A garage door makes your home more accessible for people with mobility issues. However, it’s important to inspect and maintain your garage door regularly so that it continues to operate properly.
Clean your metal parts regularly to remove dirt, grease and oil buildup. Lubricating them helps reduce wear and prevents rust.
Essential garage door repair tips with
team garage doors! Discover six crucial things you need to know for effective maintenance and repair.
1. Inspect the Door
Garage doors rely on several components to function properly and safely. Inspectors should inspect all parts of the door for:
Cables: Checking cables for signs of fraying and kinks helps prevent accidents and ensures that the garage door can move smoothly.
Hardware: Visually examine the hinges and roller brackets to check that they are tightly secured. Loose hardware can cause the door to become unbalanced, requiring adjustment by a professional.
Safety Features: Check the electrical eye sensors to verify that they are properly installed and not obstructed, in accordance with federal safety regulations. These sensors ensure that the door reverses if it hits an object or person, minimizing risk.
2. Inspect the Tracks
Keeping the tracks clear is essential to ensuring your garage door operates safely and smoothly. Regular cleaning removes rust and dirt build-up. You should also lubricate the rollers and hinges twice per year to reduce friction, wear & noise.
A good flashlight or work light helps illuminate tight spaces when inspecting a garage door. A socket wrench helps tighten loose hardware, and a multimeter diagnoses electrical issues with sensors or openers.
While there are many DIY projects you can tackle yourself, significant repairs or adjustments should be left to professionals to ensure safety and efficiency. Call Precision for any garage door maintenance and repair projects you can’t DIY.
3. Inspect the Hardware
Due to frequent use and vibrations, hardware like hinges and roller brackets can loosen over time. Regular inspections and lubrication will help prevent the need for expensive repairs.
Test your garage door’s safety features monthly by placing an object in its path while closing. The door should reverse before it hits the object, avoiding damage and injury.
Also test for weatherstripping, which seals the gap between the garage door and the frame of your home to save energy and keep out water, dust and pests. If the weatherstripping is cracked or damaged, it should be replaced. This task is best performed by a professional.
4. Inspect the Weatherstripping
The weather stripping around doors and windows plays an important role in preventing drafts and keeping out moisture, pollutants and rodents. It can also reduce the amount of dust and pollen that makes it inside the home.
A good weather stripping should feel bouncy and create a tight seal. If it feels hard or brittle, it is probably time to replace it.
There are several types of weather stripping, including foam tape, V-strip and door sweeps. A professional can help you select the right one for your needs.
5. Inspect the Cables
A broken garage door cable can cause an imbalance of the weight distribution, putting unnecessary strain on the hinges and rollers. Regular lubrication can help to extend the lifespan of the cables by reducing friction and wear.
Rust and corrosion can also reduce the strength of a cable, leading to premature failure. If your cables are showing signs of deterioration, it’s important to have them replaced as soon as possible.
When replacing your garage door cables, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Incorrect tension can lead to excess strain and damage, so it’s always best to leave these tasks to the professionals.
6. Inspect the Spring
The spring is a mechanical device that stores potential energy that is released when a force (either tension or compression) is applied. It is vital to inspect the spring for any rust, deformation or broken parts that may interfere with the functioning of the entire system.
Homeowners can perform a simple test on their own by applying even pressure across the spring-based system and observing if it feels balanced or if it has an uneven or excessive bounce. The latter is a clear indication that the springs are not functioning optimally and need to be replaced or repaired. This is also an ideal time to check for any visible signs of wear and tear on the spring.