Best 10 Preventative Maintenance Tips for Garage Doors

In most cases, a broken garage door is a minor nuisance. No one wants to jump out of the car to open the garage door manually in nasty weather. But a faulty garage door can lead to more serious issues. Many people, including children, are injured by garage doors each year. And replacing a garage door isn’t cheap. Garage door replacement costs can run into the thousands.

Fortunately, some simple garage door maintenance can keep it working safely and reliably. Let’s look at ten tips to help you learn how to maintain your garage door.

Here Are the Best 10 Preventative Maintenance Tips for Garage Doors

•          Perform a visual inspection. Regularly inspect your garage door for any signs of damage. Confirm that all components are working properly as the door opens and closes. Look for signs of rust and scraping on all metal parts.
•          Replace the hardware. Swap out rollers, bearings, and hardware if they look worn or rusted. These parts are inexpensive and available at most hardware stores.
•          Tighten the nuts and bolts. The frequent vibrations of a garage door loosen hardware over time. Every so often, grab a wrench, ratchet, and screwdriver and confirm that all nuts, bolts, and screws are properly fitted.
•          Clean the tracks. Gunk, insects, and fine debris can accumulate in the tracks of your garage door. Sweep out the tracks to remove any obstructions, but be careful not to strip necessary lubrication.
•          Check the lift cables. Lift cables get dirty and wear out as they age. Visually inspect the cables to confirm their integrity. You can use a fine-bristle brush to remove any dirt. If you think the cables need to be replaced, contact a technician. Life cables are under high tension and can be quite dangerous.
•          Replace the weather stripping. Garages are rarely climate controlled, so weather stripping is especially important to avoid the corrosive effects of high humidity. Replace the stripping if it shows signs of warping or deterioration.
•          Lubricate the moving parts. The constant motion of a garage door requires lubrication, which can become less effective over time. Keep things working smoothly by using a spray lubricant on the various moving parts, including the opener chain, rollers, tracks, springs, and hinges.
•          Test the safety features. Most garage doors have different safety features to prevent injury. It’s a good idea to test these features in a controlled setting. Place a block of wood or other object beneath the door as it closes to test the auto-reverse feature. If your door has an infrared safety feature, use a broomstick to confirm that interrupting the signal stops or reverses the door.
•          Check the door balance. Improperly balanced doors stress springs and other components, shortening the door’s lifespan. You can check the balance by pulling the release handle and manually positioning the door at its halfway point. The door should stay in that position when you let go. If it falls down or moves back up, the tension needs to be recalibrated.
•          Change the batteries. Garage door opener maintenance is important, too! Check the batteries and have a replacement at the ready.

Does a Home Warranty Cover Garage Doors?

Many home warranty plans provide coverage for garage doors. Home garage door opener warranty coverage is also common. Plans vary, of course, so it’s best to check with your warranty provider to confirm you’re covered.

How Liberty Home Guard Can Help

A comprehensive home warranty can protect more than just your garage door. It can ensure the continued functionality of virtually all the expensive appliances and systems in your home. Contact Liberty Home Guard at (833)-544-8273 to learn more about a plan that works for you.