Your Ultimate Garage Door Maintenance Checklist
Homeowner Guide to Preventative Overhead Door Maintenance
As a homeowner, taking care of your garage door is essential to ensure its smooth operation. Not only that, but preventative maintenance will also help to enhance curb appeal and prolong the lifespan of your overhead door. Cheney Door Company provides professional garage door maintenance service to homes across Kansas. To help you stay on top of your garage door upkeep, we have created the ultimate DIY garage door maintenance tips checklist.
Professional repair companies can handle all aspects of a garage door system, but homeowners can also handle some easy tasks themselves. Basic DIY maintenance tasks will help to keep your garage door operating smoothly and avoid problems.
Neglecting garage door maintenance can lead to costly repairs and inconvenience. By following these simple steps, you can help keep your garage door functioning flawlessly for years to come.
The 8-Step Garage Door Maintenance Checklist
1. Visual Inspection:
Start out by taking a good look at your garage door. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as rust, cracks, dents, or peeling paint.
Pay attention to the tracks, rollers, hinges, and springs. Do you see anything that looks out of place? These parts are critical components for smooth operation.
Safety note: Garage door springs are very dangerous parts to handle. To avoid injury or damage to your property, call a professional overhead door company to handle any issues with your spring.
Call Cheney Door at (316) 262-2098 or request service via our online form.
2. Lubrication:
Proper lubrication is necessary for your garage door to open and close well. You can apply a silicone-based lubricant to the moving parts, such as rollers, hinges, springs, and tracks. Be cautious not to over-lubricate, as excess grease can attract dirt and debris.
Read more on how to lubricate a garage door.
3. Tighten Hardware:
Regular usage can cause nuts and bolts to loosen over time. Check and tighten all the hardware, including nuts, bolts, screws, and brackets. Make sure everything is secure to prevent vibrations that could lead to damage.
4. Check the Safety Features:
Modern garage doors have safety features such as auto-reverse mechanisms and sensors. To ensure these features are working correctly, place an object in the door’s path and attempt to close it. The door should automatically reverse upon encountering the object.
5. Balance and Alignment:
An imbalanced garage door can strain the opener and cause premature wear. To check the balance, you first will disconnect the opener’s motor. Then you will then manually lift the door up halfway. If it stays in place, then you can rest assured it is balanced.
If not, you may need to adjust the tension of the springs or seek professional help. For quick garage door service, you can call on Cheney Door at (316) 262-2098.
6. Clean the Tracks:
Debris and dirt can accumulate in the tracks, affecting the door’s smooth operation. Use a damp cloth to clean the tracks and remove any obstructions.
Safety note: Avoid cleaning or handling the garage door spring. It should not require cleaning. If it appears dirty or worn, contact a professional garage door repair company.
7. Check Weatherstripping:
The weatherstripping along the bottom of the garage door prevents drafts, pests, and water from entering your garage. Inspect it for cracks or damage and replace if necessary to maintain an energy-efficient and well-protected space.
8. Clean and Paint:
Regularly clean the exterior of your garage door to prevent dirt buildup. If you have a wooden door, consider repainting or resealing it to protect it from the elements and to give it a fresh, bright look.
Garage Door Maintenance Tips: When To Do Them?
Fall is a great time to perform this 8-step garage door maintenance checklist. As we are switching seasons, this will help make sure your garage door is in great condition to protect you and your home from the coming winter months.
Ideally you should perform garage door preventative maintenance tasks twice a year. So, it is a good idea to put this task on your calendar before spring. That way you can make sure your overhead door is in great shape before dangerous spring storms threaten Kansas.
Performing these maintenance tasks at least once every six months will help you keep your garage door in top condition. These basic tasks can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems.
DIY Garage Door Maintenance vs Professional Service
While these steps can help you maintain your garage door, some tasks may require professional expertise. If you’re unsure or encounter complex issues, don’t hesitate to contact a reputable garage door service like Cheney Door Company. Call Cheney Door at (316) 262-2098 or request service via our online form.
A well-maintained garage door not only enhances the value of your home but also provides you with peace of mind knowing your property is secure and functioning optimally.
