear as your overhead garage door. The average garage door will go up and down more than a thousand times a year. When kept in good working order, it provides convenience, security, and protection from the elements. But a neglected door can become a safety concern for you and your family.

Tighten the Nuts and Bolts

Because your garage door moves often, the hardware can quickly loosen. Inspect and tighten all roller brackets and bolts.

Inspect the Rollers

Rollers, whether nylon or steel, can deteriorate over time. Buy replacement rollers at a hardware store and install them by removing and reinstalling the roller bracket. Use extreme caution with the bottom roller bracket. The cable attached to it is under extreme tension.

Inspect the Lift Cable

When inspecting the lift cable, look for any broken strands. Damage is most likely to occur where the cable attaches to the bottom roller bracket, where it’s most exposed to moisture. If it’s damaged, don’t try to replace it yourself. The cable is under high tension and will need to be replaced by a professional.

Lubricate the Chain or Screw

Lubricate the chain belt or screw drive on your opener on an annual basis. Lubrication will make the opener’s operation quieter, smoother and extend the life of both chain and opener. Be sure to check your owner’s manual if your particular screw opener doesn’t require lubrication.

Lubricate the Springs

Coat the overhead torsion springs or the extension springs mounted above roller tracks with a lubricant. All springs will eventually break because of metal fatigue or corrosion, but annual maintenance will help delay this. If a spring breaks, call a professional for assistance.

Replace the Door’s Weather Seal

Replace the weather seal on the bottom of your garage door if it’s deteriorated. A new weather seal will help limit air flow into the garage, resulting in a more comfortable environment, and helps keep dust and debris outside of the garage.

Test Your Garage Door’s Balance

Test the balance of your garage door. A properly balanced door is less likely to hurt someone and keeps your garage door opener from working too hard.

Test the Auto Reverse Feature

Test the auto reverse feature of your automatic opener by placing an object under the point where the opener is attached to the door. The door should reverse direction within two seconds after coming to a stop. If your door opener doesn’t have an auto-reverse feature, consider purchasing a new opener for safety purposes.

Install Lift Handles

Install a lift handle on both sides of the garage door. Make sure the handle will clear the top of the door frame; if not, you may need a lower-profile handle. If there’s a handle, you’re less likely to pull down on the spaces between sections which can result in crushed fingers.

Now you’re ready to start performing annual maintenance on your garage door.

If you live in the Kansas City metro area, contact Precision Windows and Doors for garage door assistance. Call us at 816-524-8999 or 913-649-1199.