How To Maintain Your Garage Door

A garage entrance can be a great addition to your home, but they can also be costly investments. Knowing how to properly take care of one or know what to watch for in terms of maintenance can make the difference between hiring an expensive technician for repairs and buying a new door altogether. Here's some advice on how to maintain the entrance to your carport and address common repairs on your own.

1.) Does Not Open or Close Smoothly – First off, check the obvious and inspect the area surrounding your entranceway for any objects leaning against it. It may be some small gardening tool you did not notice right way. If this is not the case, then let it down and closely inspect all nuts, bolts, and screws that old the gateway together. If any are loose, be sure and tighten them. Inspect all areas for signs of rust and wear and tear. If pulleys and rollers appear worn out, then replace them.

2.) Chain Is Sagging or Rubbing Against Track – Before doing anything else, let down your gate with the emergency release cord. Then check to see if there is an adjustment on the chain or if there is one on the track. The one on the chain will be located where the chain meets the cable. It will be comprised of locking nuts, which will need to be loosened. Turn the center clockwise to alter the slackness of the chain. It should hang about a half inch above the track.

3.) Trouble With Locking - Problems with a garage gateway lock are usually due to a poorly aligned lock bar. Repair is often as simple as loosening a couple screws, realigning the bar, and then tightening the screws.

4.) Too Heavy to Lift or Lower – If your gateway seems too hard to lift or lower, then there may be a problem with the automatic opener. If this is the case, disconnect the opener and see if the problem persists. If so, then consult your owner’s manual. However, if the gateway seems unusually difficult to lift manually, then this may be the result of spring tension. These are under extreme tension and will require the help of a professional.

5.) Wooden Doors – Make sure to properly paint or stain the inside and outside surfaces to prevent warping damage. A warped door will not work properly and can cause further damage to itself and even injury or damage to a person or an automobile. Repainting and staining should be done about every 2 years.

6.) Preventing Jams – Give a yearly inspection for all the parts of your entrance for loose screws, bolts, and nuts. These can loosen over time from regular use and strain from the weight of the door. Make sure these tighten and get replaced if they are missing.

Garage entrances can cost a lot to own and have them installed. A little regular maintenance can prevent further spending as well as accidents that can be dangerous. Sometimes you may need professional help, but paying enough attention to them on your own can pay off in the long run.