The garage door is one of the largest movable parts of most houses. It requires consistent and proper maintenance to ensure it functions correctly and minimize the needs for carrying out unnecessary repairs or even installing a new one. There are various garage door maintenance tips that homeowners can utilize to make sure it functions properly. The tips include:
1) Door sensors: Test the sensitivity of your garage by placing about a 2 by 4 empty cardboard box under the bottom of the door with your remote close to it. The door should touch the test object and return automatically to the open position. Proceed to the sensors if the door fails to pass this test and check their alignment on both sides. It is also important to make sure the wires of the sensors are connected to the opener because this may affect the results of the test.
2) Opener: Lubricate the chain of your garage opener with penetrating oil or lubricate it manually with motor oil on a rag. Ensure all the hanger bolts ate tightened to enhance security, especially if your garage remote is not working.
3) Raise the door periodically by hand: This is a simple maintenance tip. Proper garage doors are easy to raise and lower with one hand without strains. It is important to look for problems with your door if there are strains when lowering or raising, because they are caused by misalignment in your door.
4) Torsion springs: Use penetrating oil to spray all the bearings on the torsion springs to minimize friction. Don’t try to adjust the tightness of the springs alone to avoid serious injury. The penetrating grease creates smooth operation and prevents rusting.
5) Hinge bolts: Use the adjustable wrench located on the left and right side of the garage door panels to tighten the hinge bolts. These bolts hold the rollers in place, and they can be lubricated through the center of the rollers using penetrating oil on both sides of the door. Lubricated rollers and hinge bolts make the roll smoothly.
6) Leave the door closed. Leaving you garage door partially open impacts on its functioning and the security of your home. Partially opened door scan move downward or even come in contact with damaging objects along its path.
7) Cable jumps: They occur when the cable comes off from their drum, or the spool-shaped object wrapped around it. The jump may occur once the door encounters foreign objects such as toys, bikes, shovels, rakes or car bumper. One part drops more than the other making the tension of the spring shift to the other part. Cable jumps are usually diagnosed by opening the door halfway and determining whether one part is hanging lower than the other.
8) Track: Test the tightness of the bolts’ using your wrench. Be sure to tighten them if they are loose and verify whether the door and tracks have a gap of about 0.25-0.5 inches. The gap should be maintained when opening and closing the door. You can adjust the track if you notice friction by loosening the bolts and holding it to the wall stud. Fix or reshape any dents or damages on the track using camp pliers.
9) Clean the door track properly: Don’t spray any lubricant when the door becomes sticky or noisy because the lubricant will not make the door function properly. Some lubricants can even initiate collection of small particles that are likely to harden and complicate the way your door opens. It is advisable to begin by cleaning the door track thoroughly and wiping the inner side of the track using damp cloth. Wipe the track dry with a dry cloth or use solution to remove any residue if necessary.
10) Install weather seals: Weather seals are applied on the lower side of the garage door, between the panels and the frame to help homeowners save energy. They also prevent moisture from entering the garage protecting the contents in your garage from rusting.
11) Inspections: Inspect your garage door at least once every month. Be sure to look at the pulleys, rollers, cables and springs for any signs of wear. At times, you may need to call a professional to repair or adjust these parts. Trained garage door repairmen have the necessary experience and expertise to remove and adjust parts under high tension.
