The best way to lubricate a garage door is to use white lithium grease. This substance is heavy-duty, making it ideal for all-metallic doors.
You can also use silicone-based lubricants on your garage door. Oil-based options like WD-40 should be avoided because they can collect debris and cause erosion. Before lubricating your garage door, take an inventory of the parts to see which need attention. Repeat the process every few months for routine maintenance.
Selecting the Right Lubricant
Selecting the right lubricant for your garage door is crucial. It requires understanding the differences between silicone sprays versus white lithium grease.
Silicone Sprays vs. White Lithium Grease
According to Bisley International, silicone spray and white lithium grease are the best options for lubricating garage doors. The former is made with a strong, waterproof thickening agent, and the latter is good for oiling a garage door but should be avoided on plastic components.
Preparing for Lubrication
For best results, you must properly prepare to lubricate your garage door. This means cleaning the tracks thoroughly before applying the product of your choice.
Cleaning the Tracks
Use a damp towel or rag to remove all dirt, dust and debris from your garage door’s tracks. If you encounter significant buildup, use brake cleaner. Ensure all debris is removed before applying the appropriate lubrication.
Step-by-Step Lubrication Process
There is a step-by-step process for lubricating a garage door. It includes applying lubrication to the hinges and the rollers, addressing the springs, lubricating the bearing plates and armbar, treating the lock mechanism and opener rail lubrication.
Lubricating the Hinges
Lubricating the hinges can help your garage door open and close smoothly and quietly. According to Mesa, you must disconnect the mechanisms and open the door manually, and then wipe each section of the hinges by section. Afterward, you can apply lubrication.
Lubricating the Rollers
According to Clopay, you must spray lubricant on the garage door’s rollers liberally. These components allow for up-and-down movement.
Addressing the Springs
According to Overhead Door, only spray lubricant should be used on garage door springs. Locate them at the top of the door and be thorough when lubricating.
Bearing Plates Lubrication
Like the springs, bearing plates should only be lubricated with a spray. These rounded moving parts are found under each side of the springs. While working, open and close the garage door a few times to ensure the entire area is lubricated.
Lubricating the Armbar
Close the garage door before addressing the armbar. Lubricate the arm’s moving parts where it connects to the rail and door and open and close a few times to allow it to spread. Wipe away excess lubrication to prevent debris buildup.
Treating the Lock Mechanism
Add a small bit of lubricant to the lock mechanism. Open and close the garage door to test it out and ensure it’s working properly.
Opener Rail Lubrication
Use white lithium grease to lubricate your garage door’s rail. Add a bead at the top and open and close the door a few times to let it take.
Determining Lubrication Frequency
To effectively maintain your garage door, you must determine how often it must be lubricated. This requires considering environmental conditions and assessing door usage patterns.
Considering Environmental Conditions
Different tactics must be taken based on environmental conditions in your area when lubricating a garage door. It deteriorates faster in the heat, so you’ll have to apply it more often. Dry conditions can cause excess debris, and silicone-based lubricant is best in windy areas.
If you live in rainy or humid areas, silicone-based lubricant is best due to its water-resistance and ability to prevent rust. Garage door parts must be addressed every three months.
Either lubricant type can be used on garage doors in colder climates. Routinely lubricate the components before winter to help offset the effects of lower temperatures.
Assessing Door Usage Patterns
To know how often to lubricate your garage doors, you must address their usage patterns. According to Artisan Custom Doorworks, once every six months is sufficient for most. However, in coastal areas or those with extreme weather, lubrication should be done more often.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s crucial to avoid mistakes when lubricating your garage door. The most common are over-lubricating components and ignoring other maintenance needs.
Over-Lubricating Components
Over-lubricating your garage door’s components is the biggest mistake you can make. It can attract more debris and negatively impact performance. Over-lubricating can also lead to needing professional repairs, resulting in additional costs.
Ignoring Other Maintenance Needs
Avoid focusing only on lubricating your garage door and ignoring other maintenance needs. It can lead to bigger problems, such as mechanical failure and can shorten the garage door’s lifespan.
Knowing When Lubrication Isn’t Enough
Sometimes, lubricating your garage door isn’t enough. Signs of severe wear or damage are indicators of that.
Signs of Severe Wear or Damage
Just lubricating your garage door isn’t enough to maintain it. If it shows severe wear or damage, you need repairs or a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is the Best Thing to Lubricate a Garage Door With?
It’s best to lubricate a garage door with silicone spray or white lithium grease.
Is It OK to Use WD-40 on a Garage Door?
WD-40 should not be used on garage doors.
Is Silicone or Lithium Grease Better for Garage Doors?
Both are good, but lithium grease is better.
What Is the Best Lubricant for Up-and-Over Garage Doors?
White lithium grease is best for up-and-over garage doors.
