Performing garage door maintenance in Portland, OR, can be the difference between arriving at your destination on time and your car getting trapped inside. You may raise and lower your garage door two to eight times a day between running errands and getting everyone to school and work. If the door is louder than usual or operates with a jerky motion, it may be time for routine maintenance. Here are some tips on how to maintain a garage door and extend its useable life.
Keep the Door Lubricated
The slapping or groaning sounds coming from the door when it opens or closes could indicate the drive chain or belt is a bit slack. Disconnect the power to the door before making adjustments according to the manufacturer’s garage door maintenance tips or care instructions. Tighten the chain or belt and any loose pads or screws. Use garage door lubricant to prevent corrosion to the metal parts, and spray white lithium grease on the chain and screws as needed.
Check the Weather Seals
The seals at the bottom of the garage door help prevent snakes and vermin from entering the garage and from the elements. If the weatherstrip appears worn or brittle, replace it. Raise the door to about chest height, place a clamp under the roller to keep the door in place, and use a pry bar or screwdriver to remove the old weather stripping from its groove at the bottom of the door.
Reinsert a new weather seal strip and trim it to about four inches beyond the door’s edge. Spray the springs liberally with oil and do not remove the excess.
Keep the Door Tracks Clean
A critical component of garage door maintenance is checking the rollers and tracks regularly. Inspect the rollers for signs of wear and tear. Nylon rollers often crack as they age. Steel rollers may look lopsided and have worn bearings. Install replacement rollers as needed.
Check the tracks on either side of the door, ensuring that they are free from debris. The tracks on the door do not require heavy grease or lubrication, and adding it can speed the collection of dirt and dust, making it harder for the door to open and close. Use the products recommended by the door’s manufacturer to clean the door tracks once or twice a year.
Keep the Garage Door Balanced
If the garage door is not balanced correctly, the opener will work harder than necessary. Unbalanced doors can prematurely strip the couplers, drive gears, carriages, and sprockets on automatic openers. The uneven weight can also affect the switches, capacitors, and motor. Worn springs and extra weight, such as insulation added after the door was installed, can also unbalance the garage door. An experienced garage door technician in Portland, OR, can examine the door and make the repairs needed to ensure the door is safely balanced.
Test the Safety Features
Testing the safety features once or twice a year can ensure the garage door maintenance steps you take are effective. Checking the balance, mechanical reverse feature, and door photocell help determine if you can benefit from having a technician service the door. If your garage door opener lacks these features, it may be time for an upgrade.
Garage Door Maintenance in Portland, OR
The garage door is the largest moving part of your home, and it’s used day and night throughout the year. At Overhead Door Company of Portland, our team of expert technicians can repair worn, broken components and complete routine garage door maintenance that can help extend its lifespan. If you need the current door replaced, our team has the specialized skills to help you select and install the right door for your home. Contact us today or call 503-252-5111 to schedule an appointment.
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