Spring is the ideal time for garage door maintenance. Your garage door may have taken a beating this winter with the cold and ice. From extending the life of your garage door to maintaining a comfortable garage temperature in summer, preparation now can pay off big later.
The exterior part of the garage door, always exposed to the elements, may be filthy if it hasn’t been cleaned in a while. Garages tend to be dirty, dusty, and greasy on the inside. Hose off and scrub both surfaces with soap and water. You can even prevent dust from building up by applying car wax on both sides. To protect wood doors, add a fresh coat of paint and water sealant, while rust on steel doors can be sanded down and painted over with a primer.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Exposure to cold, moisture, and ice may have broken down the lubrication on moving parts. Using an oil made for garage doors (not WD-40), lubricate tracks, rollers, hinges, pulleys, chains, screws, and other moving parts. Use a silicone-based lubricant for exterior weatherstripping. Avoid using too much oil, as it can actually attract more dirt.
Inspect Your Garage Door
Look for any type of wear and tear, including worn or frayed cables, which should be replaced by a professional immediately, as well as hinges, supports, and ball-bearings. The bolts of the track should be tight while springs should be intact and rust-free. If a spring looks broken or fails a balance test, replace it right away to avoid safety issues and high repair bills.
Proper insulation will prevent summer heat from transferring into your garage, and then into your home. Polystyrene insulation effectively blocks heat. It also stops cool air from getting out! Insulation helps improve the interior comfort and the energy efficiency of your home while resisting moisture entry and preventing mold.
Check the Auto-Reverse Feature
Protect adults, kids, and pets who will be outside and around the garage often during the summer. To make sure this safety feature is working, test the mechanical system by placing a brick or piece of wood below the door. It should stop and reverse direction when contact is made. Test the photocells by moving your leg across the door’s path. The door should reverse automatically.
