Keep Your New Garage Door in Tip-Top Shape with These 8 Easy Tips
Congratulations on your shiny, new garage door. It’s pretty much like getting a new toy, isn’t it? As much as we don’t want to be the grown-ups talking about responsibilities, a little maintenance is all it takes to keep that door gliding like a dream. Think of it as feeding a pet dragon—essential if you don’t want it to turn around and breathe fire (or, in this case, refuse to open on a rainy day).
Now, let’s look through some handy tips to make sure your garage door stays in the game.
1. Lubricate The Door
Garage doors have a sweet tooth for lubrication. Just like peanut butter on toast, it helps things slide smoothly. Use a spray lubricant on the door’s moving parts every few months. That includes rollers, hinges, and tracks. Steer clear of the sloppy, sticky stuff like grease—it’ll just invite dust to the party.
2. Keep An Eye on the Balance
Picture this: You’re baking a cake, and the batter’s all off-balance. That’s trouble with a capital T. Much like your sweet treats, your garage door needs balance. If it’s not, the opener will have to work like a dog, and nobody wants a tired old pooch.
Test the balance by pulling the release handle to disconnect the opener. Manually lift the door halfway. If it sticks around like it’s found its new favorite shelf spot, you’re golden.
3. Mind the Tracks
Dirt can be as sneaky as a cat at night. So it’s wise to keep those tracks clean and clear. Brush and vacuum any debris or cobwebs. Like you, your door loves a clear path to success!
If the tracks get bent from, say, a game of backyard baseball gone awry, you may need a professional touch to straighten them out. But minor tweaks you can manage with a soft cloth should work wonders.
4. Check the Weather Stripping
Texas weather is no joke—it can change as fast as a cowboy’s mood. The rubber seal, also known as the weather stripping, at the bottom of your door helps keep Mother Nature outside where she belongs.
Check for cracks or brittle spots and replace them if necessary. It’s as easy as changing a bike tire and way cheaper than cranking up your AC to fight a chilly draft.
5. Test the Autoreverse Feature
This feature makes sure your garage door plays nice with pets, kids, and overzealous gardening tools left in its path. Place a piece of lumber or a similar object in the door’s path. When the door hits it, it ought to reverse faster than a kid running from chores. If it doesn’t, the door might need some tinkering by a pro.
6. Tighten the Hardware
Let’s be real, San Antonio’s not known for its gentle breezes. Over time, the vibration from the door and those blustery winds can make the nuts and bolts loose like a goose.
Grab your trusty wrench and check all the nuts and bolts every few months. This keeps the vibrations under wraps, ensuring everything stays snug as a bug in a rug.
7. Freshen Up the Paintwork
Not just for vanity’s sake, a fresh coat of paint protects your garage door from the elements, much like sunscreen on a beach day. Rust is about as welcome as a skunk in a sleeping bag. Give the door a fresh coat every few years to keep things looking sharp and new.
8. Schedule Professional Checkups
Even a craftsman needs a toolkit, right? While you can handle the small stuff, big tasks are best left to the pros. At least once a year, invite experts to do a thorough check-up. It’s an opportunity for your door to get its spa day without the cucumbers.
Wrapping Up the Nuts and Bolts
Look, we know it sounds like a bit of work, but keeping your garage door chugging along is easier than finding a good parking spot downtown. With regular check-ups and a bit of maintenance magic, you’re ensuring your door doesn’t just look good but works like a charm, rain or shine.
Got a problem bigger than a two-dollar steak? Don’t sweat it! Give our team at ASAP Garage Door Service a ring at 210-791-9216 or drop by our website. We’re here to help you keep everything rolling (or sliding) smoothly. After all, we’ve got your back from top to bottom and side to side!
