8 TIPS TO MAKE YOUR GARAGE DOOR LAST LONGER

June 20, 2024

When it comes to taking care of your home, you might not think about the garage door right away. But it’s actually really important to give it regular maintenance because it gets used a lot and is exposed to the weather. Just like anything else in your house, a garage door has a limited lifespan that can be extended if you take care of it properly.

The problem is, a lot of homeowners end up with garage doors that break down too soon. And usually, it’s because they didn’t bother to maintain them regularly. But if you’re proactive about taking care of your garage, you can make sure that it lasts longer and you don’t have to spend money on replacing it early or deal with the hassle.

For instance, if you know how to do some basic maintenance tasks and actually do them, you can prevent a lot of common problems from happening. Plus, choosing the right color for your garage door that complements your house’s style can make it look better and protect it from the weather at the same time.

In addition to this, learning some garage door maintenance tips and hacks that professionals use could make the whole process easier and faster for you.

Use Old Doors Sparingly

If you own an older garage door, you’re likely aware of the charm and character it adds to your home. However, frequent use can significantly impact its lifespan. Old doors may not have been designed to withstand the constant use that modern lifestyles demand. The more you use an old garage door, the quicker its components can wear out, leading to potential malfunctions and safety hazards.

Minimize wear and tear with these practical tips:

Limit Manual Operation: If your door lacks modern automation features, manually opening and closing it could strain the system. Consider upgrading to a garage door opener to reduce physical stress on the door’s mechanisms.
Schedule Regular Inspections: Old doors benefit from frequent check-ups. Look for signs of wear on hinges, springs, and rollers. If you’re unsure about what to check, professional services like garage door repair in Austin and Round Rock can help.
Use Gently: When operating old doors, be gentle. Avoid slamming or forceful movements that could jar components loose or cause misalignment.
Balance Usage: If possible, balance the usage of your garage door with alternative entry points when carrying out activities that require frequent access.

In situations where your garage door fails to open or close properly—perhaps due to a power outage or mechanical failure—it’s helpful to know how to manually operate your door safely. Instructions provided by experts at emergency garage door repair can guide you through this process without causing additional damage.

Furthermore, staying informed about common issues can prevent further wear on an old door; understanding the most common garage door opener problems and how to fix them is invaluable for maintaining longevity.

By implementing these measures, you ensure that vintage charm doesn’t come at the cost of functionality and safety.

2. Examine and Maintain Safety Features

Regularly checking and maintaining the safety features of your garage door is crucial for both your safety and the longevity of the door itself. Here are some key safety features to inspect:

● Emergency Release Rope

The emergency release rope is a vital component that allows you to manually open and close the garage door during power outages or mechanical failures. To ensure its proper functioning:

Pull the emergency release cord when the door is fully closed.
Try lifting the door manually using the handle. It should move smoothly with minimal resistance.
Once you’ve tested the manual operation, reengage the automatic opener by pulling the rope again or following your opener’s instructions.

● Photocell Motion Sensors

Photocell motion sensors play a crucial role in preventing accidents by detecting obstructions in the path of the closing door. These sensors are typically positioned near the bottom of the door frame on both sides. Here’s how you can test them:

Close your garage door using the remote or wall button.
Wave an object (like a broom) in front of one of the sensors while the door is closing.
If the sensors are working correctly, the door should immediately stop closing and reverse back up.

Remember to regularly clean these sensors to remove any dirt, dust, or spider webs that might hinder their operation.

Reverse Functionality

The reverse functionality feature is another important safety mechanism that can save lives and prevent property damage. It’s designed to make the garage door automatically reverse if it detects an object or person in its path while closing. You can test this feature using a simple method:

Place a roll of paper towels (or any soft object) on the ground where the bottom edge of the door would touch when fully closed.
Close the door using the remote or wall button.
As soon as the door makes contact with the roll of paper towels, it should immediately stop closing and reverse back up.

If the door doesn’t reverse or seems to struggle when encountering the obstruction, it’s important to have it inspected and repaired by a professional garage door technician.

Additional Safety Mechanisms

Apart from the main safety features mentioned above, there are other components that contribute to the overall security and smooth operation of your garage door:

Manual Locks: If your garage door has manual locking mechanisms, such as slide bolts or deadbolts, make sure they’re functioning correctly and engage them when the door is not in use for extended periods.
Security Alarms: If you have a security alarm system installed in your garage, test it regularly to ensure it’s working properly and consider upgrading or replacing any outdated equipment.
Smart Garage Door Openers: For those with smart garage doors, there are additional benefits and maintenance considerations to be aware of. You can explore more information on this topic at Smart Garage Door Opener.

Remember, performing routine checks on these safety features allows you to identify any issues early on before they become major problems. This helps ensure that your garage door operates safely and efficiently for years to come.

Now that we’ve covered the importance of inspecting safety features, let’s move on to discussing the maintenance of hardware components for optimal performance.

3. Inspect and Lubricate Hardware Components

Regularly inspecting and lubricating the hardware components of your garage door is essential. It helps keep the door running smoothly, prevents damage, and extends its lifespan. Over time, these components can become loose or worn out due to the repetitive motion and pressure of opening and closing the door.

Step-by-Step Hardware Inspection Guide:

Screws:

Check each screw along the track and tighten any that have become loose.
Replace screws that are rusted or stripped to maintain structural integrity.

Pulleys and Cables:

Look for frayed cables and worn pulleys. Fraying can lead to snapping, which is a serious safety hazard.
Ensure there’s no excessive slack in the cables, as this can affect the balance of the door.

Springs:

Carefully examine torsion springs for signs of wear or rust.
If you notice gaps in the spring coils or if they appear stretched out, this indicates weakening.

Be cautious when inspecting springs; they are under high tension and can be dangerous. Consider consulting a professional if you suspect any issues.

Nuts and Bolts:

Tighten any loose nuts and bolts to prevent the door from becoming misaligned.
Check for corrosion on these elements as it can lead to hardware failure over time.

Lubrication Protocol:

After inspecting your garage door’s hardware components, proper lubrication is essential. Use a silicone-based lubricant or garage door-specific product — avoid using WD-40 as it is a cleaner rather than a lubricant.

Hinges: Apply lubricant to each hinge pivot point sparingly to avoid dripping.
Rollers: If your rollers have ball bearings, apply lubricant directly onto the bearings.
Springs: Lightly spray lubricant across the torsion springs to reduce friction without causing build-up.
Tracks: While not a moving part, cleaning the tracks ensures the rollers move freely; however, do not lubricate tracks as this can attract dust and debris.

For detailed information on your garage door’s specific hardware like torsion spring life expectancy or specialized maintenance procedures seeking assistance from professionals can provide tailored advice for your situation. You may also find it helpful to explore resources such as the garage door torsion spring life expectancy to better understand the lifespan of these crucial components.

By regularly inspecting and properly lubricating your garage door’s hardware components, you are taking proactive steps to ensure its optimal performance and longevity. This will be particularly beneficial if you reside near natural areas like the Sparrow Lane Nature Preserve in Austin, TX, where environmental factors may affect your garage door’s condition.

4. Regularly Test and Adjust the Door’s Balance

The balance of your garage door is crucial for its long-term performance. An improperly balanced door can put excessive strain on the opener and other parts, causing them to wear out quickly or break down completely. You can check if your door is balanced correctly by following these steps:

Disconnect the Automatic Opener: Before starting any tests, make sure you’re safe by disconnecting the garage door from the automatic opener. You can do this by pulling the emergency release rope.
Move the Door Manually on the Tracks: Lift the door manually until it’s halfway up the tracks. A well-balanced door will stay in position without any support. If it moves downwards or upwards on its own, then it’s not balanced properly.
Inspect the Spring Tension: The springs on both sides should be tight and have equal tension. If you notice any issues with the spring tension, it’s best to seek professional assistance, especially when dealing with torsion springs as they can be dangerous if mishandled.

If you’re unsure about performing these steps or encounter any difficulties during the process, consider contacting a professional garage door repair service for immediate assistance. They have the expertise and tools to handle such situations safely.

For those who have larger doors or need information on different sizes and types of doors, such as commercial ones, an industrial-commercial garage door sizing guide might provide valuable insights.

In case you’re residing in specific areas like Georgetown, TX, there are local services available like garage door repair in Georgetown that can offer specialized assistance for maintenance and adjustment needs.

Regularly checking and maintaining your garage door’s balance is essential. It ensures smooth functioning and extends the lifespan of your entire system. By doing so, you can prevent unnecessary strain on different parts, saving yourself from expensive repairs or replacements in the future.

5. Ensure Effective Weather Stripping

Weather stripping is your garage door’s first line of defense against bugs, wind, water, and debris. It keeps these unwanted elements out and maintains the temperature inside your garage. To make sure your weather stripping works properly:

Inspect Regularly: Check the weather seals around your garage door twice a year. Look for any signs of wear or damage, especially in areas that are exposed to the elements.
Replace as Needed: If you see any brittle, cracked, or missing parts of the weather stripping, replace them right away. This will prevent further issues and save you money in the long run.
Choose Quality Materials: When buying new weather stripping, choose durable materials that can withstand your local climate. This will ensure that it lasts longer and performs better.
Seal Any Gaps: Make sure there are no gaps between the weather stripping and the door panels. Even small openings can let in moisture and insects.
Get Professional Help: Consider hiring a professional to install the weather stripping for you. They have the expertise to do it correctly, ensuring maximum protection for your garage.

By taking care of your weather stripping, you’re not only protecting your garage door but also everything inside it. If you notice any issues with the balance or alignment of your door, it’s important to address them promptly to avoid causing more serious problems that may require emergency garage door repair in Lago Vista. One common issue to watch out for is an uneven garage door, which can lead to various complications if left unattended, such as reduced security and increased energy loss. For more information on why leaving your garage door uneven is not advisable, you can refer to this resource: Why You Should Not Leave Your Garage Door Uneven.

Remember, maintaining your weather stripping is an easy yet crucial part of garage door maintenance that has a big impact on energy efficiency and lifespan.

6. Keep Moving Parts Clean and Well-Lubricated

Garage doors have many moving parts that need regular maintenance to work well. Cleaning and lubricating the rollers, hinges, and the opener’s chain or screw mechanism is important. This routine care stops rust and wear, lowers noise, and keeps everything running smoothly. As a result, you’ll have fewer problems with your door and it will last longer.

To keep these parts in good shape, follow these steps:

1. Cleaning Rollers and Hinges

Start by closing your garage door and unplugging the opener for safety.
Wipe the rollers with a clean cloth to remove dirt and debris. If your rollers have ball bearings, you might need to take them out to clean them properly.
Use a mild soap if there’s stubborn grime. Avoid strong chemicals that could harm the parts.
Clean around the hinges with a brush or cloth to get rid of any dirt buildup that could make them stick.

2. Lubricating Moving Parts

Once they’re clean, put a silicone-based lubricant or special spray made for garage doors on the rollers. Make sure it gets on the bearings if there are any.
Put some lubricant on the hinges too, focusing on the spots where they move.
If your opener has chains or screw mechanisms, use the type of lubricant recommended by the manufacturer.
Open and close the door a few times to spread the lubricant evenly over all the moving parts.

Remember not to use too much lubricant because it can attract dust and dirt, which will make things worse. It’s best to do this maintenance twice a year or more often if you use your door a lot.

If you notice any signs of damage or wear while you’re doing this upkeep — like broken springs — it’s a good idea to get help from professionals. Fixing a broken garage door spring is risky and should be left to experts. You can find reliable assistance for garage door spring repair from reputable service providers.

In certain regions like Dripping Springs where the environment might impact garage door parts differently, it’s worth reaching out to local garage door services for personalized advice and maintenance options.

By following these cleaning and lubricating steps on a regular basis, you’ll make sure that each part does its job without putting too much strain on your garage door system.

7. Regularly Clean the Garage Door Panels

Maintaining a clean surface on your garage door panels is not just about looks; it also helps prevent rust, which can weaken and shorten the lifespan of the door. Over time, dirt, grime, and other substances can cause damage to the panels. To protect against this, make sure to clean your garage door on a regular basis.

Here’s how you can clean your garage door panels:

Choose a suitable cleaner: Pick an all-purpose cleaner that is strong enough to remove dirt but gentle enough not to harm the paint or finish of your garage door.
Prepare the area: Close the garage door and make sure you have enough space to work safely. If possible, choose a cloudy day or a shaded spot to prevent the cleaner from drying too quickly in the sun, which could leave streaks.
Dilute if needed: Some all-purpose cleaners are concentrated and may require dilution with water according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Apply the cleaner: Use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the cleaner onto the garage door panels. Start from the bottom and work your way up to avoid drips on areas that have already been cleaned.
Gently scrub: For stubborn spots, use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away the buildup without scratching the surface.
Rinse thoroughly: After cleaning each section, rinse off the cleaner with a hose or bucket of water to ensure no residue is left behind that could attract more dirt.
Dry it off: Wipe down with a clean towel or let the door air dry completely before opening it again.

By keeping your garage door panels clean, you not only enhance the appearance of your home but also safeguard against issues that could result in expensive repairs. Make sure to include regular cleaning as part of your preventive maintenance routine.

💡 Tip: For more comprehensive garage door maintenance, it’s important to consider the impact of seasonal changes on components like garage door springs and proper lubrication methods. These factors play a crucial role in maintaining the overall functionality of your garage system. Additional tips and guidance on these topics can be found at Gator Garage Door Repair.

With clean panels, you ensure that each segment functions smoothly without any added strain from built-up dirt — an important step towards prolonging the lifespan of your garage door.

8. Get Professional Maintenance Services Once a Year

Garage doors are complex systems that require expert attention to stay in good shape and safe to use. Including professional maintenance as part of your yearly home care routine is crucial. One specific area that needs monitoring is the cables, which are under a lot of tension and can wear out or fray over time. This not only affects the functionality of your garage door but also poses a serious safety risk.

A skilled garage door technician possesses the knowledge and experience to identify early signs of cable wear and tear. They can then make the necessary adjustments or replacements before the problem escalates.

How to Find a Reliable Service Provider

When seeking professional help, it’s essential to choose technicians with a solid reputation and the right certifications. Here are some tips on finding a reliable service provider:

Ask for recommendations: Reach out to friends, family, or neighbors who have recently had work done on their garage doors.
Read online reviews: Websites like Yelp and Google My Business can give you insights into the quality of service offered by local companies.
Check credentials: Make sure the technician is licensed, insured, and has experience working with your specific type of garage door.
Get multiple quotes: This will help you understand the average cost in the market and the range of services provided by different professionals.

The Benefits of Annual Service Appointments

Consider scheduling an annual service appointment for your garage door maintenance needs. This way, you won’t forget about this crucial task, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your garage door is being regularly taken care of by experts. Regular servicing helps in:

Identifying potential issues early on
Addressing problems promptly
Ensuring efficient functioning

If you’re unsure whether you should handle certain garage door projects yourself or seek professional assistance, it can be helpful to evaluate the pros and cons of DIY vs professional installation.

If you’re ready to schedule your next professional maintenance appointment or if you have any questions regarding garage door care, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted technician. They will help keep your garage door in optimal condition year after year.

Conclusion

The lifespan of your garage door depends on how well you take care of it. By following these 8 tips, you can ensure that your garage door works smoothly and lasts longer:
Use old doors sparingly: Reserve older doors for limited use to avoid putting too much stress on their mechanisms.
Examine and maintain safety features: Regularly check safety mechanisms like emergency release ropes and motion sensors to keep both yourself and the door safe.
Inspect and lubricate hardware components: Take a systematic approach to inspecting and greasing parts to prevent any issues or damage.
Test and adjust the door’s balance: Make sure your door is properly balanced to reduce strain on its parts.
Ensure effective weather stripping: Protect your garage from the elements by having good weather stripping, which can prevent damage and energy loss.
Keep moving parts clean and well-lubricated: Regularly clean and lubricate components like rollers and hinges for smoother operation.
Regularly clean the garage door panels: This helps prevent rust and keeps your door looking good.
Seek professional maintenance services annually: Have a qualified technician inspect your garage door once a year to catch any problems early on.

Taking care of your garage door doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With these simple tips, you can maintain its functionality and avoid costly repairs or replacements down the line.

Remember, regular maintenance is a small investment compared to the potential expenses of fixing or replacing a damaged door.

By maintaining regular garage maintenance, you create a habit that translates into long-lasting functionality for your garage door. Whether you’re dealing with common garage door issues or considering standard garage door sizes for an upgrade or replacement, remember that proactive care will always be beneficial. Make these practices part of your routine, and enjoy a durable, reliable garage door for years to come.