Routine safety and maintenance of your garage entrance is needed to keep it in good working order. Tips to use for maintaining and repairing your garage door will help you determine if there is a problem. When a problem occurs the source will need to be found. If the motor unit is bad, a replacement is cheaper for you to buy than having the old one repaired.

Cleaning

The outside of your garage door should be cleaned at least four times a year. This can be done by using a soft car brush and water with a mild detergent. Regular washing of the garage door will reduce debris that can build up on the door that can cause it to age prematurely. You do not want to use a cleaner that is abrasive as it may damage the surface of the door. Salt should also not be used to melt snow near the door as it can corrode the hardware and other elements. Make sure to sweep up all leaves and debris in front of the door.

Lubrication

Lubricating the moving parts of your garage gate needs to be included in your maintenance strategy. A door that is properly lubricated will not stick. This can be done by using a light lubricating oil. You can find this type of oil at a local hardware store. Spray all the moving parts including all of the hinges and the rollers. Proper lubrication will keep the door operating efficiently as it … READ MORE ...

The temperature has already dropped in most northern states, but that doesn’t mean it is too late to get your home buttoned up for the really cold winter months ahead.

Give yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is prepared to weather the ice and snow efficiently – in other words, without costing you an arm or a leg.

Alicia on “Knowing your home”

It can be tempting to run everything in your home by the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” motto – not touching or thinking about maintaining an appliance until it dies or fails. When it comes to your house, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For example, a dryer from 1985 that still works well and is problem-free probably has a filter system that isn’t working as well as it did the day it was purchased, which makes it a serious fire hazard. So, put your preventive-medicine hat on and get ahead of fires, leaks and other costly damages by enlisting a professional to check the pipes, and appliances like the refrigerator, washer/dryer, furnace and water heater.

Sarah on “Tracking warranties service plans”

Warranty papers and service plans, especially those that come on the actual product receipt, have a way of floating around kitchens, home offices, purses, pockets and dresser tops without ever landing in a permanent, easy-to-find spot. Think about taking some time now to round up the paperwork on all of your appliances … READ MORE ...