Simpson
Many homeowners neglect their garage doors, assuming that they will continue to work properly without any maintenance. However, like any other mechanical system, garage doors need regular care and attention in order to function properly and avoid costly garage door repairs.
The experts at Garage Door Repair Severna Park MD have put together a list of the top 12 preventive maintenance tips for garage door owners. By following these simple tips, you can help keep your garage door in good working condition for years to come.
1. Inspect your garage door regularly. At least once a month, take the time to inspect your garage door for any signs of wear and tear. Look for cracks or breaks in the panels, rust on the hardware, and loose or frayed cables. If you notice any problems, be sure to have them repaired as soon as possible.
2. Keep your garage door clean. Dirt, dust, and debris can build up on your garage door over time, making it more difficult to open and close. To keep your door clean, wipe it down with a damp cloth on a regular basis. You may also want to vacuum the tracks to remove any built-up dirt and grime.
3. Lubricate the moving parts. Garage doors have many moving parts that need to be lubricated in order to function properly. Once a month, apply a few drops of light oil to the tracks, rollers, and hinges. This will help reduce friction and keep your door operating smoothly.
4. Tighten loose hardware. Check all of the nuts and bolts on your garage door hardware, including the springs, to make sure they are tight. Loose hardware can cause your door to become unbalanced and can lead to serious damage.
5. Test the safety features. Most modern garage doors have built-in safety features that prevent them from closing if something is in the way. To test these sensors, place an object in the path of the door and try to close it. The door should automatically reverse when it comes into contact with the object. If it doesn’t, then the sensors need to be adjusted or replaced.
6. Check the balance. An unbalanced garage door can put unnecessary stress on the opener and other components, leading to premature wear and tear. To check the balance, open your door halfway and let go. If it closes on its own, then it’s properly balanced. If not, you may need to adjust the springs.
7. Inspect the weatherstripping. The weatherstripping around your garage door helps keep out drafts and pests. Over time, however, it can become worn or damaged. Inspect the weatherstripping on a regular basis and replace it if necessary.
8. Reverse the direction of your door opener. If you have an automatic garage door opener, it’s a good idea to reverse the direction of the door occasionally. This helps prevent the opener from becoming overloaded and can extend its lifespan.
9. Don’t allow your door to close too fast. If you have an adjustable garage door opener, be sure to set it so that the door closes slowly. A door that closes too quickly is more likely to cause damage to the hardware and can be dangerous for people or pets who are in the way.
10. Disconnect the opener during power outages. During a power outage, your garage door opener will not work, and your door will be stuck in the open position. To prevent this, disconnect the opener from the power source before the power goes out.
11. Keep your opener in good condition. Regularly inspect your garage door opener for any signs of wear and tear. If you notice any problems, have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
You can read this article for more tips on how to troubleshoot your garage door opener.
12. Have your door serviced by a professional. 
Even if you follow all of these tips, it’s still a good idea to have your garage door serviced by a professional at least once a year. A professional can spot potential problems and make any necessary repairs before they become serious issues.
By following these tips, you can help keep your garage door in good working condition and prevent expensive repairs down the road. If you have any questions about your garage door or need to schedule a service appointment, contact a local garage door company today.
