Tips for Proper Maintenance

Ever so often stop and watch while listening to the operation of your door. Is it working smoothly? Do you hear any grinding noises? Does the door seem to operate symmetrical when going up and down? Does the operate quietly or do you hear new noises?

Whether you have nylon or steel rollers these need to be maintained properly for a smoother operation. Inspect your rollers or have a garage door professional inspect your rollers a couple of times per year. If you observe cracks, chips, or missing portions of the rollers have them replaced soon by a garage door professional. These rollers are attached by hinges that also need to be maintained by lubricating them a couple of times a year or as needed with a good professionally recommended not silicone lubricant. DO NOT USE WD-40.

Since your garage door goes up and down on average several thousand times per year it is common for the hardware to become loose over time. The regular movement and vibration loosens the brackets and screws which can cause issues with the operation of your door. Use a wrench or socket to tighten up any loose hardware. If your not sure, contact your local garage door service professional.

A well balanced garage door is one the key components to the longevity of the operation of your garage door and operator.

If it is improperly balanced, this puts unnecessary stress on the operator, rollers, and hinges. To check the balance, disconnect the operator from power. then release the handle from the operator freeing the door to be manually operated. raise the door 3/4 of the way up and let go. It should stay in place. Raise it completely repeating this process. It may move some but should stop fairly quickly. Test again with the door half way down. If at anytime the door does not stop and continue either up or down on its own, it's out of balance. Proper torsion spring maintenance is key to keeping the door balanced. Contact your local garage door professional to have the door balanced.

Using a LONG-TERM lubricant is recommended. DO NOT USE WD-40. WD-40 actually removes the oily lubricant needed for long term maintenance and is not a long term solution. It works against you.

Lubricate the hinges, rollers, bearings, torsion springs, operator, cables, drums, and any moving part. You can use a white lithium grease for operator chains and screw drives. Many of your garage door professional service companies will do this for you at a nominal fee

Over time cables which actually holds your door up, can become rusty and brittle if not properly maintained. These cables are connected to a drum which is directly connected to the high tension torsion spring and tube. It is recommended you contact a garage door professional if you observe any issues with your cables. Things to check for are broken strands, kinks, pinched areas, rust, or any other possible damage.

Keep the vertical and horizontal areas where the rollers operate clear of any debris. DO NOT USE GREASE inside the tracks. If you observe the tracks and believe they may not be level, are bent, or damaged in any way, contact your local garage door professional to come out to check your tracks and overall operation.

It is a good idea to regularly check the auto-reverse system of your operator to make sure it is working properly. This is for the safety of anyone living in or visiting your home and can prevent future damages to cars and other items that may be in the path of the garage door.

Two way to test while in operation: 1) use a solid object like a brick or turn a piece of wood sideways and place under the door. When the door touches this item it should immediately reverse. 2) Move your hand or foot in the direct line between the two photo eyes sensors. When something blocks the two eyes from seeing each other the door should automatically reverse.

If either test fail, contact a garage door professional.

Rubber weather-stripping over time can become brittle, cracked, torn, and shrink. This can leave room for bugs, mice, snakes, and outside elements to get into your garage easier. The rubber weather-stripping retainer at the bottom has grooves for easy installation. Your local hardware store usually carries this and is sold by the foot. If you have a 16 foot door have them cut the length to about 16 feet and 6 inches giving you an extra 3 inches for each side. Tuck the extra inches inside the rubber seal when installing. You can also have a garage door professional provide this service for you as well.

If you have a wood door, check around the bottom for any kinds of rotting, warping, paint pealing, or other appearances that could turn into potential future issues with the door. Rotting wood can cause weakness to the bottom brackets which are attached to the cables.

If you have metal doors observe for warping, rusting, cracks around hinges or other areas that are under strain at times. A weak door in any area is a potential for future major damages to the door system, vehicles or a danger to those going in and out the garage door. Your garage door is the largest moving part at your home. Keep it maintained for longevity. Keep it freshly painted or stained if wood to prevent rotting or other damages to the door. This also keeps the curb appeal of the home looking fresh too. Contact your local garage professional to schedule a tune-up if you suspect any issues may be present or ask about an annual tune-up agreement.