Overhead garage doors are an important part of any home. They not only protect your car and other belongings, but they also provide an extra layer of security for your home. Like any other mechanical system, garage doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they work properly and last a long time. We’ll discuss how often overhead doors need service, both professional and things you can do yourself.
Bring in a Professional Once a Year for Maintenance
Professional maintenance for overhead doors should be completed annually. During a professional maintenance visit, a technician will inspect all the door’s components. This includes the springs, cables, rollers, hinges, and track. They’ll also check the opener to make sure that it’s functioning and lubricate any moving part to keep everything running smoothly for you. Additionally, they’ll check the balance of the door and adjust it if necessary.
The benefit of hiring a professional for garage door services is that they’ll have the tools and expertise to identify problems that comes up or you may not see. If a spring is showing signs of wear and tear, a professional technician can replace it before it breaks. Saving you from the door to becoming stuck or falling off its track. They’ll also have access to high-quality products that can extend the life of your garage door.
How Can You Maintain an Overhead Door Yourself
While professional maintenance is important, there are also several things that homeowners can do. General maintenance and service helps keep your garage doors in good condition. Here are a few tips for at home garage door maintenance:
Clean the Tracks Regularly of Debris
Over time, dirt, dust, and other debris can accumulate in the tracks of your rolling door, making it difficult for the door to open and close. To clean the tracks, use a soft-bristled brush to remove any debris, and then wipe the tracks down with a damp cloth. Be sure to also check the rollers and clean them if necessary.
Lubricate Any Easily Reachable Moving Parts
Regularly lubricate the moving parts of your garage door, including the rollers, hinges, and springs. You can use a silicone-based lubricant or garage door lubricant spray to keep everything running smoothly.
Safely Tighten Any Loose Hardware
Over time, the hardware that holds your garage door together can become loose, which can cause the door to become misaligned. To prevent this, it’s important to periodically tighten any loose screws or bolts that you notice. Only do this if you have the properly fitting hardware for it. You don’t want to strip a screw and cause a problem down the line.
Check the Balance of the Door Regularly
To check the balance of your garage door, disconnect the opener and manually open the door halfway. If the door stays in place, it’s properly balanced. However, if it starts to move up or down on its own, it’s out of balance and may need to be adjusted.
Replace Any Noticeably Worn Parts or Contact a Professional
Finally, if you notice any parts of your garage door that are worn or damaged, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible. This includes things like broken cables, springs, or rollers. Not only can worn parts cause your garage door to malfunction, but they can also be dangerous if they break while the door is in motion. When in doubt here, it’s best to contact a professional for any door hardware replacements or repairs. While you may trust your own abilities here, it’s an unnecessary and potentially expensive risk.
While You Can Help Maintain Your Garage Door, A Professional is Still Needed
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring that your overhead door functions properly and lasts as long as possible. Professional maintenance is recommended at least once a year, but there are things you can do yourself. By following these maintenance tips and scheduling regular professional maintenance visits, you can enjoy a safe and functional garage door for years to come.