Keeping your garage door functioning properly requires both routine professional maintenance as well as basic care on your part in between services. With some simple checks and adjustments, you can help prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems down the road. Let’s look at some key things you can do yourself to prolong the life of your garage door and components.
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Inspect Hardware and Rollers
One of the easiest maintenance tasks is checking that all door hardware and rollers are in good working order. Examine hinges, springs, brackets and tracks for any signs of looseness, rust, or wear and tear. Rollers especially can become misaligned or flat after a lot of use, requiring replacement. If you notice roller issues, contact Garage Door Repair in Poquoson for an assessment.
Clean and Lubricate Moving Parts
When inspecting, take a few moments to clean and grease rollers, hinges, and any moving parts with light lubricating oil. This helps prevent premature wearing down of components. Avoid using heavy grease which can attract grime. Wiping away old grease and adding a light coat every few months is beneficial.
Check Cables for Wear
Garage door cables take a lot of strain over the years, so keep an eye out for any fraying or kinks in the cables. Minor fraying can usually be safely monitored, but call a professional if the cable shows significant wear to prevent breakage. Broken cables can damage the door or cause injuries.
Tighten Loose Hardware and Bolts
Over time, screws, bolts and nuts may loosen with vibration. Give all fasteners a quarter turn with a wrench periodically to ensure everything stays tightly in place. Loose hardware puts extra stress on other parts.
Test Emergency Release Mechanism
In case of a power outage, check that the emergency garage door release rope or handle allows you to disengage the door from the opener manually. Make sure any kids know basic garage door safety as well such as never playing near an opening or closing door.
Check and Replace Opener Batteries
If your garage door opener uses backup batteries, replace them once a year or if the remote seems unresponsive. Also clean and wipe contacts every few months to ensure smooth operation during an outage. Letting batteries or contacts corrode can affect functionality.
Consider Upgrading Weatherstripping
As weatherstripping along edges and across the bottom seal begins to wear down or crack, it reduces the door’s insulation value and allows air leaks. Replacing weatherstripping yourself is an easy project, but be sure to match the new type, size and material for a proper seal.
Maintaining your garage door properly between professional services saves money in the long run compared to neglecting minor issues that lead to bigger and more expensive repairs down the road. By taking a half hour every few months for basic inspections and upkeep, you’ll extend the life and performance of your garage door components and systems. But for any concerns beyond simple adjustments and cleaning, always rely on qualified professionals like Garage Door Repair in Poquoson for accurate diagnosis and repairs. Proper maintenance combined with repair expertise keeps your garage safe and secure.
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