The average garage door has a lifespan of 15 to 30 years—quite a broad range, right? So what determines the difference between a door that lasts 15 years, and one that makes it all the way to 30? It’s simple: proper maintenance. At Door Power, we stress the importance of proper garage door care because we know high-quality doors are a significant investment. When maintained properly, a well-constructed garage door can serve your home for decades. Curious about what you need to do to maximize the life of your door? Check out our brief guide below.
Maintain the Weatherstripping
Your garage door’s weatherstripping is located around the edges of the door and prevents moisture and debris from entering your garage while the door is closed. Typically, weatherstripping is comprised of vinyl, rubber, or PVC, which means it will gradually degrade over time. If the degradation becomes significant, the door may not function properly, and excessive outside moisture may enter your garage.
To extend the life of the weatherstripping and, thus, the life of the door, you must ensure the material remains clean and properly lubricated. To do this, visually examine the weatherstripping and remove debris using a clean, damp cloth. You may require an all-purpose cleaner to remove heavy buildup. When the material is completely dry, apply a thin layer of silicone-based lubricant to protect the material from dehydration and cracking. For best results, you should examine and lubricate your door’s weatherstripping at three-month intervals.
Service the Hardware
Just as you must maintain the moving components of your vehicle to support its longevity, you must maintain the working parts of your garage door, too. Springs, hinges, rollers, and tracks all require regular cleaning and lubrication to function optimally. Here’s what you need to do:
● Springs. Gently remove any dust or debris from the door’s springs. Apply a scant layer of lubricant to each of the springs. Wipe away excess lubricant with a lint-free cloth.
● Hinges. Clean hinges using a damp cloth. After they’ve dried completely, apply a thin layer of lubricant to each hinge and door joint.
● Tracks and rollers. Clean the door’s tracks and rollers using a damp cloth. After removing all debris, apply a thin layer of lubricant and wipe away any excess using a lint-free cloth.
For a full hardware maintenance routine, refer to your garage door owner manual for in-depth instructions.
Test Door Balance
An unbalanced garage door typically closes more rapidly than it should, which poses a significant safety risk to you and your family. Accelerated operating speed can also put excessive strain on various mechanical components of the door, causing them to wear prematurely. To avoid a safety hazard and extend the life of your door, you should test its balance at least once per year. Here’s how to do it:
● Close the door and disconnect it from the garage door opener.
● Manually raise the door until it’s approximately two feet above ground.
● Step back several feet from the door and observe whether the door moves.
A properly balanced door should not move when it is disconnected from the opener; the springs should fully support its weight and keep it stationary. An unbalanced door typically moves on one side or the other due to slack in the tension of one of the springs. If, after performing this test, you determine that your garage door is out-of-balance, you need to contact a garage door repair company promptly.
Need Garage Door Repair or Installation? Contact Door Power
At Door Power, we know a high-quality garage door is a significant investment. That’s why we’re here to help you care for your door throughout its life. Our expert team has over 60 years of combined experience, and we’re ready to put our skills to work to keep your garage door in perfect working condition. Whether you need garage door repairs or you’re looking to upgrade your existing door, we’re here when you need us. To learn more about our products and services or to schedule your service appointment, give our team a call at 652-467-3199. Or, you can always send us a message on our contact page.