January 26, 2018

Tips to Care for Your Garage Door and Keep It Working Properly

Tips to Care for Your Garage Door and Keep It Working Properly

Most of us don’t give our garage doors much thought as long as they’re working correctly. However, when they start to malfunction, things can change quickly. If you’d like to ensure that it stays in good working order, here are a few important tips from the experts at Garaga.

Regularly Inspect Your Garage Door

One of the most important things to do is to inspect your door regularly. Pay close attention to any unusual noises that might be created when using the door, particularly snaps and thumps that might indicate a part has broken or is about to break. A visual inspection should include things like making sure the torsion springs are intact, and that the extension springs are not stretched out. Check that the each roller is in good condition, and that the chain or belt for the door opener is not abnormally loose.

You should also perform an operational check to ensure that the garage door and opener are functioning correctly. With a garage door opener, disengage the trolley by pulling the emergency stop cord. Next, try to open the door with just one hand. If you can, then it’s in good shape. If you cannot, then there’s something wrong and you’ll need an inspection. Reattach the trolley, and call an expert.

Biannual Maintenance for Your Garage Door Is Important

You should provide maintenance for your garage door twice per year. The first time should be just before winter, and then when the temperatures start to warm up once more. There’s not all that much to do with garage door maintenance, other than lubrication and making sure that a few bolts are good and tight. You should also check the two automatic reversal systems.

Double check that the two tracks are aligned correctly, and that the bolts holding the angle iron are tight, while the angle iron forms a right angle to support the tracks and the opener. If you have a three‑piece trolley on the opener, check the bolts there, as well. Vibrations created during operation can cause them to loosen over time.

When it comes to lubrication, you’ll need to make sure that moving metal components are protected properly. This includes things like the rollers, hinges and springs. Most petroleum‑based lubricants will work well for this. You should also lubricate PVC‑based components, such as the garage door weatherstripping. Lubricate all weatherstripping, including the pieces at the bottom of the garage door and between door sections with a silicone‑based lubricant.

Checking the Reversal System

It’s very important that you check the automatic reversal systems during maintenance for safety. If the opener was made after 1993, there are two systems here. One of them is photoelectric, and the other is mechanical. With the mechanical system, simply place a 2 x 4 flat on the floor in the garage door’s path, then close the door. It should automatically reverse as soon as it contacts the wood. To check the second system, close the door, and then wave a hand in front of one of the photoelectric units at the side of the door. The door should stop closing when the beam is broken.

Finding the Help You Need for Regular Maintenance

We understand that regular maintenance can be a challenge, particularly if you’re not familiar with how your garage door workers. We can help. Contact us today at 717-767-1419. We’re garage door experts, and we can provide you with a 28‑point tune‑up that includes a full inspection, any required adjustments, and a professional lubrication.

However, if your garage door has seen better days, we’d also be happy to provide you with a detailed quote by email. If you’d prefer, we can also visit you at your home to showcase the garage door options available – feel free to use our Design Centre, or browse our image gallery to get an idea of what’s available.

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