Garage Door Maintenance Tips
Garage door maintenance is frequently overlooked by homeowners. Without taking the proper care to clean and lubricate your garage door you can significantly reduce its life and end up needing repairs. Here are a few tips on keeping your garage door in optimal shape.
Door Cleaning
- Remove loose dirt and residue by rinsing the surface of your garage door with a garden hose.
- Apply a liquid cleaner designed for cars, such as “Wash n’ Wax” using a car wash mitt or soft sponge.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or strong soaps.
Waxing
Once or twice a year spread a thin layer of liquid car wax over the surface of your door. This will revitalize your door and keep it looking clean. Use a soft cloth to remove the excess wax around window frames and overlays.
Weatherstripping Maintenance
Most likely, the weatherstripping on you garage door is made from P.V.C., and therefore should be cleaned with vinyl-cleanser. Every three to six months, lubricate the weatherstripping with a silicon-based oil. Avoid petroleum-based oils at all costs, as petroleum will attack the rubber and reduce its elasticity, leading to breaks and cracks.
Track, Roller, Hinges & Springs
It’s important that you lubricate the tracks, rollers, hinges and springs of your garage door at least twice a year. This will result in the quieter, smoother operation of your garage door, as well as prolong its life. Again, use a silicone-based oil lubricant.
These basic cleaning and maintenance techniques will keep your garage door looking good and sounding quiet, but a more complex tune-up is required to keep the motor and moving parts functioning safely and effectively. For this type of maintenance it’s recommended that you hire a professional.
Town & Country Door, LLC are Michigan’s premier garage door repair, maintenance, and installation experts. Contact us today and learn more about our award-winning garage door service and repair.
