If your garage door constantly seems disrepair, it’s time to pay attention to a few crucial points. Observe the operation of your garage door, and pay attention to any noises or strange appearances. You should be able to spot a problem by noting a slow rising or falling, straining or jerking, or a strange squeak. Any of these sounds could mean a costly repair.
Cleaning the Tracks
One of the biggest causes of problems with your garage door is dirt and debris on the tracks. Regular cleaning of the tracks is necessary to avoid such problems. You can use a damp cloth or a small brush to clean them. In addition, you need to keep the rails level and straight. If you think your tracks are damaged, you can call a professional to do the garage door repair.
Keeping the rollers and tracks clean ensures smooth and quiet operation. A regular lubricant can help the door move more smoothly. Using lithium-based lubricant helps prevent the door from rusting and keeps it quiet. Regularly cleaning the tracks will keep your garage door functioning properly and help it last longer.
Inspecting the Rollers
Performing regular maintenance and checking for wear on rollers is a good idea for your garage door, and it can help your garage door run smoothly and efficiently. Different roller types require different servicing schedules, but most need to be replaced or lubricated about twice a year. Keeping rollers in good condition will help them run smoothly and efficiently for decades.
The rollers are one of the essential parts of a garage door, and a visual inspection can give you a good idea of their condition. You can tell whether your garage door is working well if it reverses properly and smoothly. If the rollers need to be fixed as they should, it’s time to call a technician.
Inspecting the Tracks on Both Sides
Checking the tracks on both sides of your garage is an important maintenance step to keep the door working safely. The tracks contain the moving parts of the door. They are attached to the rotary shaft and should be in good condition. If any of them are damaged or frayed, remove them. Additionally, inspect the bearings for wear and tear. If you notice any rust or dirt, clean them with mild dish detergent and warm water. Replace weather seals as well if they are cracked or broken.
You may also notice air drafts near the door’s tracks or in the garage itself. Clean the tracks often and keep them free of debris. Make sure the rails are straight and level. If they are not, the tracks may be bent, resulting in expensive repairs or even replacement. You can make minor adjustments yourself, but a professional should make more complicated adjustments.
Checking for signs of a problem
If your garage door suddenly stops operating correctly or makes strange noises when opening and closing, this is an obvious sign of a problem. The sound may be caused by a malfunctioning spring or opener. It could also be a problem with the brackets or springs. If you notice this noise, you should take action to prevent a complete breakdown.
If your garage door isn’t operating correctly, it may cause you to get injured. When this happens, you’ll want to stop using it until you find the cause of the problem. One of the most common causes of garage door trouble is lack of lubrication. Without adequate lubrication, parts may erode or crack due to excessive friction.
Cleaning the weatherstripping
Cleaning the weatherstripping on your garage door can be a quick and easy way to extend the life of your door. It would help if you did this twice a year. This regular maintenance will prevent problems from developing and ensure that your door will continue to look beautiful and perform appropriately for years to come. The accumulation of dust and other debris can be damaging to the weather seals and the door itself. Dust is abrasive and can cause cracking. Furthermore, frequent cleaning will prevent the growth of mold and mildew that can darken and damage the surface of your weatherstripping.
Generally, you should clean the weatherstrip with a silicone-based lubricant and rinse thoroughly. If it is made of premium PVC, you should also clean it with an all-purpose vinyl cleanser. Avoid using petroleum-based lubricants, as they will break down the rubber polymers and make them less flexible.
Adjusting the track brackets
If your garage door tracks have become loose, you may need to adjust them. You can do this by loosening the bolts holding the track to the wall. You should also check that both tracks are at the same height on both garage walls. If they’re not, you can tighten them.
Adjust the track brackets:
- Loosen the bolts on both sides.
- Tighten the nuts using a 7/16-inch socket wrench. You may need to loosen two brackets simultaneously to achieve the desired level.
- Adjust the brackets until you can see 1/2 to 3/4 of the shaft.
Cleaning the cobwebs from the photoelectric sensor
When maintaining your garage door, it’s essential to clean the photoelectric sensor. These sensors are located near the bottom of your door and should be cleaned of dust, dirt, and cobwebs. Keeping them free of debris will prevent them from malfunctioning. It’s also essential to check their alignment and power.
According to experts like those at Rainier Garage Door, garage door sensors can be damaged if they are dirty or clogged with dirt. If the sensor is dirty, it will no longer signal to close your garage door. If you notice dust, you can clean the sensor by crushing a cardboard box in front of it. If the sensor is still dirty, it may need replacing.