As a garage door expert, I have seen firsthand the importance of regular maintenance for garage doors. Not only does it extend the lifespan of your door, but it also helps prevent costly repairs and ensures safe and reliable operation. I have witnessed the difference that regular tune-ups can make in the longevity and functionality of a garage door. A few years ago, my family moved into a new home and our garage door was still functioning, but it made a loud noise every time it opened. After doing some research, I discovered that the rollers needed to be replaced.
This experience made me realize the significance of regular tune-ups for garage doors. Even if your door appears to be working perfectly fine, it is still recommended to have it tuned up at least once a year. Regular adjustments and maintenance can help prevent major issues down the line. For instance, hinges can start to wear out and damage the door if they are not properly maintained. By catching these issues early on, you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run.
And if you have an automatic opener, it is crucial to ensure that it is adjusted properly as well. A malfunctioning opener can cause problems with manual operation of the door. If you notice that your garage door is becoming difficult to open or close with excessive force, it is important to check for a broken spring and consider calling a professional for assistance. The best way to ensure that your garage door is functioning properly is to have an annual check and inspection performed by a qualified technician. Not only will this help prevent costly repairs, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing that your garage door is safe and reliable. Over the years, manufacturers have made significant improvements in the safety features of garage doors and openers.
However, there are still potential hazards that can arise if your garage door is not properly maintained. For example, old extension springs without safety cables can cause harm if they break, and a garage door without proper spring support can be dangerous if it falls from an elevated position. If you hear any unusual squeaking or squealing noises coming from your garage door, it is a sign that certain parts may need to be lubricated or tightened. And if you have an older door opener, it may be worth considering upgrading to a newer model with the latest safety features. This is especially important before the winter months, as it can be frustrating to have an incident that forces you to leave your garage door open in freezing temperatures. The springs of your garage door are responsible for balancing its weight so that it opens and closes smoothly.
It is important to regularly check and maintain these springs to ensure they are functioning properly. One tip is to use galvanized roofing nails to secure one end of the seal, then run it through the door and nail the other end. This will help keep the seal in place and prevent any potential damage to the door. With routine maintenance, you can expect your garage door to have a lifespan of anywhere between 10 and 30 years. However, this also depends on the quality of the door and how well it is maintained.
If you ever need to remove the 2 x 4-inch door, make sure that it closes completely and that your opener does not attempt to make it fall off the floor once closed. Another important aspect of maintaining your garage door is making sure that the handle clears the top of the door frame. If it does not, you may need a lower profile handle or the door may need to be adjusted. And if you notice that the weight of the door is not evenly balanced, it is important to address this issue as it can lead to further problems down the line. Lastly, it is crucial to test the automatic reverse function of your opener on a regular basis. This can be done by placing a 2 x 4 tube directly below the point where the opener is connected to the door.
If the door does not reverse when it comes in contact with the tube, it is important to have a professional come and take a look at your opener.
