Wouldn't you like to be able to keep using your garage door for as long as you can? Of course you would. That's why you need to check out the following tips and learn some helpful information about your overhead door and its various parts.
Washing and waxing is not just for your car
Regularly washing your car and applying it with a coat of wax will do wonders for protecting the paintwork. The same will also work for your garage door. A thorough cleaning with a mild detergent, followed by a coat of protective paint will keep the panels looking clean and new for many years.
Regular inspection for early detection
A regular inspection of your garage door will help you catch problems in their early stages, which will help you avoid major repairs and dangerous accidents. Visually inspect the different moving parts, like the springs, tracks and cables, and also check the door's movement when you open and close it. If you find anything out of the ordinary, give our team a call.
If one of the extension springs fails, change them both
Garage door extension springs are installed in pairs. That's why, when one of them fails you may be tempted to save a little money and only get that spring replaced. While this may work for a while, the differences between the old and new spring will eventually cause your door to get out of balance which will inevitably cost you more in the long run. Also, the older spring is likely to be close to its breaking point.
Lubricate the garage door torsion spring properly
Start by checking for grease accumulations. If there are any, you should remove them with a mild solvent. A citrus-based product is usually a good choice. The ideal lubricant to use afterwards is a lithium-based one. It doesn’t harden or get sticky with time. It is best if you use spray. Cover all the coils of the spring with a thin layer, then open and close the door once or twice to ensure it gets everywhere.
Check the opener sensors frequently
You can check the sensitivity of the auto-reverse system of your garage door opener by testing if the door reverses when you place an object under it. If the sensors are aligned correctly and their lenses aren't damaged then the door should not hit the object. If it does, then you need to have our team check, realign and perhaps even replace your safety sensors.
Make sure the weather seals stay in a good condition
Our skilled technicians recommend that you use rubber weather seals since they are flexible and won't leave gaps. They can also be quite durable, provided that they are hard enough. Keep in mind that your bottom seal will probably wear out quicker than the ones on the sides and top of your door, so check it more frequently.