Regular garage door maintenance might not be on your regular list of chores, but it almost certainly should be. Regular maintenance can keep your door working well, as well as ensure that it lasts a long time. The Spruce suggests that you perform garage door maintenance yearly in the spring or fall, and with the four tips below, your annual maintenance can be simple and trouble-free.
Clean Your Door Regularly
This sounds obvious, but it's easy to overlook certain parts of your garage door when looking for things to clean. The surface of the door can be cleaned with a mild soap mixed with water, and a gentle rub with a soft sponge should remove the bulk of the grime. For more difficult stains or marks, try using a small amount of bleach or spraying the door with your hose. Don't forget to check the tracks of the door for built-up dirt or grease, as this can stop the door from working properly if left alone. You may also want to wax your door with a protective wax that will keep it safe from the elements.
Lubricate Your Door
If you've noticed that your garage door doesn't open as smoothly as it used to, then you probably need to lubricate the moving parts. Use WD-40 or a similar spray-based lubricant on every part that moves: the hinges, tracks, rollers, pulleys, bearings and latches. Which of these moving parts you have depends on the type of garage door you own, but you're certain to have at least some of them, and it's good to get into a routine of keeping them in good working order.
Check for Signs of Wear and Tear
It's not unusual to use your garage door several times a day, and this kind of sustained use is bound to wear out some of the parts of your door. Family Handyman explains how to do this on different kinds of doors, but you should certainly be examining any cables and rollers to see what condition they are in. You should also check all the nuts, bolts and hinges on your door and make sure they are tight and working fully.
Check Your Paint and Weatherstripping
Have a look at the weatherstripping at the bottom of your door, and replace it if it looks damaged or frayed. It's also a good time to check the paint on your door and give it an extra coat if it isn't looking it's best. Perhaps you could even try a bold new colour for a new year.
While the above checks and repairs can seem time-consuming, they will get easier the more often you do them and will save you from costly replacements or repairs. Schedule time for garage door maintenance every year to ensure that it gets done on time.
