Did you know that, according to a recent survey, adding a new garage door to your home offered the biggest payoff when reselling?
Even if you’re not planning on selling your home anytime soon, this fact goes to show how much value a high-quality garage door adds to your home. Therefore it’s so critical to keep the garage door you have in good working condition.
Want to learn more about how to care for your garage door? Check out this garage door tune-up guide to get started.
1. Tighten Nuts and Bolts
If you’re like most people, you probably use your garage door almost every day. This constant movement can cause the hardware to become loosened. Look at all the roller brackets, and tighten any nuts and bolts so that the brackets are secure.
2. Lubrication
Like any piece of equipment, the rollers in your garage door might get stiff or rusted over time. The same goes for your garage door chain. Regularly lubricating them with some WD-40 will help prevent rusting.
Keep in mind, however, the WD-40 should only be used for metals. You will want to use a different lubricant if your rollers are made of plastic, nylon, or any other material.
3. Examine Rollers for Damage
If you have nylon rollers, you should be able to spot any cracks or breaks fairly easily. Broken rollers can cause the garage door not to move as smoothly, and can create more damage over time. If any rollers are damaged, they should be replaced as soon as possible.
4. Check the Springs
Above the roller track, you will see the overhead torsion springs. These should also be lubricated to keep the door working smoothly.
If you notice a broken spring, never attempt to fix it yourself. These springs are held under high tension, so disturbing them can be extremely dangerous.
A broken spring is a job for a professional. Also, keep in mind that, if one spring is broken, both will need to be replaced. This is because the springs work together to keep the door properly balanced.
5. Check the Weather Seal
The weather seal at the bottom of your garage door is the main tool for keeping the elements out of your home. A faulty weather seal can allow hot or cool air to enter your home, making your climate control less efficient. It can also allow water to seep in, which can cause leaks or flooding in your garage.
Additionally, a damaged weather seal can also allow a variety of outdoor critters to get into your garage, including bugs, mice, and even snakes.
To keep these unwelcome guests out, check the weather seal to make sure it is in good condition. A working weather seal should fully seal the space between the ground and the garage, should have no cracks and should be flexible, rather than brittle.
Need Help With Your Garage Door Tune-Up?
While you can safely do a basic garage door tune-up as an amateur, any repairs should be handled by professionals. If you find that easy fixes don’t fix your garage door problems, it’s time to call in the experts. Contact us today to get started.