Extend Your Garage Door Lifespan
Larger doors are usually made in several jointed panels that roll up on tracks across the garage ceiling, or into a roll above the doorway. When open, the panels hold open against pressure from springs so that your car may be driven into the garage. When closed, the door is kept closed with either a lock or bolt.
Garage doors provide one of the major entryways into your home. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that they are secure and in good working order.
The average lifespan of a residential garage door is about 30 years. However, with the right annual maintenance and care, your entire garage door system can last much longer. Let’s first understand the garage door moving parts.
The garage Door parts
Garage Door Opener
The garage door opener is the motorized unit that opens and closes the garage door. It consists of a power unit that contains the motor and drives the chain or screw, a control panel, sensors to detect when the door is open or closed, and remote control.
Garage Door Springs
Springs are one of the most important parts of your garage door, as they enable it to open and close smoothly. Garage doors typically have either torsion springs (wound around a shaft above the door opening) or extension springs (attached to each side of the upper tracks).
In order to function properly, springs must be adjusted to counterbalance the weight of your door. If your springs are not properly adjusted, your door will be very heavy to lift, making it difficult to open and close.
Cables and Pulleys
Cables are attached to the bottom corners of your door and wind around the pulleys when the door is opened or closed. These cables help to keep the door balanced and prevent it from being jarred off its tracks.
Tracks
The garage door tracks provide a path for the door to roll up and down. They are typically made of steel and may be mounted on the wall or ceiling. The tracks must be properly aligned in order for your door to move smoothly.
Rollers
The garage door rollers are mounted on hinges on each section of your door. They fit into the track and help to guide the door as it opens and closes.
Now that we know the garage door parts, let’s look at how to extend their lifespan
how to extend a garage door's lifespan
To keep your garage door operating smoothly, it is important to lubricate the moving parts on a regular basis. This includes the tracks, rollers, hinges, springs, and cables. You can use a household lubricant such as WD-40 or 3-in-1 oil. Apply the lubricant generously, and wipe away any excess with a clean cloth.
Inspect The Hardware Regularly
Inspect all of the hardware on your garage door periodically to make sure that it is tight and not rusted or damaged in any way. If any of the parts are damaged or not working properly, they should be replaced immediately.
Adjust The Springs
As mentioned above, springs are one of the most important parts of your garage door. In order to function properly, they must be adjusted to counterbalance the weight of your door. This is a job that should be done by a professional, as it can be very dangerous to adjust the springs yourself.
Clean The Tracks And Rollers
Keeping the tracks and rollers clean will help to prevent them from rusting and becoming damaged. Use a rag or brush to remove any dirt or debris from the tracks. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean the rollers.
Inspect The Weather Stripping
The weather stripping around your garage door helps to seal out drafts and keep pests from getting into your home. Inspect the rubber weather stripping on a regular basis, and replace it if it is damaged or worn.
Paint or Stain The Door
One of the best ways to protect your garage door from damage is to paint or stain it. This will help to seal out moisture and prevent the wooden door from rotting. If you live in an area with a lot of sun, you may want to choose a light-colored paint or stain in order to prevent the door panels from fading.
Call a Professional For Regular Maintenance
It is a good idea to have your garage door serviced by a professional every few years. They will be able to inspect all of the parts and make sure that they are in good working order. They can also lubricate the moving parts and make any necessary adjustments.
Balance The Door
If your garage door is not balanced properly, it will put unnecessary strain on the opener, which can lead to premature failure. To check your door’s balance, you should do a door balance test as follow; open it halfway and let go. If it stays in place, it is balanced. If not, you will need to adjust the springs accordingly
Test The Safety Features
Most garage doors today come equipped with safety features that prevent the door from closing if something is in the way. However, it’s still a good idea to test these features regularly to make sure they are working properly.
Inspect The Opener
The opener is one of the most important parts of your garage door, so it’s important to keep it in good working order. Inspect the opener monthly to make sure all the parts are clean and lubricated and that it is properly balanced. If you have an older model opener, you may want to consider replacing it with a newer, more reliable one.
- By following these simple tips, you can help extend the lifespan of your garage door and keep it working properly for years to come.
Conclusion
There are several things you can do to help extend the lifespan of your garage door. These include proper maintenance such as regularly lubricating the moving parts, inspecting the hardware, adjusting the springs, keeping the tracks and rollers clean, and more. By following these tips, you can help keep your garage door working properly for years to come.
FAQ
how to know if I need a new garage door or maintenance?
If your garage door is not functioning properly, it may need to be replaced or serviced. Some signs that your garage door may need to be replaced include damaged panels, rusty hardware, worn weather stripping, and an unbalanced door. If you are unsure whether your garage door needs to be replaced or serviced, you can contact a professional for an inspection.
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How often should I lubricate my garage door?
It is generally recommended that you lubricate your garage door at least once a year. However, if you live in an area with high humidity, you may need to lubricate more frequently. You can also consult your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
What are some common causes of garage door problems?
Some common causes of garage door problems include worn hardware, damaged panels, an unbalanced garage door, and dirty tracks. You can help prevent these problems by regularly inspecting and maintaining your garage door.
