3 Ways to Keep Your Garage Door Running Smoothly

A garage door is a stable piece of equipment, and it should operate as needed for at least 15 to 20 years. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn't perform regular maintenance from time to time. In the same way that you would take great care to clean and maintain expensive appliances in your home, you should perform regular checks and maintenance to ensure that your garage door runs smoothly every time you need it. Fortunately, you don't need the knowledge of a professional garage door repair contractor to perform these simple tasks and help your door run smoothly throughout its entire lifespan.

Remove Dirt From the Tracks

The tracks the guide garage doors as they open and close can accumulate dust, oil, and other debris, so you should take a few minutes to clean them from time to time. To do this, you can simply sweep any loose dirt and scrub the grease with warm water. Then, you can wipe the tracks down with a sponge and let the tracks air-dry. For best results, allow the tracks to dry completely before opening or closing the door. 

Lubricate Hardware

If you begin to hear clunking, screeching, or other loud noises when opening and closing the doors, it's likely that the hardware needs lubrication. Rollers and hinges are typically the first things that you’ll want to lubricate. 3-in-1 lubricants for garage doors, which can be found in many stores, are the best choice for lubrication because they will not freeze during colder months. 

Check Door Balance

You should also perform regular checks to ensure that your garage is properly balanced. You can do this by closing your garage then releasing the operator. Open the garage door halfway and check to see if it stays in that position. If it goes all the way up or shoots down, then you need to replace the springs. When this is the case, you should always leave this task to the professionals.

A garage door is a significant investment, but with proper care, you can count on your to run smoothly for many years to come. At Town & Country Door, we're prepared to handle any garage door related task, so whether you need repair, maintenance, installation, or more, contact us today for a free quote!