Extend the Life of Your Garage Door with Regular Maintenance

Your garage door is a workhorse, opening and closing countless times a year. But just like your car needs regular tune-ups, your garage door needs routine maintenance to ensure it continues to operate smoothly, safely, and efficiently for years to come.

Deluxe Door Systems, your trusted garage door partner in Columbus, Ohio, is here to provide a comprehensive guide to keep your garage door in top condition.

Why is Maintenance Important?

Regular maintenance offers several benefits:

Extended Lifespan: Just like regular oil changes for your car, proper maintenance can significantly extend the life of your garage door and its components.
Improved Safety: A well-maintained garage door is less likely to malfunction, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Enhanced Performance: Regular maintenance ensures smooth, quiet operation and prevents unexpected breakdowns.
Increased Energy Efficiency: Properly sealed and lubricated doors help maintain the temperature in your garage, potentially saving you money on energy bills.
Early Problem Detection: Routine inspections can catch minor issues before they become major (and expensive) repairs.

Your Garage Door Maintenance Checklist

Here’s a breakdown of essential maintenance tasks:

Visual Inspection (Monthly)

Door Panels: Look for dents, cracks, or signs of rust.
Tracks: Inspect for bends, dents, or obstructions.
Hardware: Check hinges, rollers, and brackets for signs of wear and tear or loose bolts.
Weatherstripping: Ensure the weatherstripping at the bottom and sides of the door is intact and sealing properly.

Lubrication (Every 3-6 Months)

Rollers: Apply a garage door-specific lubricant to the rollers. Avoid WD-40, as it can degrease the parts.
Hinges: Lubricate all hinge points.
Tracks: Apply lubricant to the tracks where the rollers travel.
Springs: Use a non-petroleum based lubricant on the springs to prevent buildup.
Opener Chain or Belt: If you have a chain-driven opener, lubricate the chain with a white lithium grease.

Balance Test (Yearly)

Disengage the opener: Disconnect the opener by pulling the emergency release cord.
Manually lift the door: Raise the door about halfway.
Check for balance: The door should stay in place without assistance. If it falls or rises, the springs may need adjustment
Call a professional: Do not attempt to adjust the springs yourself. This is a dangerous task best left to trained technicians.

Safety Sensor Check (Monthly)

Test the sensors: Place an object in the path of the closing door. The door should reverse when it senses the object.
Clean the sensors: Wipe the sensor lenses with a clean cloth to remove any dirt or grime.
Check alignment: Ensure the sensors are properly aligned.

Clean the Door (Yearly)

Wash the door: Use a mild detergent and water to clean the door panels.
Rinse and dry: Rinse the door thoroughly and dry it with a soft cloth.
Touch up paint: If you have a painted door, touch up any chips or scratches to prevent rust.

Professional Service (Yearly)

Schedule an inspection: Call Deluxe Door Systems to schedule an annual inspection and tune-up. Our technicians will perform a comprehensive check of your garage door system, lubricate all moving parts, and address any potential issues.

Deluxe Door Systems: Your Maintenance Partner

By following these maintenance tips, you can extend the life of your garage door, improve its performance, and enhance safety. But remember, some tasks are best left to the professionals. Deluxe Door Systems is here to provide expert service and maintenance to keep your garage door operating smoothly for years to come.