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 opens and closes. Make sure to coat the springs for your garage door at least once a year.
Noisy Opener
The opener for your door may start to sound loud after regular use. This can be a sign that the door may be out of balance. Pull the emergency handle when the door is down. Lift the door up and let is close to see if the door is balanced. If the door is heavy to lift, then the springs may need to be adjusted.
Does Not Close
Newer garage doors have safety features that prevent the door from closing. Garage doors that will not close may need to have the sensors adjusted. These are small devices that are attached to the bottom of the track and need to see each other. If one sensor is misaligned, then the door will not close. Readjust the position of the sensors until the door closes properly.
Does Not Open
A garage door that does not open can indicate a couple or problems. One concern is that the springs on the door may be broken. The more likely cause is a bad motor unit. Test the motor by fist unplugging it from the electrical outlet. Plug a light or other device into the outlet to see if power is present. You may have a tripped circuit that needs to be reset. Most units have an overload protector. This will activate if the motor is overused. Wait a few minutes and try opening or closing the door again.
