Keeping Your Garage Door in Top Shape to Prevent Malfunctions
- Dodson Garage Doors
- Nov 3, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 9, 2020
For the most part, the garage door is one of the most low-maintenance and straightforward parts of any home. Open and close, up and down—it’s a continuous cycle that lasts over the course of several years. And then one day, out of nowhere, it just stops working properly.
The good news is that since it’s such a simple mechanism by default, the repairs are usually also pretty simple. Of course, that isn’t always the case. Several factors can contribute to garage door repair suddenly becoming a major undertaking. Sometimes, the only solution is total replacement.
Standard Upkeep
If at this moment your garage door is perfectly fine, that’s great! For as long as you do a routine check-up and maintenance, the lifespan will be practically infinite. Here are some ways to stay on top of your garage doors, and tips for any possible concerns that can be solved with a quick fix.
Pay attention to the rollers and tracks. Take note of the last time they were cleaned. Not knowing when the last time was means it was probably far too long ago. Brush them and lubricate the axles and rollers.
The roller’s tracks come in sections, attached to the garage door with brackets. Ensure that the sections are secure and the tightness of the bolts and screws that hold the brackets.
If your garage door is operated by a spring, the cables and pulleys have a possibility of wearing out as time passes. Damaged pulleys need to be replaced, as do frayed cables; this is best left to professionals.
Check the balance of the door. It usually takes minimal pressure-just a few pounds or so for a garage door to move. Springs wearing out and losing their resiliency may exacerbate the mechanism, wearing out the opener’s motor. Worn-out springs are best replaced by a professional garage door technician.
Check on the automated reverse feature. By default, if an obstacle is encountered on the way down, garage door openers are designed to automatically reverse them. Should this feature malfunction, the heavy door is then a safety hazard that needs repair or full replacement.
Common Problems
Despite regular cleaning and maintenance, there’s always a possibility that problems will arise. Typical garage door issues include noise due to hinges that may be rusty, worn-out rollers, and doors being frozen due to extreme moisture and cold, especially in the winter. These are usually best left to technicians, who can properly diagnose and repair the issues at hand.
Conclusion
For the most part, garage doors are no fuss. However, they’re still quite formidable; they’re incredibly heavy, up to hundreds of pounds at a time. It’s important to make sure that they are properly maintained—or replaced when needed—-to avoid possible accidents. After all, you and your family deserve only the best and safest. When it’s time for a repair or replacement, going the DIY route may do more harm than good. Leave the job to the experts to ensure that your garage doors are handled properly.
For a trustworthy garage door service in Birmingham, AL, reach out to Dodson Garage Doors LLC! We look forward to helping you maintain one of the most convenient parts of your home. If a replacement is necessary, we’ll be able to help you with that too!
We offer service to the following cities and their surrounding towns:
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