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Do Garage Doors Need Maintenance?

Do Garage Doors Need Maintenance?

Garage doors need maintenance in order to perform efficiently. Maintenance can include lubricating rollers, springs and hinges. Experts recommend garage door maintenance at least once per year for the best results.

Like any home system, garage doors can benefit from regular maintenance. Some maintenance can be performed by homeowners, while other maintenance tasks are best left to professionals. When considering maintenance for your garage door, it’s also important to factor in the age of the door, the climate in which it operates and any unique factors that may affect door performance.

Why Garage Door Maintenance is Important

Garage doors are usually exposed to the elements, and seasonal temperature chances can cause components to expand and contract. Over time, this can lead to warping, cracks, slippage and other issues that can negatively impact garage door performance.

Many people also use their garage doors regularly, potentially leading to excess wear over time. Maintenance helps to extend the service of garage doors and can promote safe operation.

Common Maintenance Tasks

Common garage door maintenance tasks include visual inspections, cleaning and lubricating moving parts and checking the safety of your garage door. If your garage door is painted or stained, you should also inspect the condition of any coatings to see if reapplication is necessary.

Inspecting the Door and Hardware

A visual inspection of your garage door can provide valuable information and give you the chance to fix problems before they lead to garage door failure.

Performing Safety Tests

Check the safe operation of your garage door by opening and closing it. You can also check the balance of your garage door by manually opening and closing it without the aid of a garage door opener.

Lubricating Moving Parts

While performing maintenance, take the time to lubricate moving parts like rollers, chains and hinges. Consult with your manufacturer’s recommendations, but most experts recommend using white lithium grease on these parts for the best results.

Cleaning Surfaces

Take the time to inspect and clean surfaces, including hinges. Because garage doors are exposed to the elements, dirt and debris can accumulate and hinder performance.

Signs Your Garage Door Needs Maintenance

Although it’s recommended to perform maintenance on your garage door at least once every six months, you should also watch for signs intermittent that your door needs maintenance. Strange noises, signs of physical wear and trouble opening and closing your garage door can all be indicators that it’s time for maintenance.

Unusual Noises

A garage door that requires maintenance may make squeaking or grinding noises during operation. If these sounds are present, lubrication may be needed. A door that has come off of its track can also emit scraping noises during operation.

Signs of Wear and Tear

When checking components like chains and rollers, look for signs of wear. Areas that show signs of wear may require cleaning and lubrication or replacement if wear is excessive. Areas with excessive wear may also indicate a balance issue and should be checked by a professional.

Difficulty in Opening/Closing

Difficulty in opening and closing your garage door can indicate that maintenance is needed. If your garage door is operating slower than usual or you have a difficult time manually opening and closing your garage door, maintenance and a safety inspection should be performed.

Benefits of Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance provides a number of benefits to homeowners, including aesthetic appeal, extended service life and a reduction in expensive repairs.

Enhanced Curb Appeal

A clean, functional garage door adds beauty and value to the exterior of your home. According to Garage Living, garage doors can take up as much as one-third of a home’s exterior. This means that a presentable garage door can have a large impact on a home’s curb appeal.

Prolonged Lifespan of the Door

Regular maintenance is one of the most effective ways to extend the door’s service life. Keeping parts clean and lubricated and addressing issues early offers the best chance to get more use out of your garage door.

Prevention of Costly Repairs

Maintenance presents an opportunity to look for issues that may require repair or replacement. Because garage doors are often used daily, small issues can turn into major problems requiring expensive repair. By catching minor issues early, you have the opportunity to prevent these repairs.

Recommended Maintenance Frequency

While every garage door is different, most experts recommend maintenance at least every six months or as needed. As New Jersey Digest points out, some garage doors may benefit from seasonal maintenance due to the physical changes that can take place with expansion and contraction during fluctuating temperatures.

DIY Maintenance Schedule

In between professional maintenance service visits, you can also perform your own maintenance. DIY maintenance can involve visually inspecting your garage door and any moving components, applying white lithium grease to lubricate moving parts and cleaning debris from areas like hinges.

When to Call a Professional

Garage door maintenance can be complex and potentially dangerous. It’s best to call a professional for any maintenance involving a garage door opener or service that requires lifting a non-functioning garage door. It’s also a good idea to call a professional if you’re unsure of which type of lubricant or cleaners to use on your garage door components.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How often should a garage door be serviced?

It’s generally recommended to have garage door maintenance performed at least once per year. You may also consider having seasonal maintenance performed.

How often do you need to lubricate a garage door?

You should lubricate your garage door components once every six months or when you hear squeaking or have a difficult time opening and closing your garage door.

Should you lubricate the springs on a garage door?

Garage door springs should be lubricated to promote efficient, safe operation. As suggested by Bob Vila, white lithium grease is the type of lubricant to use on garage door springs.

How long do garage doors usually last?

Garage doors can last for as long as 30 years with proper maintenance and care. The type of material used in the construction of a garage door as well as environmental factors can also affect a door’s service life.

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