While routine garage door maintenance is essential for keeping your door functioning smoothly, many homeowners unknowingly make mistakes that can lead to bigger problems down the line. To help you avoid costly repairs and potential hazards, we’ve compiled a list of the most common garage door maintenance mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Overlooking Lubrication
One of the most frequent mistakes homeowners make is neglecting to lubricate the moving parts of the garage door. Without proper lubrication, the hinges, springs, rollers, and tracks can experience excessive friction, leading to wear and tear, noisy operation, and even part failure.
How to Avoid It: Use a silicone-based lubricant on the moving parts of your garage door every six months. Avoid using WD-40 or grease, as these can attract dirt and cause buildup.
2. Ignoring Minor Noises
If your garage door starts making unusual noises, it’s easy to dismiss them as harmless. However, rattling, grinding, or squeaking sounds often indicate underlying issues that could worsen if left unaddressed. Common culprits include loose hardware, worn rollers, or misaligned tracks.
How to Avoid It: Always investigate and address strange sounds as soon as you notice them. Tighten any loose bolts or screws, lubricate moving parts, and check for any signs of wear. If the problem persists, call a professional to diagnose and fix the issue.
3. DIY Repairs on High-Tension Parts
Garage door springs and cables are under high tension, which makes them extremely dangerous to handle without the proper tools and expertise. Many homeowners attempt to fix or replace broken springs themselves, resulting in injuries or further damage to the garage door system.
How to Avoid It: Leave any repairs involving high-tension springs, cables, or tracks to professionals. While DIY fixes may seem cost-effective, they can be dangerous and lead to more expensive repairs if done incorrectly.
4. Neglecting Safety Features
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features like auto-reverse mechanisms and photoelectric sensors. These features prevent the door from closing if something is in its path. Ignoring or failing to test these features regularly can result in accidents or damage to property.
How to Avoid It: Test the auto-reverse feature and sensors at least once every six months. Place an object like a block of wood in the door’s path and attempt to close it. The door should reverse direction upon contact with the object. If it doesn’t, adjust or clean the sensors, and call a professional if the problem persists.
5. Forgetting to Check the Balance
An unbalanced garage door puts extra strain on the opener, leading to premature wear and tear. Many homeowners don’t realize how important it is to regularly check the door’s balance, which can prevent the door from working correctly or cause it to fall unexpectedly.
How to Avoid It: Disconnect the garage door opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, the door is balanced. If it moves up or down, the springs may need adjustment. Call a professional to rebalance the door if necessary.
Conclusion for Garage Door Maintenance
Avoiding these common garage door maintenance mistakes can save you from costly repairs and potential safety hazards. Regular lubrication, addressing unusual noises, testing safety features, and leaving high-tension repairs to professionals will ensure your garage door stays in optimal condition. At Open Sesame Garage Doors Summerlin, we provide expert maintenance services to keep your garage door running smoothly and safely.
FAQs for Garage Door Maintenance
How often should I lubricate my garage door? Lubricate the moving parts every six months to reduce friction and prevent wear.
Is it safe to fix garage door springs myself? No, high-tension springs should only be handled by a professional due to the risk of injury.
Why is my garage door making strange noises? Noises can be caused by loose hardware, worn rollers, or misaligned tracks. Address these issues immediately to prevent further damage.
How do I test my garage door’s safety features? Test the auto-reverse feature by placing an object in the door’s path. The door should reverse upon contact with the object.
How do I know if my garage door is unbalanced? Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, it’s balanced. If it moves, call a professional for adjustment.