Having a garage door is part and parcel of a home since it gives homeowners convenience and security from damages and burglars. As with any other mechanism, it is prone to a few glitches once it ages. If homeowners want to avoid spending a hefty sum for a garage door repairman, DIY garage door maintenance is the way to go. They can apply lubricants in rollers, tighten bolts, or perhaps replace torsion springs.
Some of these repairs are relatively easy and many homeowners are comfortable doing them, while there are other issues that require a professional. This article will provide in-depth information about the most common garage door problems homeowners encounter, tips that can help self-diagnose an issue, a little garage door repair advice, and an armoury of information to find out when it’s time to call in the professionals. Basic garage door maintenance is about safety and knowledge about routine maintenance and how to identify and solve problems will ensure homeowners have the knowledge and confidence to keep their garage doors operating smoothly for years to come.
Common Garage Door Issues
DIY Maintenance Tips
To keep their garage doors function properly and avoid from expensive repairs, homeowners should regularly maintain them. In the following paragraphs, several maintenance jobs will be explained for garage doors.
Overall, it is useful to keep garage doors in their best operation with these simple and effective tasks.
Paraphrase by The Editor.
Lubricating Moving Parts
Garage doors need to be properly lubricated in order to operate as freely as possible. It prevents excessive wear and tear of the moving components. Homeowners should consider lubricating their garage door about every six months.
Over lubrication can lead to a serious problem. Therefore, it is necessary to use the correct lubricating products. Silicone spray for lubrication or lithium grease specifially designed for garage door system are the best lubricants. They will make your machine run smoothly but will not attract dust or other dirt to the moving parts.
Key components to lubricate include:
- Hinges: To ensure smooth movement and reduce noise
- Rollers: To allow effortless gliding along the tracks
- Pulleys: To facilitate smooth cable movement
- Torsion springs (if applicable): To help them operate smoothly and reduce strain
- Bearings: To keep them functioning efficiently
- Track guides: To ensure the door moves smoothly along the tracks [2]
You need to put on lubricant sparingly so as to avoid an excessive layer, which can cause dirt and friction to collect. How To Maintain Your Garage Door. 2
Tightening Hardware
This will cause existing nuts and bolts to become loose after enduring more than a few years of repeated use. If you are opening your garage door three to four times a day, that’s 1,000 to 1,400 annual cycles. [3]
The way to handle this maintenance issue is to use a socket wrench and screwdriver to tighten all the nuts, bolts and roller brackets that secure the door. In many cases, homeowners have overtightened their garage door hardware only to find the metal parts become damaged and wear faster than normal. Picking up a screwdriver every now and then to stay on top of these small maintenance issues will save you money in the long run and keep your garage door in good working order.
Cleaning and Inspecting
Regular maintenance in the form of cleaning, lubricating and visual inspection is necessary to keep it looking good and working properly. Over time, rust spots can build up on steel doors, which can be sanded off and repainted. Warpage can happen with wooden doors due to water damage. If water is getting in there, check for evidence of bowing. Wood doors also need to be refinished (ie, repainted or restained) somewhat frequently to keep them protected.
To clean the garage door:
- clean it gently using a sponge and mild soap to wash away dirt and grime on both sides of the door.
- For tracks, use a damp rag to remove dirt and debris
- Tracks that get very dirty can be cleaned with automotive brake cleaner [4]
Note that while the tracks need to be clean, they shouldn’t be oiled, because the grease could cause the rollers to slip, making it harder for the opener to operate. 4
Just appreciate the fact that with a bit of DIY maintenance each month, homeowners avoid many issues that come up. Simply put: by taking the time to conduct these steps, you can keep your garage door system operating smoothly for many more years, ultimately saving you money.
When to Call a Professional
Sure, some things you can DIY with your garage door, but others – well, it’s easier to get help from the pros, save time and money, and potentially avoid injury (but for a real scare, see above) Here are a few circumstances in which you should pick up the phone (or click the computer mouse, I guess):
Spring Repairs
Garage door springs when under tension puts them in a position to cause serious injury if not handled with caution [2]. Springs that are under torsion are the most dangerous to handle because under extreme ‘pound-force’. These springs can weigh above 500 lbs and if handled improperly could snap and fire with high pressure and cause serious injury to anyone in its path. [3].
Signs that indicate spring issues include:
- A visible gap or loosening in the coils
- A sudden, loud bang coming from the garage
- The door becoming uneven or difficult to lift
Any one of these warning signs is a call for professional assistance, and under no circumstances should you attempt to repair or replace your springs by yourself – it can easily turn into a costly medical bill or damage your entire garage door system. 3.
Electrical Problems
Garage doors often develop electrical problems in their openers, wiring, and associated systems. These problems usually result from the wear and tear of use. Some types of electrical problems include:
- Tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses
- Noisy garage door opener components
- Remote control malfunctions
- Sensor issues
- Wiring problems
Unlike a squeak in a hinge, which homeowners might repair with a few squirts of WD-40, repairing most electrical problems requires the skillset of an expert [4], as do major tweaks to the opener such as a moan on the belt or a result of a busted circuit board. This is also true for some software updates. To avoid breakdowns, it’s best to steer clear of the electrical side of the garage door. Tinkering with electrical components without the requisite knowledge will likely cause more harm than good. And if it’s an electrical issue, beware – objectively, dealing with electrical elements can be a dangerous matter.
Major Structural Issues
Major structural damage – broken panels, bent tracks – warrants repair or replacement by a professional (2) .
Other scenarios that warrant professional intervention include:
- Inconsistent door operation
- Security risks
- Problems with the garage door opener motor
- Malfunctioning limit or pressure sensors
Professional technicians would be capable to identify and fix these issues correctly so that the garage door could be safe to use again. In fact, when one dives deeper into the topic, professional technicians will even recommend to replace specific parts of the garage door that might not be working properly anymore, make sure that no accidents would happen or further damages to the garage door system.
While most garage door fixes are time-critical, since garage doors are a safety issue in their own right, it is possible for a local technician to dispatch a 24 hour service, which will undoubtedly remove any guesswork from homeowners, assuring them that their door will operate properly again. For residents of Sparks or Reno, NV for instance, it would only make sense to call a professional in a particular field such as a local garage door repair to get things moving again.
Understanding these situations can aid homeowners in taking proactive measures or seeking help from professionals in order to ensure that their garage doors remain safe, secure and usable. It also allows them to avoid serious injuries that may result from attempting to service the complicated and potentially hazardous components themselves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining a garage door is a combination of do-it-yourself and professional work, and you may save a lot by performing periodic tasks, such as lubricating components and tightening hardware on your own. Still, some jobs aren’t worth the risk when a professional’s help may be necessary.
For tricky repairs, electrical issues, or major structural issues, you need to call in the professionals. But being selective about your Do-It-People options will help ensure your safety and the overall longevity of your garage door system. With a blend of DIY-tend-and-care and professional help, it is possible for you to take care of your garage door, ensuring that it works smoothly for years.
FAQs
What does it take to make sure the garage door is well maintained?
To keep your garage door in best condition just get to know its working and keep the surrounding area clean all the time. Breaking down the work to essential tasks it is very easy. Lubrication should be done on a regular basis, weather seal must be checked, safety tests are required to ensure unbiased function of the mechanism, checks are necessary to diagnose all the parts work and see if anything requires a change, any appeared nuts and bolts are tightened and track is being cleaned.
What is the best garage door lubricant?
For your garage door, spray silicone lubricant or white lithium grease will work best. Aerosol sprays make it easy if you have to apply lube in or around small moving parts.
What’s the best way to clean a garage door?
The safest and most cost-effective way to clean a garage door is by using a mild detergent, such as dishwashing liquid or car wash soap. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, as they can damage
the door’s finish and overall appearance.
Is WD-40 suitable for use on garage doors?
WD-40 should not be used on garage doors as it may attract dirt, harm the finish, and only offer a temporary solution to noises. Instead, opt for a lubricant specifically designed for garage doors
to ensure proper care and maintenance.
