Protecting Against Garage Door Malfunctions

Homeowners often underestimate the importance of garage door service. As a homeowner, you need to service your garage door periodically, just as you need to service your car for its long life. Here is 7 step guide on how to keep you garage door functioning and protect your door from unnecessary break-ins.
Resources:
www.columbusgaragedoorpros.com
homedepot.com

Step 1:

To start with, look for metal tracks. Have a look at the underlying mounting brackets. During garage door service, you might need to tighten the bolts and screws that fit the brackets with the walls. The tracks need to be observed for any occurrences of crimps, dents or flat spots. In case of any spots, they can be made smooth with an hammer, rubber mallet or even a block of scrap wood. In case the tracks are damaged beyond repair, they need to be replaced.

Step 2:

track out of alignmentCheck whether the tracks are properly aligned. Ideally, the horizontal tracks slants slightly down forward. The direction of the tilt should be towards the back of your garage. For roll-up door, the vertical sections of the track should be perpendicular. If you find that the track is not properly aligned, loosen the hardware that holds the mounting brackets. Thereafter, tap the tracks gently in order to position them correctly.

Step 3:

Thirdly clean the garage door tracks with an household cleaner to remove dirt and grease. The rollers need to be cleaned properly. After clean up, thoroughly wipe both the rollers and the trackers to make them dry enough.

Step 4:

lubricate garageLubricate the door tracks and the rollers. Use garage lubricant sprays or even a powdered graphite in case of tracks. For the rollers, use the normal household oil or even a silicone spray, both of them works quite well with garage doors.

Step 5:

If you find loose hardware, tighten them. In case of swing-up doors, have a look whether the spring is well mounted. If not, tighten its screws. In case of roll-up doors, look at the hinges. Tighten loose screws, if any. Take the time to check out the hardware on the door and the track system. In some cases just a loose hinge can cause all the trouble. If there is anything that needs to be tightened, do it. Also, replace hinges on the door if you think they may be the problem. The door opener itself should be checked out as well, since it could be the problem. It may need to have some new batteries placed in it. However, you may need to totally replace the garage door opener as well. If it does need replaced, make sure it’s compatible with your door.

Step 6:

Take some time to look at the springs. Many doors have tension springs on them, and you will want to make sure that these springs are in good shape. Sometimes they just need to have the tension readjusted so that they work just like they should. If you find that the tension springs are in poor condition, it is usually a lot safer to ensure they get replaced. Checking out the pulley system associated with the springs is important as well. You’ll want to make sure it’s in good shape, and if not, then make sure to replace it. If you only have one tension spring right in the middle of the track for your door, and you think it may need to be replaced or fixed, make sure you get a professional to help.

Step 7

If you see that the garage door is not working right, check and see if you can do something to fix it before calling for professional help. A professional garage door company has the tools and experience to test all the critical aspects of your door, including balance and force. A pro can give your garage door a tune-up and fix any damaged or worn components at the same time. Experts recommend having professional service at least once each year, just prior to the extreme seasons of weather. If possible, have your overhead door serviced professionally in both spring and fall. With just a little attention to garage door maintenance, you can rest assured that your door will provide reliable and safe operation all year-long. However, if you do need a new garage door, make sure to have a professional come and install it.

Author: Larry White

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