1,500
That’s the number of times the average garage door is opened and closed.
The garage door, however, remains one of the most overlooked areas of the home.
That is until something goes wrong with either it or its automatic opener.
You can help ensure trouble-free operation, thus preventing the inconvenience of a malfunctioning system, by getting into the habit of performing a few routine garage door maintenance tasks.
Enlist the help of a friend or family member and set aside an hour or two this weekend to perform the following garage door maintenance tasks. If you’re not comfortable completing these jobs, play it safe and contact a local garage door repair professional for a safety inspection and maintenance service.
Look and Listen
A simple visual inspection can sometimes detect hidden problems. With the door closed, check for damaged panels, bent tracks and any corrosion. Now operate the door to open. As the door moves up and down its tracks, make note of any jerky movements, roughness or unusual noises.
Tighten Nuts and Bolts
Disconnect the garage door opener so no one opens the door before proceeding.
If your inspection revealed any loose nuts or bolts, go ahead and retighten using a standard screwdriver, wrench and socket set. Be careful not to overtighten the hardware though. Any adjustments of the springs, cables, or pulleys should ONLY be made by a local garage door repair professional.
Clean Out the Tracks
Disconnect the garage door opener so no one opens the door before proceeding.
Over time, dirt and debris can build up inside your tracks. Wipe the tracks with a clean, damp cloth, allowing sufficient time to dry before operating the door. The tracks do not require and should not be lubricated. Tracks can get bent too. If they appear damaged or out of alignment, call in the experts for repair.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Disconnect the garage door opener so no one opens the door before proceeding.
Certain components such as the rollers, hinges, and springs require periodic lubrication. This is used to prevent binding and noise. This job requires a lubricant made specifically for garage doors (do not used WD-40!) Replacing metal rollers with nylon 13-ball bearing rollers can also quiet a noisy garage door. Professional installation is required.
Check Weatherstripping
Disconnect the garage door opener so no one opens the door before proceeding.
Check the condition of the rubber gasket at the bottom of the door. Is it missing or badly deteriorated? If yes, remove and replace with new material following manufacturer instructions. Threshold seals can be purchased at most any local hardware or home improvement store and cut to size at home.
Test All Safety Features
The International Door Association (IDA) recommended testing the following safety features monthly:
Photo Eye Test: Installed on both sides of the door, 6” above the floor, the photo eyes are designed to prevent the door from closing should something or someone cross their path. To test, press the operator button to close the door, and wave a long object in front them. The goal is automatic reversal of the door. Professional repair is required if the door fails this test.
Door Balance Test: With the door closed, disconnect the garage door opener. Manually lift the door to waist height. It should lift smoothly and remain fully open. If there is resistance or the door closes, it is out of balance and professional adjustment is required.
Reversing Mechanism Test: With the door fully open, place a 2×4 on the floor, directly centered with the garage door opening. Press the operator button to close the door. The door should automatically reverse upon contact with the wood. The door should be serviced by an expert if it fails this test.
Arizona’s Best Garage Door and Repair Company is proud to install, repair and service all makes and models of garage doors, as well as automatic garage door openers. We provide these services to residents throughout the greater Phoenix Metropolitan area. Contact us today at (480) 448-5782 to learn more about the services we offer.
