Extend the Life of Your Garage Door

Newnan Garage DoorHaving a new garage door installed is a big decision regarding your property, and it could take quite a bit of money. So how about instead, you simply keep the one you’ve got in good condition ~ working and looking as good as you can for as long as you can?

You may ask: How long is a garage door supposed to last, with normal wear and tear? It depends on so many factors. First, depending on the manufacturer, you’ll already have a rough estimate from the company. Second, if the quality of the construction materials is optimal, your garage door will certainly last much longer.

Today’s garage doors are of much higher caliber than the garage doors of 30 years ago. They are also manufactured to stricter safety standards. Not only does a prime-quality garage door help provide a barrier for reducing heat transfer into the garage, it’s a huge part of your home’s appearance and value. Hardware and door sections of maximum-quality garage doors are tested thoroughly and have better warranties.

Don’t ignore the regular maintenance schedule recommended by the local garage door experts of Newnan, Georgia. Here’s how we suggest you can prolong the life span of your garage door.

Actually, your garage door is the biggest operating appliance in your home, so make sure you keep it in tip-top shape. Especially if you use your garage as a workshop or a game room, you’ll want to have a well-maintained garage overall, which includes starting with a dependable and tough garage door.

To be extra safe, inspect the components of your garage door system about once each month. Replace any worn parts as you find them, and tighten down any loose bolts. If you notice any unusual noises as your garage door opens and closes, investigate. Cables, pulleys, springs, and wires require extra attention by a professional. It’s best to schedule an annual inspection by your local garage door repair service.

Keep it lubricated

The most common aspects that require garage door repair are broken springs and cables. So always make sure your garage door springs, rollers, and hinges are lubricated.

Most garage door technicians say you must keep the springs lubricated once a year, before winter comes; other experts say to do it every 3 months. In any case, be sure to use a reputable brand, so it won’t dry out. Without lubrication, the springs will eventually rust, and the coils will bind against each other. Don’t use anything too heavy, or it will only attract more dirt and grime. A light coating is all you need. Most springs last for about 10 years.

Most garage door openers can last a good 20 years, but you’ll need to keep an eye on the opener's main gear. Open the case and lubricate the main gear with white lithium grease, and you’ll help prolong the life of your garage door opener.

Keep it clean

You can make your garage door last longer by washing it on both sides with a sponge and some mild dish soap and water. Rinse it well with clean water. Don’t forget the garage door opener sensor eyes. Wash with a clean, dry cloth. Keep the area around the sensors free of cobwebs and dirt.

  • Is your garage door made of steel? Wash it at least every other year. Apply car wax for added cold-weather protection.
  • Is your garage door made of wood? Make sure you maintain topnotch curb appeal with a fresh coat of paint at any signs of chipping and peeling.

Keep it balanced

If you want to be a responsible homeowner, prolong the life of your garage door by checking the balance at least 2 times per year:

  • Disconnect it from the opener, and operate the door manually. (Pull down on the rope that hangs from the opener, and this will disconnect the door, so you can lift it up.)
  • At about 3-4 feet from the floor, the door should balance. If there's resistance, if the door is too heavy, or if the door doesn't stay all the way up, the spring needs adjusting. It’s time to hire a local Newnan, Georgia garage door expert.
  • For instructions on how to reattach the garage door to the garage door opener, check the owner's manual.

Keep it safe

You should also check the garage door's safety features regularly:

  • To check the door's safety sensors, wave in front of the electronic eye. The door should go back up when the beam is broken.

CAUTION

DO NOT EVER attempt to adjust the spring tension on your garage door by yourself, unless you’re an engineer! Only a qualified professional garage door repair technician should maintain them. Your garage door springs are under high tension. If not properly serviced, they can cause serious injury, and even death. Along with the garage door springs, the cables, drums, and the garage door bottom brackets, which the cables attach to, are all under high pressure. We can’t say it enough: If any of these components needs adjusting, avoid serious injury! Hire a premium garage door repair company, such as Newnan Garage Repair right here in Newnan, GA.

Keep it working

  • Operate the door one full cycle (open and close) and make sure it’s smooth.
  • Finally, check the automatic reversing garage door opener feature. When the door is on its way down, grab it and give it a little bit of resistance, to see if it reverses. If it doesn't, the opener's sensitivity should be adjusted.
  • If the garage door does not reverse, or you see any other problems, it’s time to have a qualified garage door company inspect, adjust, repair and and/or replace what’s needed.

The short time necessary to keep your garage door in top shape is well worth it. Garage door maintenance is relatively easy, and definitely worth the savings of time and money. You won’t have to spend an arm and a leg repairing your garage door, nor will you have to replace it for many years.