Maintenance Tips for Garage Doors

Aug 4
08:29

2010

Andrew Stratton

Andrew Stratton

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As any homeowner can attest, a garage door is a wonderful way to secure your home. Such is why it is so important that the proper measures be taken to maintain and test your unit on a regular basis. In this article, we will provide a few basic tips to help you stay on top of your maintenance duties.

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Tools / Materials:
• Screwdriver
• Wire
• Degreaser
• 2X4
• Rags
• Oil Can
• Oil
• Soft Brush
• Switch Wire
• Wrenches

Operation

Step 1 - Power off the electronic opener to allow for manual operation of the door.

Step 2 – Inspect the door to make sure it’s balanced,Maintenance Tips for Garage Doors Articles and run a test to ensure it runs smoothly.

Step 3 – Find any misaligned tracks and straighten them. This can be done by loosening the screws which secure the track brackets to the door opening (some models have bolts instead). Adjust the tracks and brackets accordingly before tightening the fasteners and locking the track into the correct spot.

Step 4 – With a rag or soft brush, clean the tracks. Tracks should not have excess grease. Try spraying them with an automotive degreaser and wiping clean.

Step 5 – Lubricate all rollers, bearings, and axels with special garage door lubricant. These lubricants are found at most home improvement stores.

Safety Reverse Check

Step 1 – Make sure the door is open.

Step 2 – Take a 2x4 and place it in the middle of the door opening. Activate the door.

Step 3 – The door should reverse once it hits the board. If not, this can be adjusted via the instructions specified in the opener’s instruction manual.

Photocell System

Step 1 – Try to reset your system. Power the opener on and off via the home’s circuit breaker or the direct power for the opener.

Step 2 – Check the wiring that runs between the photocell modules and the opener for any loose connections or damage of any kind.

Step 3 – If you own a voltmeter, use it to inspect the wiring, checking for continuity. This is a great way to check from problems even if you don’t notice any problems visually.

Step 4 – If your wiring is good, you should be good to go. However, if you happen to have a problem, you may need to replace the opener or sequencer board.

During your routine checks, you may run into issues that are above your knowledge base. If you don’t feel comfortable with tackling these tasks on your own, you may decide to consult with a trained professional. Hiring someone who is experienced in the operation and repair of these units can help to save you sums of money down the road.

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