Your garage door is a significant investment in your home’s functionality and curb appeal. It’s not just a barrier between your vehicle and the elements; it’s also a security feature and often one of the first things people notice about your house. Like any other part of your home, your garage door needs proper care and garage door maintenance in Marin County to ensure it functions smoothly and lasts for many years. Follow these expert tips from Mark’s Garage Doors to extend the longevity and functionality of your garage door:
Regular Lubrication
The moving parts of your garage door, such as rollers, hinges, and tracks, are subject to wear and tear from frequent use. Lubricating these parts with a high-quality garage door lubricant reduces friction and prevents them from wearing out prematurely. Ideally, you should lubricate your garage door’s moving parts every six months. However, if you notice any squeaking or grinding noises, it’s a good idea to lubricate more frequently.
Pro Tip
Clear debris and dirt from the tracks prior to lubricating and only use a garage door specific lubricant as directed by your garage door installation technician.
Inspect and Tighten Hardware
Over time, the repeated motion of your garage door opening and closing each day can cause the hardware, these are the bolts, nuts, and screws, to loosen. A loose part can lead to misalignment, causing additional strain on the door’s mechanism and potentially leading to more significant, and expensive, problems. Regularly inspecting and tightening your garage door’s hardware is a simple yet effective way to maintain your garage door.
Pro Tip
Use a socket wrench to check and tighten any loose bolts, nuts, and screws. Pay special attention to the brackets that hold the garage door tracks in place, as well as the bolts that secure the door’s frame to the house.
Keep the Tracks Clean and Aligned
The tracks on either side of your garage door are essential for its smooth operation. Over time, dirt, debris, and even small objects can accumulate in the tracks, causing the door to become misaligned or difficult to open and close. Misaligned tracks can also put additional strain on the door’s mechanism, leading to premature wear and tear.
Pro Tip
To keep your garage door tracks clean, use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris. This can be completed at the same frequency as when you lubricate your garage door tracks. If you notice that the tracks are not perfectly aligned, it’s crucial to address this issue immediately.
Check and Replace Weatherstripping
The weatherstripping at the bottom of your garage door helps to keep out dirt, debris, and pests, and it also acts as an insulator, keeping your garage more energy efficient. Over time, weatherstripping can become worn, cracked, or damaged, reducing its effectiveness. Inspect the weatherstripping along the bottom of your garage door periodically. If you notice any signs of wear or if the material has become brittle, it’s time to replace it.
Pro Tip
Contact your garage door provider and make sure to ask about the warranty on your door when replacing weather stripping. Warranty on installations and products is one reason you should hire a professional garage door company.
Test the Balance of Your Garage Door
A properly balanced garage door ensures smooth operation and reduces the strain on the opener. If your garage door is out of balance, it can cause the opener to work harder, leading to premature wear and potentially expensive repairs. Additionally, an unbalanced door can pose a safety risk, as it may close unexpectedly or fail to open altogether.
Pro Tip
Disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle. Then, manually lift the door halfway up and let go. If the door stays in place, it’s balanced. If it falls or rises, it needs adjustment. It’s always advisable to contact a professional like Mark’s Garage Doors to rebalance your garage door!
Test the Safety Features
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features, such as auto-reverse mechanisms and photoelectric sensors, designed to prevent accidents. It’s essential to test these safety features regularly to ensure they’re functioning correctly.
Pro Tip
Place an object in front of the doors path to test its’ safety features. If the door does not reverse upon contact with the object, contact a professional for garage door repair. To test the sensors, wave an object in front of the sensor as the door closes. Again, if the door does not stop and reverse, it’s time to bring in the pros.
Schedule Regular Professional Inspections
While there are many maintenance tasks you can perform yourself, nothing beats the expertise of a professional. Scheduling regular inspections with a garage door specialist ensures that any potential issues are identified and addressed before they turn into costly repairs. A professional technician can thoroughly inspect all the components of your garage door, including the springs, cables, rollers, and opener, and make any necessary adjustments or repairs.
Pro Tip
Choosing the right garage door for your home is only half the work. Finding a reliable garage door company is essential for continued function and longevity. Make sure you research and work with a good garage door company for your inspections and repairs.
Use Your Garage Door Responsibly
How you use your garage door also affects its lifespan. Avoid unnecessary openings and closings, as each cycle contributes to the wear and tear on the door’s components. For instance, if you’re working in the garage and going in and out frequently, it’s better to leave the door open rather than constantly opening and closing it.
Pro Tip
Make sure that everyone in your home is aware of proper garage door usage and keep access to your garage door opener away from children.
Keep Your Garage Door in Good Condition with Mark’s Garage Doors
Whether you need a new opener, replacement springs, or a complete garage door replacement, Mark’s Garage Doors offers the best garage door maintenance in Marin County. Our skilled technicians have the experience and expertise to ensure that every repair and installation is done to the highest standard.
Contact Mark’s Garage Doors or give us a call at (415) 497-0459 today to learn more about our products and services.
