garage door replacement; photo by austinsgaragedoors
The garage door is one of the main security and entrance points of your home. Keeping it good working order is important for both your convenience and peace of mind. You probably use your garage door several times each day, so you should expect it to need a little maintenance from time to time. Some maintenance duties you will be able to take care of yourself, while others may require a professional. If your garage door has been in place for a while, it may be time to consider an Austin garage door replacement.
The most beneficial thing you can do to extend the life of your garage door is to pay attention. If it starts making a funny noise when it opens or closes or seems to jerk or jump in places, take the time to look things over. All of the up and down of the garage door can lead to the hardware loosening up over time. Often the only thing you need to do to improve the tracking and reduce noise is to tighten up the bolts and roller brackets.
If tightening up the hardware doesn’t fix the problem, it may be time to check the garage door’s balance. Checking the balance on a regular basis is a good idea anyway, as a door that is out of balance will cause uneven wear on the hardware and premature aging. Disconnect the opener from the door by pulling the release handle and manually move the door so it is open halfway. It should stay there by itself. If it wants to keep moving up or fall back down, the counterweight system needs adjustment. You will want to contact a professional for this job.
Regular inspection of the rollers allows you to see if they are becoming worn or chipped. It is not unusual for the rollers to need replacing long before the door itself needs replacement. Another component that may require replacement is the weatherstripping. If it becomes brittle and cracked it cannot effectively work as a barrier against the elements. Weatherstripping replacement is an easy do it yourself job.
While you are inspecting your garage door, it makes sense to lubricate the moving parts of your door, such as the opener’s screw or chain and the overhead springs. This only takes a few minutes and can add years to the life of your door. While you are lubricating these parts, make a visual inspection of the cables that lift the door, looking for signs of wear. Do not attempt to work on these yourself, as they are under high tension and working with them is a job for the professionals.
As you can see, it doesn’t take long to complete check and maintain your garage doors. Doing so allows you to catch small problems before they develop into major issues. Contacting a professional at Austin’s Greater Garage Doors allows you to keep your garage door in good running order.