Your automatic garage door opener is a powerful machine capable of lifting a massive load. To keep that machine running smoothly, you’ll need to arrange for garage door service on a regular basis. Performing this maintenance can help keep your garage door and opener in good condition for years. Here’s what you need to know.
Signs of Problems
Knowing the warning signs of a problem with your garage door can help you catch issues before they become unmanageable.
Strange Noises
Listen for squeaking or clanking sounds from the garage door opener, or an overall increase in noise when using the device.
Safety System Failure
If someone steps under the door while it’s closing, or if something is laid in the path of the closing door, the door should automatically reverse itself. Failure of this system could result in an injury or even death.
You can test the system regularly by waving a broom stick in the path of the closing door, in front of the photoelectric eye. Another way to test the system is to leave a brick in the path of the closing door. The door should reverse course when the broom is waved in the pathway, or when the door closes on the brick. If this does not happen, this is a sign of safety system failure.
Deterioration of the Paint or Seal
Wooden garage doors rely on paint or sealer to prevent water from rotting the door. If the paint or sealer begins to flake away, this leaves the door vulnerable.
When to Perform Maintenance
Inspect your garage door at least once annually for signs of a problem, and perform maintenance as needed.
DIY Maintenance
Many homeowners are limited in the type of maintenance they can perform on their garage door, because they don’t have the tools or expertise to make extensive repairs. Here’s what you can do:
- Weatherstrip or re-install weatherstrip when it begins to deteriorate.
- Apply a new coat of paint or sealer when the old coat fades or flakes off.
- Apply lithium grease or silicone spray to the hinges, springs and rollers.
Professional Garage Door Service
If your garage door starts to make a new noise, or perform unreliably, contact a garage door person for service right away. Even if your door doesn’t need repair service, make a standing appointment with your garage door repair person for an annual tuneup. At each tuneup, your garage door repair person will perform service that will help keep your garage door in good condition for years to come.
Contact a Garage Door Professional
At Overhead Door of Wilmington™, we’re happy to help you with your garage door this summer. We perform service on garage doors of all ages and types. We can also help you if you’re ready to install a new garage door. Contact us today for a tuneup or free consultation.