Mastering Garage Door Maintenance: Essential Tips for Homeowners
Homeowners open and close their garage doors an average of 1,500 times annually, which leaves room for parts to wear out and stop functioning properly. Regular maintenance is essential to preventing sudden inconveniences and expensive garage door repairs. A malfunctioning garage door can compromise home safety, so regular maintenance is vital. Implementing maintenance practices allows homeowners to identify and resolve issues before they become significant.
Monthly inspection
Every month, take a few minutes to inspect the garage door's components. Look at springs, cables, rollers, and pulleys for signs of wear or damage. It is best not to attempt repairs on these components as they are under high tension and can cause injury if mishandled. Instead, if any signs of damage are noticed, call in a professional garage door technician who can safely repair these parts.
Regular cleaning and painting
Depending on the material of the garage door, it may be necessary to clean and repaint it regularly. Wood doors may need to be checked for water damage and warp, while steel doors may develop rust that must be sanded, primed, and painted. Cleaning the garage door can significantly enhance the home's exterior and longevity of the door. If uncertain, consult a garage door technician with expertise in various garage door materials and how to care for their finishes.
Lubricate the moving parts
Keeping the garage door components greased can add years of smooth operation and takes just ten minutes, usually once a year. White lithium grease or a quality silicone spray can be used for gears and hinges. Asking a garage door technician during a maintenance check is a quick and reliable way to know what products best fit the garage door's needs.
Avoid major DIY repairs
While most homeowners can easily handle minor maintenance activities, some repair work poses considerable risk and should be left to professionals. Tampering with the high-tension springs can lead to serious injury. Instead, contact a seasoned expert with the right equipment to handle all the repair work, ensuring the home and family's safety.
While it may seem inconsequential, maintaining the garage door can be a great way of enhancing the overall outlook of the home and increasing its value. By incorporating these tips into a routine, homeowners can quickly master garage door maintenance, saving time, money, and potential stress in the future. It's always best to schedule a maintenance check with a professional garage door repair company for expert care and repairs when in doubt.
Phoenician Garage Door & Repair offers full-service garage installation, repair and maintenance in Maricopa County. Emergency service available. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call (602)304-1313