The garage door is an essential part of any home, and maintaining its performance is vital - not only for its longevity, but also for the homeowner's overall satisfaction.
We rely on our garage door to work optimally to avoid malfunctions or breakdowns, particularly during rush hour. After all, nothing causes panic like realising your garage door is stuck when you’re already late for an appointment!
They say ignorance is bliss, but adhering to a regular maintenance schedule can help to ensure your garage door remains in excellent working condition long into the future. Regular upkeep of your garage door aids in preventing day-to-day delays and of course, protects your vehicle and any other valuable assets you keep in your garage.
Routine Inspections and Upkeep Tasks
Routine garage door maintenance includes tasks such as cleaning, lubrication, checking springs and cables, and testing safety features.
We understand that fine tuning your garage door maintenance routine may be the last thing on your to-do list. That is why we have put together a comprehensive guide to ensure you know exactly what to cover during your garage door maintenance check:
Tip 1: Cleaning and Lubrication
Your garage door requires regular cleaning and lubrication to stay in tip top condition. This includes cleaning the rails, hinges, springs, chains, and of course, the door itself.
Garage doors and their components are often exposed to elements such as dust, debris, and moisture, which can lead to a build-up of debris and reduce the doors overall performance. Using the correct lubrication products for each part of the door is essential to ensure optimal performance.
For example, cooking-grade silicone is ideal for both doors and hinges due to its non-oil base. This type of lubricant helps to prevent residue and dirt build-up around the garage door.
For door springs, a forklift grease with strong adhesion works best. It can significantly reduce the risk of breakage and in turn, prolong the lifespan of your garage door.
Tip 2: Checking Springs and Cables
When inspecting your garage door, start by examining the springs and cables visually. Look for signs of corrosion or rust on the springs.
Rust can compromise the springs' integrity, making them prone to breaking or snapping. Not only does this cause inconvenience, but it also poses a serious safety risk for the homeowner.
If you notice rust anywhere on the door, or if the door feels a little stiffer than usual in manual mode, this could indicate compromised springs.
In addition to this maintenance task, check the garage door cables for any signs of fraying or damage. Fraying cables can cause the door to malfunction or even fall, potentially causing damage.
If you find any issues with the cables or springs, it's always best to call a professional for repairs. Do not attempt to fix damaged springs or cables on your own, as this can lead to further damage and safety hazards.
Tip 3: Testing the Auto-Reverse Feature
The auto-reverse feature of a garage door is a critical mechanism designed to prevent injuries and ensure proper, safe functionality. Running a simple test on this feature will help to identify any issues with your door.
To test this feature, grab the garage door while descending around waist height and steadily apply pressure. This should prompt the door to reverse direction and reopen.
If it does not reverse, avoid DIY fixes at all costs. Instead, contact a garage door service centre immediately for assistance.
Common Garage Door Problems and Solutions
Noisy Garage Doors
The problem: A noisy garage door can occur for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common:
- Loose hardware
- Unlubricated springs
- Worn-out parts
- Broken garage door seals
The solution: To address noise issues in a safe and effective way, start by applying cooking-grade silicone to the springs and rollers.
If noise from your garage door persists despite the lubrication, it’s best to consult a local garage door repair specialist for assistance. Professional technicians can diagnose and resolve underlying issues to ensure smooth operation moving forward.
Garage Doors That Fail to Open or Close
The problem: If your garage door fails to open or close, the issue may be related to power problems. This can include:
- Remote malfunctions
- Misaligned sensors
- Damaged cables and/or springs
- Motor issues
The solution: To find the source of the issue, begin by inspecting the garage door visually. Can you see any visible damage? Does something just not look right?
For motorised doors, attempt to operate the door manually. If the door works perfectly in manual mode, but not with the remote, the issue might be with the garage door motor. If this is the case, check the motor’s power. Alternatively, consider replacing the remote battery and testing the garage door once again.
If the door still does not move manually, inspect the cables and springs for damage. But remember, broken cables or springs can be extremely dangerous and require professional repair.
Lastly, check for any interference affecting the remote signal. There are a couple of ways you can do this:
- Inspect the remote control’s batteries
- Test the remote in different locations
- Look for physical obstructions that could block the signal between the remote and the garage door (metal objects or large appliances can sometimes interfere with the signal)
Keep in mind that while basic inspections can be done by homeowners, complex repairs should always be handled by experts to avoid further damage and safety risks.
Issues with Remote Controls
The problem: Garage door remotes often face issues from frequent and consistent use. This typically wears out the remote’s buttons, causing them to become stuck or worn out.
Other common issues with garage door remotes include:
Physical damage - If your garage door remote has physical damage, it can become inoperative.
Interference from other devices – As previously mentioned, electronic devices such as wireless headphones or baby monitors, can easily interfere with remote signals because they may use the same frequency. This can lead to the motor receiving the incorrect signal and prevent the door from operating properly.
The solution: If your garage door remote is not functioning properly, suffering from wear and tear or you think it may need to be replaced, consider using the Garage Doors and More free remote testing service to determine if a new remote is needed for your garage door.
If your garage door remote gets wet, dry it immediately and allow it to air dry completely before attempting to use it again.
Additionally, ensure that no devices within your home are broadcasting frequencies that could affect your garage door remote. Purchasing a frequency meter can help you to easily identify these sources of interference.
Addressing these common issues not only helps to maintain the operation of your garage door remote, but it also helps to prevent unnecessary stress when you need to exit the house quickly.
Implementing a Maintenance Schedule
One of the best ways to keep your garage door working efficiently is by implementing a regular maintenance schedule into your routine. Regularly maintaining your garage door can significantly minimise the need for repairs or replacements.
Below you can find our recommended maintenance schedule that’s both quick and effective.
Recommendation 1: Monthly Maintenance Tasks
To conduct monthly maintenance on your garage door, start by switching it to manual mode. Visually Inspect the cables and springs to ensure no obstructions, snapping or corrosion has occurred. Apply the appropriate lubricant to the springs to promote smooth movement.
Lifting the door manually will often reveal any sinister issues that might not be immediately apparent. Lift your door by hand to easily detect imbalances, stiffness or misalignments.
Make sure to inspect and clean your remote controls monthly for optimal performance.
Addressing problems early can prevent more extensive damage in the future. After all, prevention is always better than cure!
Recommendation 2: Quarterly Maintenance Tasks
Quarterly maintenance of your garage door should follow similar steps as the suggested monthly upkeep, including testing features, inspecting springs and cables, and applying lubrication.
Go that step further by checking the door’s alignment within the tracks and test the auto-reverse feature.
Regular checks ensure that all components are functioning correctly and prevent your garage door from future problems.
Recommendation 3: Annual Maintenance Tasks
Book an annual preventative garage door maintenance check with a professional to keep your garage door in top condition all year round.
Not only does professional maintenance help to extend the lifespan of your garage door, but it also reduces the likelihood of expensive roller door repairs.
If you think it's time your garage door had its yearly check, contact Garage Doors and More for a comprehensive maintenance service, including inspection and servicing of springs, cables, rollers, and tracks.
Ensuring Longevity and Safety: The Importance of Regular Garage Door Maintenance
It’s clear that maintaining your garage door is crucial to ensure its longevity and performance. Regular inspections, thorough cleaning and lubrication, and checking essential components like springs and cables are key to preventing malfunctions and costly repairs.
Address common issues such as noisy operation and remote-control problems promptly by following our guide and remember to always seek professional help for serious issues or garage door spring replacements.
Fixing garage door problems early on, can and will prevent more significant issues down the line. Consistent upkeep will not only extend the lifespan of your garage door but also enhance safety and reduce unexpected breakdowns, as well as keep your wallet happy.
For expert assistance about garage door installation or more complex maintenance tasks, request a free measure and quote today!
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