Garage doors require regular maintenance to ensure they look great and function correctly. This is especially true if they’re made of wood, which needs painting or sealing to prevent rot.
Lubrication is also essential to a garage door’s lifespan. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks, bearings and spring wire helps them run smoothly. Team Garage Door in Scottsdale excels in maintaining and increasing your garage door’s lifespan, ensuring longevity and optimal performance for a secure and efficient home environment.
Brackets and Hinges
Your garage door moves a lot of weight on its hinges each time you open and close it. Over time these hinges can rust or bend, which can impact how your door works. It’s important to inspect them regularly and apply lubrication if needed.
The hinges on your garage door keep sections together, and they come in different types based on where they’re installed in the door. Look for stamped numbers from one to ten indicating the location of each hinge.
Lubricate metal hinges to reduce friction. Spray lubricant on the track rollers to prevent them from grinding against each other, but don’t use lubricant on plastic tracks or springs (these need a professional’s touch). Check all bolts and brackets that hold your tracks and rollers in place. Loose bolts should be tightened with a wrench. But don’t over-tighten them to the point that they damage your track or hinges. Also check for loose screws that attach the mounting brackets to the wall framing.
Cables
The cables are a vital component of the garage door system, as they allow the opener to lift and lower the door. However, they can become damaged or break for several reasons. Fortunately, regular inspections can help identify potential issues before they happen.
Examine the cables for rust, visible damage or uneven wear. Also, make sure the springs are coiled tightly. Uncoiled springs are not able to hold tension, which could lead to damage.
Another important consideration is to make sure the springs are properly sized for your door. This can be determined by performing a 20- and 10-coil count. You can also check the cycle life of the current springs by comparing the number of coils to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Weatherstripping
Weather stripping prevents cold air drafts from entering the garage and helps lower energy bills. It also keeps out dust, leaves and pests. It is especially important for those who use their garages as workshops or playrooms. It also ensures that smoke and fumes do not drift into the home, potentially causing health issues for your family.
Over time, weather stripping can become damaged due to natural wear and tear or rough handling. To extend its life, it is recommended that you clean and lubricate it every three months. This can be done with a damp rag and a silicone-based lubricant.
If you notice that there is a draft in your garage, this may be a sign that your weather stripping is worn and needs to be replaced. It is a simple DIY project that can be completed in about 45 minutes. It is also a great way to keep rodents and bugs out of your house.
Lubrication
You can reduce friction-related wear-and-tear and make the door function smoother and quieter with regular lubrication. However, it’s important to choose the right lubricant and avoid water-displacing products like WD-40. They primarily dissolve rust and grime and only provide a short-lived lubricating effect.
Lubricating your garage door components can free them from the slapping noise that often results from direct metal-on-metal contact. It can also help ensure the smooth, quiet operation of your garage door for years to come.
You can use a silicone-based lubricant or white lithium grease to lubricate the hinges, rollers, and springs. For best results, spray the lubricant directly onto each component and then move them back and forth to evenly distribute the lubrication. Be sure not to over-lubricate, as this can cause them to become sticky. Also, choose a lubricant that is designed specifically for garage doors to ensure the best performance and longevity. Different lubricants have specific temperature ranges in which they work most effectively.
