For some people, an electric garage door is a luxury. For others, it’s a simple necessity. In general, it is a great convenience. Just the press of a button, you won’t even have to get out of your car when entering and exiting the garage with this modern convenience. Here are some tips to keep the whole system working in top shape.
1. Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning, at least three to four times a year, will ensure that your door will be working in its best possible shape. Using an old toothbrush and some mild detergent, brush all of the door’s parts at least once a year. This will enable you to detect any signs of damage such as: springs that need replacing, worn hinges or any other problem. Metal doors have a tendency to rust when in contact with corrosive chemicals. Cleaning it regularly will show you the extent of the damage. If your door is wooden, clean using a soft brush and mild detergent. This will remove any chemicals that may threaten to damage the wood over time.
2. Repaint as Necessary
If the wood or metal is beginning to look faded or dingy it may be time to add a coat of paint. Every few years, repainting the door will not only give it a new look but will help maintain the longevity of the base material be it wood or metal. Keeping up to date with your doors paint maintenance can prevent environmental damage to wood and metal. By creating a seal over the material, paint can deter warping and sun damage to wood and help prevent metal from rusting.
3. Lubricate all Moving Parts
There are many moving parts that need lubrication every six months to one year. Do not use an oil based lubricant as it will attract more dirt and dust, causing your door to gum up. The recommended lubricant is grease based such as: lithium or silicon. Lubricate all moving parts using one of the recommended sprays made specifically for this purpose. You can purchase these at any home improvement center. These sprays will prevent any dirt from building up and will keep your door well-lubricated.
4. Tighten Nuts, Bolts and Screws
Inspect your door regularly. Loose hardware is a common contributing factor to noise and other problems. Tighten any loose hardware that you find during your inspection. Don’t over-tighten, however, as this will cause more problems. You could strip some of the parts by your efforts resulting in needing to replace the part.
5. Clean and lubricate the tracks
The metal tracks that the rollers move along need to be cleaned and lubricated at least once a year. Using a washcloth, gently remove any dirt and debris that you find on your metal tracks. After cleaning it, lubricate the tracks so that they will work smoothly and won’t contribute to noise. Cleaning and lubrication are essential.
