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Garage doors may be the most neglected component of your home. It opens, it closes, it must be ok, right? Wrong! The longer your garage door operates without maintenance, the shorter the life of your garage door. By following these simple steps, you can prolong the life of your garage door and keep it operating like new for years to come.
One of the most important maintenance features is keeping your hardware clean and lubricated. Inspect the track for grease and dirt buildup. Any buildup can cause the door to bind and jump. Use a clean rag to remove any debris on the track. Keep the tracks lubricated by using graphite or light machine oil.
Check the hinge pins for rust and dirt. If you find rust, sand them down with fine steel wool or sandpaper. Once rust is removed, oil the hinge pins to keep them lubricated. Rollers must be in alignment with the track. When you checking these, take the oppourtunity to oil the rollers as well. DO NOT USE OIL ON LOCKS!!! You must use graphite to keep the locks in operational condition. Give the mechanism and key channel a little puff.
Inspect the door for rust or flaking paint on a metal door. If you find either of these it could be a sign that moisture is taking its toll. Sand rust spots or flaking paint down to the bare metal. Apply metal primer to these spots and apply 2 finish coats. On a wooden door, look for blackish marks near the bottom of the door. These can signal rot and should be attended to as soon a possible. Sand the areas where you find flaking or peeling paint. Prime and apply two coats of finish coat. Also be sure to keep the door edges, bottoms and panels sealed with paint. This will help protect against moisture that can be fatal to your door mechanics.
These quick remedies will save you time energy and money, keeping your garage door in great condition, so it works when you need it!
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