Ensuring that your garage door is receiving the proper maintenance and care is something that every homeowner should make a priority. From preventative maintenance to knowing when it’s time for a repair, there are many ways to tend to your garage door. It’s important to periodically make sure that it’s in good shape not only because you use your garage door daily, but also because it could be dangerous if something were to go wrong.
Maintaining Your Springs
With normal use and care, garage door springs will often still need to be replaced before your garage door itself does. Be proactive in your overall garage door maintenance, by checking your springs twice a year, will help prevent any sudden breaks. You can check your springs by manually lifting the garage door about halfway. When springs are functioning properly, the door will remain lifted on its own. On the other hand, if you find yourself holding the door up, or if the door is falling back down, your springs are likely damaged or broken.
Cleaning Your Door
Cleaning your garage door is about more than just curb appeal, although that’s still a good reason to do so! More importantly, cleaning your garage door will help to prevent rust. When garage door panels become too rusty, they ultimately need to be replaced. So, periodic care helps to save you money and time in the long run. You can clean your door by simply scrubbing it down using some water, a cloth or sponge, and mild soap.
Insulating your Door
Although garage doors are often insulated because it’s a great way to increase your home’s energy efficiency, adding insulation will also help to strengthen your door and increase its durability. Everyday items, such as bicycles, basketballs and your car itself can all be responsible for denting garage doors. Depending on the size and location of the dent, it may adjust the position of your garage door on the tracks. This can add difficulty when opening and closing the door, or cause it to stop moving altogether. You can take preventative action against this by installing the insulation!
Lubricating your Door
Grinding and squeaking noises are common from garage doors! But, that doesn’t mean that it’s okay to just ignore it. These noises are often a sign that the garage door’s wheels, tracks, and panels are undergoing wear and tear. Applying a lubricant to these intertwining parts will help to clean out grime and debris, and your garage door will run more smoothly afterward.
Broken Springs
Sometimes our lives become too busy, and garage door care and maintenance drops in priority. If this is the case, you may find yourself with a broken garage door spring. If your door won’t open completely, or if it’s suddenly closing quickly, the springs are most likely the culprit. Fortunately, there’s no need to worry, just as long as you leave this potentially-dangerous task to trained technicians. Attempting to repair or replace a broken spring with proper training can not only cause personal harm, but it may also result in further damage to your garage door.
Some tasks, such as cleaning your door, are okay to complete on your own. But, it’s important to remember when handling a machine as large and powerful as your garage door that the safest option is to always call a trained technician. Whether you have more questions on how to tackle our home care tips or you would like an installer to take a look at your door, D and D Garage Doors is here to help you! Give us a call today at 888-371-7242!
