Want a longer lasting garage door that works better and doesn’t break down every few months? Who doesn’t? The truth is the secret to a beautifully working garage door that lasts for decades is preventative maintenance and repair. And the beautiful thing is this kind of garage door repair isn’t hard to do and should only take a couple of hours. The key is to do it 3 or 4 times per year when you’ve got some free time..
Unfortunately, most of us ignore our garage doors until they break down, which can lead to costly repairs or potential replacements Automatic overhead doors work so beautifully it’s easy to take them for granted — until they don’t. And then it’s the absolute end of the world. To make sure your garage is operating as smoothly and secure as possible, do these simple DIY repairs that’ll pay dividends!
Oil Your Garage Door Regularly
Routinely oil your garage door using an approved garage door lubricant or grease. Despite how popular it is as a so-called “all-purpose” lubricant, never use WD40 which can cause the parts of your garage door to rust prematurely. Use a paint brush to get into the nooks and crannies of the moving parts of your garage door — the hinges, springs, and chain. This will help your garage door to run smoother and quieter. Don’t bother lubricating the tracks of your garage door, it’ll cause unnecessary rust to build up.
Tighten Down All Garage Door Parts
Before things get loose and less secure,you should take a wrench and tighten down all your garage door parts to keep them from rattling. Not only does this prevent annoying sounds but it also lessens general wear and tear, keeping all the door parts and tracks secure for months to come. This should be done several times throughout the year, ideally when you follow the other maintenance tips on the list so you get a good idea of what your garage door looks like after all the DIY repairs.
Remove Debris From Tracks
While you’re oiling up your door and tightening up all the screws, you might as well clear the tracks of any debris or built-up grime. A simple swipe with a cloth should dislodge anything that’s found itself wedged on your garage door tracks. Following this simple repair will lessen the likelihood of your door jumping off track which is one of the most common but also preventable garage door repairs.
Don’t Try To Be An Expert
Another key secret to maintaining your overhead door for years is to remember you can’t always do everything. If you’re confused or nervous over doing repairs, it’s best to just call professionals who have years of experience when it comes to garage doors. While the maintenance tips highlighted above are perfect for even the most novice homeowners, you should never try to fix or repair anything that’s out of your wheelhouse.
One part of the garage that should never be tampered with is the door’s spring. One of the heaviest and delicate parts of the garage door setup, messing with the spring could lead to severe injury and costly repairs if the door comes crashing down.
The next time something breaks down, ask your garage door repair expert on what maintenance tips they have for your setup.