What can I do to Maintain My Older Garage Door until I can get a New One?
Q: What can I do to maintain my older garage door until I can get a new one?
A: Garage doors have many qualities going for them; they’re simultaneously functional and provide curb appeal, they keep your garage and their contents safe from Canadian weather elements, and they can add value to our homes.
But like many workhorse parts of our homes, we don’t give our garage doors much thought until something goes seriously wrong with them. To avoid hazards and costly repairs, be mindful of these common problems - and take some time to do these little maintenance tips to keep your older door in decent share until you can invest in a new one.
Loose Nuts and Bolts
If you’ve noticed that your garage door is particularly squeaky or noisy when it opens and closes, you may have some loose hardware in the hinges or tracks. These should be checked and tightened to ensure that your garage door is properly secured.
Lack of Lubrication
Rust is a common problem for older garage doors that are exposed to inclement weather, like snow and rain. Check for dry or rusty spots - particularly on the operational parts of your garage door, like springs, rollers, and tracks - and give them a good once over with silicone spray or white lithium grease. Keeping the metal parts of your garage door properly lubricated will ensure that they stay functional for much longer.
Malfunctioning Rollers
Make sure to inspect the rollers of your garage door. If you notice that they’re squared off instead of round, or look like they may come off of the shaft, it’s time to replace them. Replacing worn-out or broken rollers should be handled be a professional - give us a call today to help you out!
The Counterweight System
The counterweight system in your garage door is crucial to its function and can cause one of the biggest hazards if it’s not working properly. The counterweight - or spring - system of the door helps to raise and lower it and, if it is working as it should, you should be able to open and close your door with one hand. If you notice that you’re having difficulty opening or closing the door, or if your system is more than seven years old, it’s time to replace it. Replacing the spring system in your garage door is definitely not a do-it-yourself project and should only be handled by a professional because it can be quite dangerous.
The Opening System
Automatic garage door opening systems have an auto-reverse feature which will make the door reverse its path if the sensor picks up anything running under the door. This is an important safety feature if you have small children or pets. If you’re concerned that the opening system is not working correctly, first check to make sure that the floor sensors are not blocked by anything. If you’ve eliminated any external source, call in the professionals to repair or replace your garage door opening system.
If it’s time to repair or replace your existing garage door, a new garage door is a worthwhile investment. We’re here for you to help make sure your garage door - and more importantly, your family - is safe!