Garage doors are usually the biggest moving parts in our homes and we use them every day – sometimes more times per day. But how much time do we spend on garage door maintenance?
We are sure that you don’t want to hear squeaky sounds when opening garage doors or having bigger safety issues. Yes, poorly maintained garage doors can be dangerous if they are in so bad shape that they collapse and hurt somebody.
Here are some steps to making sure your garage look door is safe, look great and lasts longer.
Regularly Inspect for Possible Issues
Maintenance is very important when you are trying to make a garage door last for a longer time. Every six months or so, you may want to check the door for buckles, balance the door, lubricate the moving parts, tighten the hardware and inspect the safety feature. This will make it less likely to damage in the future and is something you should do whether you see the wear signs or not.
Clean the Door
Make sure you also clean the door regularly and remove the rust (if you have a metal door). Not only should you clean the panels, but also clean the tracks. Doing it once a month should be enough to prevent most garage door problems, but make sure that you don’t clean the automatic door opener. That might just end up voiding the warranty.
Paint the Door
You should paint the garage door at least every five years in order to refresh the look of the door. If your door has any metal parts, you should consider getting paint with anti-rust properties. PVC garage doors, on the other hand, might work much better with multi-surface paint. Painting the garage door in the right color can increase the home value as concluded in Zillow’s research.
Focus on Quality
The saying “you get what you paid for” applies to everything – even garage doors. When you buy new garage doors, you should ensure they’re high quality and made from durable materials. The cleaning products that you use should also be efficient yet gentle.
Replace the Weather Seal
Every door has a weather seal, typically found at the bottom of the door. This prevents water from getting in – thus, keeping the humidity out protects against rust. Make sure that the seal isn’t cracked or that it does not cause a jam in the door. If the seal is in good condition, simply adjusting it may be enough. However, if it’s damaged or moldy, then you may want to replace it entirely.
Use Old Doors Sparingly
It might seem obvious, but if you want your garage door to last for longer, then you should use it sparingly. We’re not saying that you should not use it when you need it – but by simply using the back home door instead of the big front door of the garage, you may reduce wear and tear. A torsion spring lasts for around 10,000 cycles, so if you use it several times a day, you may want to check and replace it every 4-5 years.
Takeaway
A long-lasting door is one that is properly taken care of. Always watch and listen to your door when it’s moving, and check for damage when it’s not moving. The sooner you catch any issue, and the more frequently you provide maintenance, the longer the door will last.
