The garage door is the largest and heaviest moving appliance in a home. Door weight can range between 300 and 600 pounds, which means it is essential to maintaining and caring for your opening system. Without proper care, your system could begin to weaken, corrode and stall – making it not only work improperly but also become a major safety hazard to you, your family and your belongings.
A little extra noise might not bother you to begin with, but overtime that small nuisance can indicate big problems, and if they’re not handled, that heavy door could come slamming down on anything in its path without any notice.
This is where being proactive can pay off. An annual inspection doesn’t take long, but can make a big difference when it comes to your pocketbook. To prevent any issues from rising, the seasoned professionals of New Braunfels Overhead Door Pros want you to have the best tips for garage door maintenance.
Sights and sounds matter. If you hear that little noise, grinding, groaning or scraping – it may need some extra attention. Is there a gap between the sealant and the cement? Does everything look like it’s balanced and in its proper place? Taking note of what you see and hear can help you spot problems and address them right away.
Safety check. Because of the auto-reverse safety features there are actual two ways to ensure its working to its standard. The first is by placing a solid object – perhaps wood – on the ground beneath the closing path of the door. The door should reverse back up once it has made contact with the object. The other safety check is by waving your foot or hand in front of the sensor while the door is lowering. It should rise back up once the sensor has activated.
Clear and lubricate. Do an inspection of your track and any moving parts. If you notice any leaves or debris, clear it out so it continues to operate smoothly. Lubricate any moving parts with grease so that it remains seamlessly working.
Cable check. And we don’t mean your local TV provider. While we would never advise you to tinker with the cables themselves, employing the sights and sounds approach is encouraged. If you see any broken strands or damage near the bottom of the roller bracket, it’s time to call in a professional to check your garage door opener.
Exterior elements. Once you have inspected the inside, don’t forget to take a loo at the weather seal and outside components. If you notice any cracks or gaps in your seal, replace it to keep your garage insulated from the weather. If you see any water damage, peeling paint or rust spots to the exterior – it may be time for a little TLC. Now you know a few of the basic tips for maintaining a garage door opener, but if you want to do a more thorough inspection – call in the professionals of New Braunfels Overhead Door Pros. Our staff is highly trained and can help you keep your home and family safe year-after-year.