It's Up And Down: 4 Ways To Keep Your Garage Door Opener Running Smoothly
Your garage door probably endures more wear and tear than any other piece of equipment in your home. You probably open and close it at least twice each day – when you leave for the day and when you return. In fact, depending on how busy your family is, it might be opened and closed more often than that. Because it's used so often, it's important that you keep your garage door properly maintained. Proper maintenance can prevent breakdowns and keep your family safe from malfunctions. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you keep your garage door in proper working order.
Check the Hardware
Your garage door moves using a system of tracks, brackets and rollers. Over time, the hardware can work loose. This is particularly true if you open and close your garage door several times a day. The vibration caused by the door moving along the tracks can cause bolts to work loose. In addition, the rollers can wear out through overuse.
Once your hardware gets loose and starts to wear out, your garage door will not move properly. To prevent malfunctions, you should inspect the hardware once a month. Check for loose or missing bolts, as well as wear marks on the rollers.
Lubricate the Chains and Springs
Metal fatigue can cause your chains and springs to wear out and fail. In addition, moisture in the garage can also cause the chains and springs to corrode. You can help your chains and springs last longer by lubricating them at least once a year.
Water-based lubricating sprays should be applied to the entire surface of your garage door springs as well as to the drive chain that runs from the garage door opener to the garage door itself.
Adjust the Travel Setting
Take a look at the way your door opens and closes. If your door doesn't close all the way, or it comes back up as soon as it touches the floor, you should adjust the travel setting on your garage door opener. The travel setting can be adjusted by using the settings knob that's attached to the side of the motor housing for the garage door opener.
Inspect the Weather Sealing
Your garage door is equipped with a weather seal that's attached to the bottom of the door. The weather seal prevents water from entering your garage. Weather sealing that's dry, brittle or cracked should be replaced as soon as possible. Damaged weather sealing can prevent your garage door from closing properly.
Your garage door requires routine maintenance in order to operate smoothly. Use the step-by-step instructions provided above to help your garage door last longer. For more tips, contact a company like J & R Garage Door Company Inc.