Spring has finally made its appearance, and with warmer weather you may be ready to tackle seasonal home maintenance that you put off when the days were short, dark, and cold. Attending to your home maintenance tasks on a seasonal basis will help you keep on top of any issues before they turn into costly repair jobs.
These chores include everything from inspecting your roof for damage or leaks to washing your windows to touching up outdoor paint. On your list alongside cleaning out the gutters, pressure washing siding, and changing out air conditioning filters, it’s important to put garage door maintenance among your priorities.
Why is Seasonal Garage Door Maintenance Important?
Your garage door is one of those things that you probably rarely think about when it’s working as it should. But your garage door is one of the most important elements of the outside of your home: more people use their garage door to enter their home than the front door, and no one can deny that garage doors play a huge role in curb appeal and home value.
When you make checking in on your garage door a part of your seasonal home maintenance, you’re looking after one of the primary security features of your house. That’s why we encourage you to take a few minutes to learn about DIY maintenance you can do this spring, as well as when it’s time to call in a professional. Here are our best tips.
Get Acquainted with Your Garage Door
As garage doors and garage door openers age, they can start to make noises or lose some functionality. If you regularly observe your garage door when opening or closing it and listen for any unusual noises like scraping or grinding, you’ll be able to tell when something is amiss. Likewise with studying the components of your door; the more you know about how things are supposed to look and function, the better you’ll be able to spot when something has gone wrong.
Check the Tracks and Rollers for Debris and Damage
Your garage door opens smoothly because of the tracks and rollers that guide it up and down. It’s important to make sure that you keep the tracks on either side of the door clean and free of dust and debris so that the wheels can move without obstruction. You can access the tracks with a step ladder to clean them. It’s also a good idea to check for rust and to make sure that the tracks are in alignment when you’re up there; if not, it’s time to call a professional for repairs or replacement.
Give Your Garage Doors a Wipe Down
Sometimes we neglect to notice the amount of dirt, debris, and pollen that can accumulate on the outside of our homes. But when a garage door has seen a long hard winter, it’s important to give it a spruce when the sun comes out. We recommend you avoid using the same pressure washer that you use on your siding to clean metal or fiberglass garage doors, as this can damage the surface. Instead, use water, a mild cleaner and a rag or sponge to wipe away dirt. Avoid using water if possible on wooden garage doors and wipe down the doors with a dry cloth when needed.
Call the Professionals at Closing Time Garage Doors
If the thought of doing any of the above overwhelms you or if you simply don’t have time, don’t worry! It’s common for garage door professionals to get calls for routine maintenance and garage door repairs. Trust us, we would much rather you give us a call than inadvertently harm yourself or your garage door when attempting a do-it-yourself repair. And even if you’re a savvy handyman, sometimes it takes an expert eye to make sure that everything is functioning properly with all of the hardware and components involved in making a garage door work. Our professionals can perform preventative maintenance such as lubricating metal components and adjusting spring tension to keep things running smoothly all year long. If you’re ready for some spring garage door maintenance, there’s no better time than now, and no better company to call on than Closing Time Garage Doors! Give us a call today: 678-695-6400
Frequently Asked Questions about Garage Door Maintenance
How often do garage doors need maintenance?
It’s best practices to have your garage door serviced once a year, unless you’re experiencing issues. Garage door professionals can perform preventative maintenance such as lubricating metal components and adjusting spring tension to keep things running smoothly all year long.
What does a garage door tune-up include?
A typical garage door tune-up includes an inspection of the components of your garage door, tightening of the nuts and bolts, and lubrication of all moving parts. Replacement of any damaged or broken parts can also be performed if the technician has the appropriate replacements on hand.
When should I replace my garage door?
Typically, garage doors last about 30 years before they need to be replaced. Improper maintenance and damage due to storms or impact from cars can speed up the need for a new garage door.
