There’s nothing worse than getting into your vehicle, checking everything, latching the seat belt then starting your car. You’re ready to pull out of the garage when you press the opener and nothing happens. Checking a second time to assure you have pressed the right button and again, nothing!
The garage door is jammed, the mechanism is not moving or has come apart from the pull. You’re stuck. Time is of the essence and you have to unlatch the seat belt, unlock the car and fight with the door. Perhaps the reason is just a faulty door. You might have prevented this if you had taken a few steps to assure your door has had proper maintenance to prevent this occurrence.
Garage doors must be maintained just as everything else. There are certain requirements necessary to guarantee your door works properly. For future information, the following garage door maintenance tips will just about guarantee within 99% the proper functioning when pressing the opener. The door will move up or down as requested.
Garage Door Maintenance Tip: Lubrication
The mechanisms allowing your door to move up and down properly can, over time, become dry, tight and hard to move. To guarantee the hinges, tracks, rollers and latches are moving and continue to maintain there mobility, spray or wipe lubricants on each at regular intervals. Lubricants such as WD-40 or citrus oil based solvents help joints and points work wonderfully. No cracks, strain or grinding when the request to move begins.
Garage Door Maintenance tip: Regular Cleaning
Everything requires a regular wipe down. Find or purchase a spray bottle, use soap and water and with a brush, quickly wipe through, around and inside all those little joint and crevice and areas which are hard to get into with towels. This will help remove any and all dirt and grime accumulated.
Garage Door Maintenance Tip: Check Door Hinges For Faulty Mechanisms
Hinges and chains can become damaged or worn over time. Check each part for regular replacement needs. There really is no reason to maintenance these parts. The best maintenance of hinges and chains is replacing the entire part.
Garage Door maintenance Tip: Weather-stripping
Regular replacement of the weather-stripping along the sides and underneath the door is recommended. Check your local home supply warehouse or store for sales on weather-stripping. When on sale, load up on the type or brand recommended.
Garage Door Maintenance Tip: Wood panel Replacement
Wood garage doors can have issues with the panels. They can become warped, damaged or broken. If this is the case, replace the panel before additional damage occurs to the door. Waiting can cause further damage requiring the entire door to be replaced.
Garage Door Maintenance Tip: Seal and Paint
Wood garage doors require weather-stripping, painting and sealant. Wood swells and shrinks. Weather conditions can strip the wood of natural lubricants. During the summer protect the garage doors by stripping old paint and repainting or painting over the existing paint. During the winter, seal any cracks or crevices.
Garage Door Maintenance Tip: Replace Tracks
Tracks allowing the door to move in a straight path can become damaged. When or if this occurs, the door will not move properly and can become displaced or out of line. Check the tracks regularly for proper positioning. If the track can be repaired by using a hammer and moving the metal back into place, great. However, sometimes the problem requires the entire track replaced.
Garage Door Maintenance Tip: Garage Door Remote Control
The garage door opener is usually operated by a wall mounted remote control. Regularly check the remote for a light directly in the center. The light signals that the remote is activated and working. If the light does not shine, your remote may need to be replaced or check the power outlet. The switch may have been shorted by a power surge and needs to be moved back into the ‘on’ position.
Garage Door Maintenance Tip: Garage Door Opener
Garage Door openers are purchased with a manufacturers warranty which can be anywhere from two to three years. After the warranty expires, you should either replace the opener or make sure it is checked regularly for wear. At the cost of most openers today, three year replacements are not unreasonable.
Garage Door Maintenance Tip: Door Opening And Closing Sensor
One of the most important and vital maintenance requirements on a garage door is to make sure the sensor is working properly. Far too often, small children have been injured, even killed, due to a faulty sensor. If nothing else is done, for the safety and security of your children and family, make sure the sensor is checked or replaced regularly. Don’t wait a month or six months, schedule regular inspections of the sensor on a weekly basis.
