Failing to properly care for your garage door can be costly, especially in Connecticut. One of the main reasons involves the weather. Summers can get extremely warm, while winters can get miserably cold. Don’t forget to the rain and snow that can reach several feet at times. Plus, if the garage is attached to your business or residence, you lose heat every time the door opens in the winter and can take a toll on your wallet.
The garage door is an important part of your home or business, and unfortunately, it can be overlooked unless there’s an issue. Before you push thoughts of your garage door out of your head, establish a maintenance schedule. Regular garage door maintenance can extend the life of your system and ensure that it operates as smoothly as possible and without issues.. This knowledge can not only help you avoid major repairs, but also prolong the lifespan of your door as well.
Here are some tips for keeping your overhead door from Carlson Garage Doors in proper working condition:
SELF-INSPECTION
Regularly inspect your garage door to watch for wear and tear on any of the components. Watch for any fraying in the cables and pay attention to how smoothly the door opens and closes. It’s also important to note any changes in sound the door makes when operating. If you have any concerns during these inspections, contact a professional to help determine and address the problem.
BALANCE TESTS
It’s also a good idea to test the balance of the door because an unbalanced door can indicate worn-out parts that need to be replaced. Test the door’s balance by manually opening the door after pulling the release cord on the opener. Open the door slowly to about three or four feet away from the floor. The door will open smoothly and stay part-way open if it’s properly balanced.
SAFETY CHECKS
Be sure to test the door’s safety features regularly as well. The door has sensors to detect when something is in the door’s path. You can test this by placing something in the path of the two sensors while the door is closing. Test the reversing feature by placing a board in the path of the door. The door should reverse when it hits the board.
LUBRICATION
One of the most important parts of garage door maintenance is lubrication. Not only does this ensure your door opens and closes more smoothly and quietly, it helps reduce wear and tear on the garage door components as well. Use garage door-specific lubricants to lubricate the springs, door rollers, hinges, and tracks. If the opener has a chain rather than a belt, it should be lubricated as well.
ROUTINE PROFESSIONAL MAINTENANCE
Finally, be sure to have a professional, from Carlson Garage Doors, regularly inspect and maintain your door. This ensures small repairs are addressed right away before they become a more substantial garage door repair problem. This will ensure your door lasts as long as possible.
