Most people do not think about their garage door much, unless it stops working. These maintenance tips from Garaga can help you care for your garage door so that it works perfectly every time you open or close it.
How to inspect your garage door
Pay attention to the sound of your garage door each time it opens and closes. Are there any sounds that seem out of the ordinary? A snap or a knock could indicate a loose part.
A regular visual inspection of your garage door could also help. What should you look for? Are the springs in place? Is one of the springs stretched out, broken or hanging down? You should also check the rollers. Are they loose or falling off or worn down so that they do not fit snugly in the track? Don’t forget to inspect the chain or belt of your door opener. It should not be loose or hanging down abnormally low.
You can also do a simple test of the spring system. To do this, you should first disengage the trolley from your garage door opener. Do this by pulling on the emergency cord. Then, try to open the door with just one hand using the lift handle. The door should feel light enough to pull up with one hand. If you have difficulty with this and the door feels very heavy, you probably have a problem with your springs and you should call a maintenance specialist. When you are done with the test, re-engage the trolley so that the door will open normally the next time.
Six month maintenance check
You should perform a more in-depth check and some basic maintenance two times a year. We suggest doing it in the fall and in the spring.This should involve three things: lubrication, bolts, and safety systems.
Bolts may come loose because of natural vibrations that occur when your door performs its usual open and close cycle. You will want to check and tighten (if necessary) all hinges. Then, check and tighten the bolts that hold the perforated angle irons, which support the horizontal tracks and the electric garage door opener.
You will also want to inspect the bolts on your trolley, especially if you have a three-piece trolley.
Finally, you will need to apply two types of lubrication. First, put a petroleum-based lube on all metal components that move and bend. Examples include the hinges, rollers and springs. A silicon-based lubricant should be added to parts made of PVC, like the exterior frame weatherstripping and stripping in between the door sections.
Check out your automatic reversal system
You should do a quick audit of the door’s safety systems. These are known as automatic reversal systems, and if your door was manufactured after 1993, you have two systems: one is mechanical and the other is photoelectric. Test the mechanical system by placing an item, such as a piece of wood, under the door’s closing path. When the door touches the wood, it should immediately reverse its direction.
The second system is photoelectric. This system has two units, one on each side of the door, that are connected by a light beam. When the path of this beam is broken, the door will reverse. You can test this function by closing the door and, as it is closing, waving your hand in front of one of the units. The door should reverse immediately.
Can a pro handle this seasonal maintenance?
Of course! We offer a 28‑point tune‑up program that includes inspection, adjustment and lubrication. To make an appointment, you simply have to contact us at 724-834-8450.
If you have an old door and want to upgrade, we can provide a detailed quotation by email. If you would rather receive information face-to-face, we will visit you at home and show you our whole line of garage doors. If you want to start planning right now, you can use our Design Centre or browse our image gallery.
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