The Importance of Regular Garage Door Maintenance

Maintenance is part and parcel of being a homeowner. If you want your home to stay in good, beautiful, functional shape - both inside and outside - you need to take care of it. That applies to your garage doors as much as any other part of your property. Never underestimate the importance of regular garage door maintenance. It is a matter not only of ensuring the ongoing functionality of your door but also one of safety, security, and financial savings.

Ensuring Garage Door Safety and Security

The primary purpose of your garage door is to serve as a security measure. It restricts access to your home and keeps your vehicles and other belongings safe. If the operation of your door is impaired in any way, your house is more susceptible to break-ins. This is another factor that contributes to the importance of regular garage door maintenance: it is a vital safety and security measure.

There is also more at stake than security. Garage door safety is vital for you and your family. A broken garage door can pose a safety risk in its own right. Damaged springs and malfunctioning reverse mechanisms can both cause serious injuries in addition to causing damage to your property. It just makes sense to have the door inspected annually and repaired when necessary. 

Prolonging Garage Door Lifespan

Garage doors consist of fairly complex mechanisms operating heavy components. As such, they are inclined to wear and tear through constant daily operation. Problems are bound to develop and, if left unresolved, will gradually worsen over time, which is bound to decrease garage door lifespan. By repairing minor issues when they arise, you will keep your door running for much longer.

Optimal Functionality

Checking and maintaining your doors regularly will help to prevent mechanical issues and ensure smooth, continuous operation. The best way to stay ahead of your garage door's potential for wear and a possible decline in functioning is to have a professional installer or technician check the door at least once a year. That way, you can avoid breakdowns, save money, and never worry about your door’s functionality. Overlooking the importance of regular garage door maintenance can simply lead to your garage door failing to operate as you need it to.

Cost Savings

Investing in a little regular maintenance will help you save money in the long run. By fixing minor problems now, you can avoid having to spend more than you bargained for. It is possible to steer clear of ever needing large-scale repairs to your garage doors, saving you hundreds of dollars.

Garage Door Maintenance Checklist

If you are not sure how to conduct regular maintenance on your doors, just follow this garage door maintenance checklist:

• Watch and listen for any problems. Be conscious of your door and its functioning. You will be able to recognize its normal sounds and movements. If you see any irregularities, investigate immediately. Call a technician if necessary.
• Test the reversal mechanism. To prevent your door from closing on your car, or injuring somebody, it is fitted with an automatic reversal system. Test this regularly by placing a heavy object in the door's path. If it does not detect the object and reverse, have it repaired right away.
• Check bolts and brackets: The bolts and brackets that hold your door together are likely to come loose over time. Every couple of months, check them and tighten them if necessary.
• Lubricate the moving parts: Check that the door is running smoothly and add lubricant if necessary.
• Check the balance. Put your door on manual and then open it halfway. If it doesn’t remain suspended in place, it means your springs aren’t balanced. You will need to call out a technician.
• Check the rollers: Twice a year, check your rollers for cracks or wear and tear. 
• Check the weatherstripping: At the change of the season, check the weatherstripping for cracks or tears. It is fairly easy to replace worn-out weatherstripping yourself.
• Wash your door. Keep your garage door looking like new by washing it regularly. Make sure you have the right cleaners for your door type.

Tri-Lakes Garage Doors supplies and installs quality garage doors throughout the Front Range area. Contact us for more information about our custom garage doors. We understand the importance of regular garage door maintenance, and our technicians are always available for inspections and repairs.