Regular maintenance is crucial to ensuring that your garage door operates smoothly and safely. While the frequency of maintenance may vary depending on factors such as the age of the door, the frequency of use, and the environmental conditions, here are some general guidelines on how often you should perform maintenance on your garage door:
Visual Inspection: You should visually inspect your garage door at least once every six months. During the inspection, check the door’s tracks, cables, springs, and other parts for any signs of wear and tear. Look for rust, cracks, and other damage, and make sure that all the hardware is secure. If you notice any issues during the inspection, call a professional to repair or replace the damaged parts.
Lubrication: You should lubricate your garage door’s moving parts at least once every six months. Use a silicone-based lubricant on the springs, rollers, hinges, and other moving parts. Avoid using oil-based lubricants as they can attract dirt and debris and cause the door to become noisy. Lubrication helps ensure that the door operates smoothly and quietly.
Cleanliness: You should clean your garage door regularly to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating on the tracks, springs, and other parts. Use a soft cloth or a mild detergent to clean the door’s surface, and make sure to remove any debris that may have accumulated on the tracks. Accumulated dirt and debris can cause the door to become noisy or even jammed. You should clean your garage door at least once every three months.
Tightening Loose Hardware: You should check and tighten any loose hardware on your garage door at least once every three months. Over time, the nuts, bolts, and screws that hold the garage door together can become loose. If left unchecked, they can cause the door to become unstable and affect its operation. Regularly check and tighten any loose hardware to ensure that the door is stable and secure.
Checking Door Balance: You should check your garage door’s balance at least once every year. The garage door needs to be properly balanced to operate smoothly and safely. If the door is unbalanced, it can cause the motor to wear out quickly or cause the door to become unstable, leading to potential accidents. To check if the door is balanced, disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If the door stays in place, it’s properly balanced. If it falls, it needs to be rebalanced by a professional.
Professional Maintenance: You should have your garage door professionally maintained at least once every year. A professional will check the door’s overall operation, lubricate the moving parts, and make any necessary repairs. Regular professional maintenance can help prevent costly repairs down the line and ensure that your garage door operates smoothly and safely.
In addition to these general guidelines, you should also perform maintenance tasks whenever you notice any issues with your garage door. For example, if you hear unusual noises or notice that the door is shaking or jerking, you should call a professional to inspect and repair the door. Similarly, if you notice that the door is not opening or closing properly, you should call a professional to diagnose and fix the problem.
In conclusion, the frequency of garage door maintenance depends on several factors, including the age of the door, the frequency of use, and the environmental conditions. However, as a general guideline, you should visually inspect your garage door once every six months, lubricate the moving parts once every six months, clean the door once every three months, tighten loose hardware once every three months, check the door’s balance once every year, and have it professionally maintained once every year. By following these maintenance guidelines, you can ensure that your garage door operates smoothly and safely, protecting your vehicle and other items stored in the garage.