Well-functioning garage doors make life more convenient. They are also more secure and provide you peace of mind. When they’re not working well, they can cause many hassles. The good news is that the most common garage door issues are easily preventable. Let’s explore the steps to stop them from happening on your residential or commercial property.
Schedule a Professional Checkup Annually
A common mistake people make when it comes to their garage doors is not scheduling an appointment until there’s a problem. At that point, you’re already in need of a repair. The better approach is to schedule professional garage door maintenance inspection once a year. Book that appointment even when you don’t notice anything wrong.
A skilled technician can perform a comprehensive assessment. Your technician can correct any normal wear and tear and, if necessary, recommend proactive repairs. That approach will save you money, time, and hassles.
Test the Garage Door Opener
Your monthly inspection is also an excellent time to test your garage door opener and remotes. Write down when you replace your remote batteries. Swap them out on a set schedule rather than waiting for them to fail. If you use your keypads and remotes often, replace the batteries once a year. Otherwise, you can replace them every two years.
Make sure the opener works with each of your remotes. Ensure that it works from the wall switch as well. You should also check your opener owner’s manual for any other tests the manufacturer recommends. Inspect the sensors as well and clean them as needed. In most cases, you’ll just need to use a slightly damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution, such as dish detergent.
Lubricate Regularly and Clean the Tracks
Make sure there’s no obstruction in the tracks. That includes foreign objects but also the sludge and other debris that can build up over time. If you find anything, an old cloth, a household degreaser, and a vacuum are generally the tools you’ll need. After cleaning, re-lubricate the wheels (if you have metal wheels – no need to lubricate plastic wheels). Note that you shouldn’t use just any lubricant. Use one specifically designed for garage doors.
Don’t Ignore Unusual Noises or Vibrations
Some light vibration as the doors move up and down is normal. Any harsher vibration is not. That includes vibration and noises that come from the doors themselves, the tracks, the opener, and so forth. These issues may not seem like a big deal at first. Yet, left uncorrected, they can lead to significant wear and tear over time.
Don’t Ignore Moisture
Watch for moisture on the inner side of the door. It can be condensation or even rainwater. If you have moisture, it indicates worn or inadequate weatherstripping. Fixing and replacing weatherstripping that has worn out is generally a quick task for an expert garage door company. If your garage gets very hot in summer or cold in winter, consider an insulation upgrade as well.
Your Local Garage Door Professionals in Telford
KJ Doors has specialized in garage doors for over 40 years. Our garage door technicians provide a full range of residential and commercial services throughout Telford, PA, and the surrounding areas.
Our team performs repair for all types of garage doors, including sectional, rolling, and hollow. We perform new installations and replacements. We’re available for routine inspections and maintenance.
We also install weatherstripping, door locks and other security features, dock equipment, and door operators. To learn more about these products and services, call us today, or contact us online using our convenient form.
