April is here and that means so is SPRING! Spring is a great time to get your home cleaned and put together. Although many homeowners do a thorough job when it comes to inside their home, rarely do homeowners think about their garage doors as being an area they need to add to their “Spring Cleaning Checklist.” You should routinely be checking your garage door and spring is the perfect time to do so. Here are a few things you can do to test your garage door for damage and make sure it is running smoothly.
Inspect the Door During Use
First, you should turn on your garage door and watch it operate. Are there any weird noises? Does anything look out of place? If no, your garage door has passed the first test. If not, it is time to call D & D Garage Doors for an inspection.
Test the Balance
Secondly, If your garage door is not balanced like it should be, it can create wear and tear on your door. This will cause you to replace your door sooner than you normally would. An easy way to test this is to disconnect the door from the opener by pulling the release handle. You should then lift the door manually up halfway. If the door stays in place, it is balanced. If not, the springs are off balance and it needs to be adjusted by a professional.
Check the Rollers
Next, be sure to inspect your rollers properly. If you see any that are chipped, cracked or just flat out broken, they need to be replaced immediately. As a rule of thumb, you should have a professional come out and inspect your door twice a year and be sure you are replacing your rollers every seven years. If you are someone who uses your garage door frequently, you may have to replace your rollers sooner.
Inspect the Weatherstrip
Next, you should check out the weatherstrip at the bottom of your door. If it looks damaged, it is best to replace as soon as possible. This strip helps keep your garage insulated and prevents anything from sneaking inside.
Don’t Mess With the Cables
It is important to make sure your cables are working but PLEASE DO NOT try and repair them yourself. This is because cables have enough force to seriously injure you if not properly repaired. A homeowner can inspect the cables for visual damage and if anything appears to be wrong, please call a professional right away.
Wash Your Door
Last but not least, an important maintenance tip is to wash your door. All you need is a mild all-purpose cleaner. This will get the job done and have your door looking fresh and clean!
If you feel your door needs to be looked at by a professional or you are ready to upgrade to a new door. Call D&D Garage Doors today and we will assist you with whatever needs you may have!
