Updated Dec 17, 2023
The fitness of your garage door is essential to the long term health of your garage. If you own a garage in Woodstock, GA, you likely rely on your garage door to raise and lower smoothly each day without any issues. To ensure your garage door stays in top condition and functions reliably, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance. In this guide, we’ll explore the key steps for proper garage door maintenance.
Cleaning Your Garage Door
Just like the exterior of your home, your garage door plays a crucial role in your property’s curb appeal. Keeping it clean is a simple but effective maintenance task:
Dilute Detergent: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to dilute a suitable detergent.
Gentle Cleaning: Use a soft sponge or cloth, avoiding brushes that might scratch the surface.
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the door with a hose to remove all detergent residue.
Remove Cobwebs: Brush away cobwebs with a broom.
A clean garage door not only looks better but also helps maintain its durability.
Lubrication for Smooth Operation
Proper lubrication is essential to ensure your garage door operates quietly and smoothly. Here’s how to do it:
Clear the Area: Ensure the garage floor is free of clutter to move safely.
Clean Tracks: Use a cloth and brake cleaner to clean the tracks.
Lubricate Tracks and Rollers: Apply a thin film of non silicone lubricant to the tracks and rollers, but avoid contact with nylon rollers.
Springs and Hinges: Lubricate the tops of the springs and the hinges with the same non silicone lubricant used for tracks and rollers.
Avoid Excess Lubricant: Be careful not to get lubricant on the paint, and wipe off any excess from the hardware.
Lubricating the Screw Drive
Lubricating the screw drive may require some additional steps:
Use White Lithium Grease: WD 40 and similar products are too thin for this purpose.
Spread Grease: With a stiff paint brush or utility brush, spread the grease evenly over the top of the screw along its entire length.
Test Operation: Raise and lower the door a few times to ensure the grease spreads evenly.
Refer to your owner’s manual for specific lubricant recommendations and application methods for your garage door motor’s bearings, as designs can vary.
Checking the Door Balance
Periodically check the balance of your garage door:
Disengage the Door: Pull the disengagement cord to release the door from the drive screw.
Partial Opening: Slowly open the door until it’s about eighteen inches from the floor.
Observe Movement: Release the door and observe its movement. If it falls quickly or goes all the way down to the floor, the spring tension is too low, or you may need spring replacement. If it raises on its own, the spring tension is too high.
For adjustments or repairs related to springs, it’s crucial to call a professional experienced with garage doors, as it can be dangerous due to the heavy door and high spring tension.
Properly maintaining your garage door can extend its lifespan and ensure reliable performance for years to come. For any garage door repair needs or questions about maintenance, you can contact All Four Seasons Garage Door Repair Woodstock GA at (678) 981-8454 or visit their website for more information.
By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your garage door in excellent shape and enjoy a hassle free experience with your garage door in Woodstock, GA.