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Your garage door may not be the first thing you think of when considering home maintenance - but perhaps it should be. After all, for many, it's the most frequently used entrance to their home. Regular maintenance of your residential garage door not only increases its longevity, it also ensures your safety and adds curb appeal. In this article, we will be sharing top tips for residential garage door maintenance to keep it functioning optimally for years to come.
Often, we take our garage doors for granted. They open, they close, and life goes on. However, like any other moving component in your home, your garage door requires regular maintenance to maintain its functionality and ensure your safety. Below, we discuss three key reasons why maintaining your garage door is essential:
A poorly maintained garage door can pose significant safety risks to you and your family. Malfunctioning doors can result in falls, crashes, or even entrapment, causing severe injury or property damage.
Regular maintenance can extend the life of your garage door, making it a cost-effective long-term investment. By addressing minor issues before they evolve into significant problems, you save both time and money in the long run.
A well-maintained garage door can significantly enhance your home's aesthetic and, by extension, its value. A visually appealing garage door not only leaves a positive impression on passersby but also plays a critical role in your home's curb appeal, which is especially important when considering selling your property in the future.
Your garage door is not just a vehicle access point, it's an integral part of your home's security system and a substantial element of your home's curb appeal. Given the crucial role it plays, it's important to ensure it's well-maintained, always functioning at its best.
But often, homeowners overlook garage door maintenance until something goes wrong or they're facing a hefty repair bill. In reality, just like your vehicle requires regular servicing to run without issues, your garage door too, requires some TLC to keep it in good working order.
Just as you wouldn't wait until your car breaks down before scheduling an oil change, you also shouldn't wait until your garage door no longer opens or closes properly before you take action. But, by following the simple and effective maintenance tips, you can detect minor issues before they escalate into bigger problems.
Safety should always be the first consideration when maintaining your garage door. Here are some basic safety tips:
In addition to these tips, it's important to regularly inspect your garage door and its components for potential hazards like loose screws or damaged panels.
Inspecting your garage door should be part of your routine home maintenance. Start by looking at the door panels. Check for any signs of damage such as dents, cracks, or holes. Next, examine the garage hardware like the tracks, springs, and cables for any visible signs of wear or damage. Confirm that the garage door is properly aligned and evenly meets the ground.
Keeping your garage door clean not only improves its appearance but it also helps prevent rust and decay. Using mild detergent mixed with water is usually sufficient for a good cleaning. For stubborn dirt spots, you can allow the solution to soak for several minutes before wiping it down.
A squeaky garage door may require lubrication. Recommended lubricants include silicon or lithium spray. Components that generally require lubrication include springs, rollers, and hinges. Lubricate your garage door at least twice a year to keep it operating smoothly.
A balanced garage door extends the lifespan of your door opener. To check balance, disconnect the door from the opener and manually lift it halfway. If it stays in place, your door is balanced. If it falls, the springs might need adjustment or replacement - a task best left to professionals due to safety concerns.
Inspect your garage door opener for loose wires or signs of wear. Test the auto-reverse feature: place a piece of wood or brick under the door and close it. If working correctly, the door should automatically reverse upon contact. Frequency for replacing batteries varies, but it's advisable to change them yearly.
Weatherstripping and seals prevent drafts and keep pests out. Inspect these for cracks, wear, or damage. If damaged, remove the old stripping, clean the area, then install new strips by nailing or gluing them in place.
Investing your time and energy into do-it-yourself (DIY) projects around your home can be a rewarding experience. However, when it comes to garage door maintenance, DIY is not always the best solution.
Garage doors are complex mechanisms composed of numerous parts, each performing a crucial task in the seamless operation of the door. Without understanding how each part works and interacts with others, making appropriate repairs or replacements becomes a daunting task. Navigating this complexity without the necessary technical knowledge can lead to more harm than good.
Garage door systems store high tension, especially springs and cables. Mishandling these components due to a lack of knowledge can result in severe injury or even fatal accidents. Professional garage door technicians are trained to handle these parts safely and effectively, significantly minimizing the risk of accidents.
Maintaining or repairing a garage door often requires specialized tools. These are necessary for specific tasks, and buying them for occasional DIY jobs may not be cost-effective. Professional technicians already have these tools, which saves on additional costs.
While DIY projects can undoubtedly save money, they also cost you in time. Garage door maintenance and repair can be time-consuming and may impede on your personal or work time. But, professionals can diagnose and address garage door problems more efficiently due to their training and experience.
While do-it-yourself (DIY) maintenance can be beneficial, hiring a professional for periodic checks offers undeniable advantages. They bring experience, knowledge, and the necessary equipment to ensure your garage door operates optimally while minimizing potential risks. Here are the reasons why professional services are beneficial:
Professionals can spot and fix problems you may miss. Their experienced eyes can identify early signs of wear and tear or small technical problems that could escalate into significant faults if left unattended.
Regularly scheduled checks by a professional service ensure your door operates efficiently and prevents sudden breakdowns. Having a planned maintenance schedule also offers you peace of mind that your door is always in prime condition.
The cost of preventative maintenance can be significantly lower than large repairs or a replacement. Regular assessments lessen the likelihood of expensive emergency call-outs or costly parts replacements down the line.
Professionals understand the intricate workings and potential hazards associated with the garage door mechanisms. They know how to deal with various door types, materials, and mechanical systems and can execute servicing procedures safely and efficiently.
Choosing the perfect garage door maintenance professional involves more than just comparing service costs. A reputable technician, like Right Choice Doors, brings experience, positive customer reviews, and competitive rates that provide the best value for your money
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Regular maintenance of your garage door goes beyond mere aesthetics. It ensures safety, prolongs lifespan, and enhances home value. Develop a routine for the basic tasks like cleaning and lubrication, and don't hesitate to hire a professional for the more complex tasks. Remember, a well-maintained garage door is a key part of a well-maintained home.When it comes to ensuring your garage door is in top condition, look no further than Right Choice Doors. Our professional team of experienced technicians is equipped to handle all your garage door maintenance and repair needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our comprehensive garage door services. Make the right choice for your home with Right Choice Doors.
