Your garage door is opened and closed several times daily, so it goes through a lot of wear and tear. Regular maintenance will keep your garage door operating smoothly and safely.
Maintenance tasks like lubrication and inspections help you prevent costly repairs. Here are some reasons you should schedule routine maintenance for your garage door: Safety, Durability, Convenience, and Aesthetics.
Safety
A garage door that malfunctions presents a significant safety risk to anyone who enters your home through the garage and your belongings stored there. It can also provide intruders an easy entry point if left ajar. Conducting regular inspections and garage door repair Austin can help keep your garage and family safe.
Cleaning your sensors is a simple but crucial maintenance task that should be noticed. Sensors can get dirty because of dust, debris, or misalignment. Usually, a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth will fix the problem.
Lubricating your garage door is another easy but essential maintenance task. A little white lithium grease on the opener chain or screw and a spray lubricant for the overhead springs can add years of seamless operation to your garage doors. A garage door spring replacement Austin can also reduce loud and irritating noises that may indicate other problems.
Durability
Your garage door is the main entrance to your home and is used multiple times a day. Performing regular maintenance can help it function better and longer.
Inspect cables for frayed or ripped areas that can strain other components, posing a safety hazard to anyone using the garage. Call a professional to treat any damaged areas.
Lubricating the hardware can help your garage door last longer. Use a special garage-door-specific lubricant or spray on a silicone-based product to lubricate the rollers, springs, and pulleys. Ensure the door is balanced, too.
Cleaning the panels regularly can also keep dirt and grime from damaging them over time. You can also choose a quality door that is more durable in harsh climatic conditions to reduce maintenance requirements. For example, a steel door with a thicker construction may resist damage from rain, wind, sand, heat, and humidity. Some insurance companies even reward homeowners who upgrade their doors to more weather-resistant models with a lower home insurance rate.
Convenience
Many things on a homeowner’s to-do list can become neglected over time, but your garage door shouldn’t be one of them. It’s a major part of your home and protects your vehicle and possessions, so it’s important to ensure it works properly.
Having your garage door professionally maintained will help you avoid costly repairs and increase its lifespan. A professional can inspect the operation of your garage door, clear dirt and debris from safety sensors, and tighten loose lags, screws or bolts.
If you’re looking for simple maintenance that you can do on your own, try lubricating the hinges and rollers to reduce friction and prevent wear and tear. Make sure to use a grease that won’t affect the plastic components, as some lubricants can cause damage over time. Also, don’t forget to clean the tracks and remove any accumulated debris. This will keep your garage door moving smoothly.
Aesthetics
A well-maintained garage door is a major asset for your home, providing a welcoming entrance and enhancing curb appeal. It also helps to protect your valuable belongings and saves energy by sealing tightly and reducing air transfer. It is a significant investment that you want to keep working properly for a long time.
To ensure your garage door looks great for years, you must regularly clean it and lubricate its moving parts. A dirty, worn-out door can look shabby, affecting your home’s overall aesthetic. You can avoid these problems by cleaning your door with a mild detergent and regular lubrication.
Wooden garage doors are especially prone to dents and corrosion but can last decades with simple maintenance routines. These tasks include reapplying weather-resistant stains, cleaning them to remove dirt and dust build-up, and repairing any scratches or dings with wood filler or paint. Regular lubrication prevents metal elements from wearing out due to friction and extends their lifespan.
