Investing in a new garage door can be an expensive affair. Like most people, you probably don’t want to go down that road unless it’s indispensable. This is because garage doors play such an essential role in the safety and security of your home; so when they stop working, life can be hectic. The only way to prevent this is through proper care and maintenance to prolong your garage door’s lifespan. This blog post discusses several maintenance tips to keep your garage door running for longer.
How Long Do Garage Doors Last?
Generally, overhead doors last for an average of about twenty years. However, this largely depends on how well the installation was and the materials used to make it. For instance, steel doors last longer than wood doors. Sometimes, the climate of the region you live in may also affect the structure’s longevity, which is true about the frequency of use. Overall, if you carry out constant care and maintenance, your garage door will last longer than a neglected one.
Garage Door Care
Several maintenance tips will help keep your garage door operating smoothly. Be sure to perform the following for a long-lasting garage door:
Lubricate All Moving Parts
Lubricating all moving garage door parts are one of the most important things you can do to keep it working for longer. This will help prevent rust and corrosion, allowing all components within the system to work together more smoothly. This is a simple process that will take you less than half an hour to complete.
Balance Springs
One maintenance task that will go a long way is balancing springs on your wooden garage doors. This helps to keep the door in working order while preventing unnecessary malfunctions. If you don’t know how to do this, you must find a professional to do it. However, if you are mechanically inclined – then balancing springs is something that’s not too difficult.
Check the Hinges
The hinges on your garage door play a crucial role in keeping everything aligned and balanced. When the hinges are loose, your overhead becomes wobbly and easy to compromise by vandals. To prevent this, you should check the hinges at least once a month and tighten them with screws if necessary.
Inspect the cables
You should inspect your garage door’s cables – especially if they are exposed to rain or snowfall. This is because water can rust them over time and make it difficult to support any weight. If one of these cables snaps, it could lead to a fatal accident. Remember to hire a garage door specialist when repairing the cables as their high tension can easily cause injury and even death.
Replace Rollers
Your garage door roller brackets are another part that, if neglected over time, will affect the performance of your entire garage door system. You want to inspect them for chips, cracks, and any other signs of wear. In case of any, a replacement will be necessary. This may require hiring a professional or replacing them yourself – however it is best to have these done professionally for optimal results.
Wash the paneling
You should also wash the paneling of your garage door to remove any dirt and grime. To do this, use hot water mixed with a little bit of dish soap – remember not to scrub too hard as it can damage the surface. The best way is actually by using an electric pressure washer that will prevent deterioration on all surfaces.
Clear out the tracks
Tracks should be free of debris and dirt, and your garage door regularly cleaned to ensure it runs smoothly. If you have pets, it’s especially important for pet hair not to get stuck along the tracks, as this can obstruct your garage door’s path, affecting how well your system functions. You want clean rollers so that they don’t stick or seize up when in motion.
Tighten all hardware
You want to tighten all hardware on your garage door unit. It might seem like a hassle, but it is worth the effort – especially if you care for its longevity and performance. If something moves out of place or gets loose over time, it could severely affect how well your overhead door functions, resulting in costly and timely repairs.
Replace weather-stripping
Finally, you should replace the weather stripping on your garage door to prevent moisture and dirt from getting inside. The rubber used for this purpose loses elasticity over time and becomes hard, making it impossible to get a good seal between the frame of your garage door and its opening.
How Much Does It Cost To Maintain a Garage Door?
You should expect to pay about $200 every two years for regular garage door maintenance. However, some systems can be more expensive depending on what’s required and how complicated they are. Some service providers will even charge hourly rates instead of flat rates, which you need to consider when shopping around for maintenance services.
When should I replace my garage door?
In general, you should replace your garage door if any of the following conditions are present:
- The panels or tracks are seriously damaged
- The garage door opener is failing
- Significant rusting has occurred over time
- When you need better climate control on your overhead door
- A serious accident has taken place due to a malfunctioning new garage door opener
Replacing an overhead can be expensive, and it’s vital to weigh your options before committing to it.
Schedule Your Garage Door Maintenance with Us!
At Legacy Garage Doors, we ensure that you get the most out of your garage door. Our technicians can handle everything from garage door installations and repairs to maintenance. Give us a call for all your garage door needs and questions!
