As the crisp autumn air rolls in, it is time to give your garage door some attention before winter hits. Fall is the ideal season for maintenance since the milder weather provides better opportunities to conduct inspections and repairs. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
- Check Your Door’s Condition
Before you start any repairs or cleaning, you must thoroughly inspect your garage door. Look for signs of wear, cracks, peels, and rust on every part of your door. Pay attention to how your garage door opens and closes. Any jerking motions or odd noises could indicate faulty tracks, springs, or openers. Addressing these garage door issues promptly can save you from costly repairs later.
Once you have completed your inspection, you can start bringing out the tools for maintenance or repairs. If your garage door is in poor condition, consider replacing it. A new door can provide better insulation in winter and enhance your daily security.
- Lubricate Moving Parts
Due to a lack of lubrication, your garage door’s moving parts can start to squeak and stiffen. Use a silicone-based lubricant on all the moving parts to keep everything running smoothly. Avoid over-lubricating, as this can attract dust and debris, clogging up the parts. With proper lubrication, you can also extend the life of your garage door springs. Try to keep these components in good condition to delay costly replacements. - Inspect the Weatherstripping
When you look at the bottom of your garage door, you will see a strip of rubber called weatherstripping. It keeps out the cold, moisture, dirt, and debris. To check the weather stripping, look at the rubber seal along the bottom of the door and the edges. If you see cracks or gaps, it is time to replace it.
Installing new weather stripping is a simple DIY task that can save you a lot on heating bills. It also ensures your garage stays warmer during the colder months, especially if attached to your home.
- Test Your Door’s Balance
Unbalanced garage doors can cause wear and tear on other parts of the system, like the opener. To test the balance, detach the door from the opener by pulling the release cord. Then, manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place without falling, the door is well-balanced. If it falls or rises, the door may need adjusting. A properly balanced garage door will ensure smooth operation and reduce strain on your door opener. - Tighten Loose Parts
Garage doors are used frequently, so it is natural for the hardware to loosen over time. Grab a wrench and inspect all the nuts and bolts to ensure they are tightened. Pay close attention to the brackets that hold the garage door tracks in place and the fasteners on the opener system. Loose hardware can lead to a noisy or malfunctioning door. Regularly checking and tightening these parts can save you from more significant issues later. - Clear Out the Tracks
Do you notice how dirt, dust, and debris build up in your garage door tracks? All of it causes the door to malfunction. Cleaning the tracks with a damp cloth and mild detergent can help. Once clean, wipe them dry and ensure no blockages are present. Avoid using lubricants on the tracks, which can attract more dirt and debris. A simple cleaning should suffice to keep everything in good working order. - Test All the Safety Features
Your garage door opener should have two important safety features: the auto-reverse mechanism and photo-eye sensors. The auto-reverse feature forces the door to reverse direction if it hits an obstacle. At the same time, the photo-eye sensors detect if anything is in the door’s path.
To test the auto-reverse feature, place a block of wood or a sturdy object in the door’s path and attempt to close it. The door should reverse immediately after hitting the object. To test the photo-eye sensors, wave something in front of them while the door is closing—it should stop and reverse direction.
- Consider Professional Maintenance
While most of these tasks can be done independently, having a professional inspect your garage door annually is a good idea. Professionals can spot hidden issues that may not be immediately apparent and perform more complex repairs, like adjusting springs or replacing worn-out parts.
Regular maintenance can only extend its lifespan. Sometimes, it is better to consider upgrading to a new garage door. A newer model offers better insulation and safety features, making it a worthwhile investment for your home.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your garage door during the fall is crucial for ensuring it operates efficiently through the colder months. You can prevent unwanted expenses and keep your home safe by inspecting, lubricating, and testing your garage door. If it shows signs of age, this fall might be the ideal time to install a new garage door.