Garage doors of all shapes and sizes are a staple of the home. They protect us from the elements when we need to park our vehicles inside, they provide security when left open in unattended homes, and they keep out burglars when closed at night. But garage doors can be finicky things. You must take care in maintaining these parts because not only do they affect how well your garage door functions on a day-to-day basis, but also how quickly it will break down in the event of an emergency.
A garage door is a heavy object that requires some serious maintenance to keep it in good working order, but the benefits of proper care are worth it. The most obvious drawback of neglecting your garage door is increased noise levels. A well-maintained door operates smoothly and quietly, while an ignored one will not only make more noise but may also stop operating altogether. This would be inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst if you were taking out the trash or entering your home when the power went out. Doors that aren’t properly maintained can also cause personal injury due to accidental contact with sharp edges or sudden drops from failed springs; this could lead to costly lawsuits for homeowners who fail to take necessary precautions against these dangers. Not to mention, a worn-out door is an eyesore that detracts from the value of your property.
Weather stripping is an essential part of any garage door. It seals the gap between your door and the frame to keep out cold air in winter, heat in summer, dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and bugs. The weather stripping on a typical garage is made of foam or rubber that has been glued around the perimeter of the top section of the doorway. It can be found on both metal doors with two panels (like most people have) or one-panel doors like opener-type rolling steel doors. Usually, it’s about one inch thick for insulation purposes and comes in different widths depending on how wide your door opening is. The weather stripping on your garage door is there for a reason. It prevents the elements from getting into your home and it also creates an extra layer of protection to keep burglars out, so you want to make sure that it stays in good shape by cleaning away any debris like leaves or pet hair with soap and water (warm water works best). Some people use their hoses while others prefer using either a wet rag or even paper towels. You can then wipe down the entire strip until all dirt has been removed; be careful not to damage the rubber/foam itself when scrubbing too hard.
Another key way to maintain your garage doors is by using a carpenter’s level to make sure that both halves of the door are aligned properly before closing them, as they may not close evenly otherwise. If you find that your garage door does not close evenly and needs adjustment, then it would be wise to contact a professional who can fix this problem without causing further damage or injury. Maintaining your garage doors also includes making sure there are no loose or broken parts on the track, which could lead to breakages in the future. In addition, clean out any dirt from around the tracks and lubricate them with oil at least once a year. Not only will this keep your garage doors functioning optimally, but it will also help to prevent any potential injuries from happening.
