Tips To Keep Your Overhead Garage Door In Good Shape
Your overhead garage door is a key part of your home or business but you probably don't spend a lot of time thinking about it until the moment something breaks down. To avoid a situation like this, you should get into the habit of conducting routine maintenance and inspection on your overhead door. Here are some tips and best practices that might help.
Raise and Shut the Door By Hand
In order to tell if there is a growing problem with your overhead door, you'll have to open and close it manually and without the garage door opener. Gently pull up on the door and guide it back on the tracks. You are looking for the door to move along the track smoothly with no extra force needed once the door is in motion. If you encounter resistance or hear any strange noises, this could be a sign that something is not as it should be. After the door is open, return it to a closed position, again carefully watching and listening as it goes back down.
Lubricate and Sweep
Rust and debris are two of the more common culprits when it comes to potential overhead door problems. You can prevent rust by keeping all moving parts properly lubricated with a silicone spray or lithium grease. You'll also want to pay close attention to the garage door track, especially during the summer and fall when there might be grass clipping or leaves being blown around by the wind. Keep the tracks clear of any debris and your door will be able to open and shut smoothly and without resistance.
Clean the Door and Don't Forget the Weatherstrip
As for the door itself, you should also get into the habit of giving it a wash every once in a while. You don't need any special chemicals, just plain old soap and water will do. Wash the exterior of the door to keep it looking great. While you're at it, you can closely inspect the door for any potential warning signs of wood rot or other issues. Your door is an entrance point to your home and it's possible some critters could work their way into your house if you are negligent about keeping the door itself in good shape.
While you're at it, also keep an eye on the weatherstrip at the bottom of the door. A loose strip may be allowing air into your home, driving up your HVAC bill in the process.
Contact overhead door companies like the Automatic Door Company today for more tips or to schedule a maintenance appointment.