As a homeowner, it’s easy to forget about your garage door when it’s working properly. Then, all of a sudden, it stops in the middle of a cycle or simply won’t go up and down at all, and you have a real problem. Luckily, just doing some simple maintenance at regular times can prevent many issues from occurring.
Listening and Looking
Simply running your garage door up and down a few times while listening and looking is the place to start. If you do hear any squeaking, then the culprit is likely the hardware. Lubricating all moving parts will usually stop small noises.
Whether there are any noises or not, tighten moving parts with a socket wrench. This helps keep the door on track (literally), and it also helps prevent the door from becoming misaligned over time. Sweep the area below your garage door, especially where it meets the driveway, to get rid of leaves.
Lubricating and Cleaning
Inspect the tracks that the door runs up and down on for debris and dirt and then wipe down the entire path. All you need is a rag. Additionally, the safety sensors at the bottom of the door should be wiped down as well. Do this carefully! If the two sensors are not aligned with each other, then the door will not go up or down.
Cleaning the garage door itself doesn’t make much difference in its functioning, but it does amp up the curb appeal of your home. If you have a power washer, use it, but a rag and a bucket of water with dishwashing detergent works just fine. You’ll likely be shocked by how much dirt comes off your door!
Always Inspect
With the door up, take a look at the weatherstripping at the very bottom. This is important because it keeps drafts and water from seeping under the door from outside. Weatherstripping also helps keeps wandering bugs and creatures out of your garage. Replace it if it’s torn or worn out.
If, like most homeowners, you have an automatic garage door opener, remember that you can always put the door into manual mode if you need to. Usually, there’s a cord hanging down from the belt that allows this. Also, change bulbs in the opener as needed so that you are never wandering around in the dark of your garage. Not all openers use batteries, but if yours does, then replace them as needed.
A garage door that stops working when you need it open or closed can be a hassle. Fortunately, doing regular maintenance at least twice a year helps ensure a long life for both your opener and garage door itself. If you have concerns or require garage door parts, contact Top Notch Garage Door in Atlanta, GA.