Maintaining my new garage door
Now that you have invested in a high-quality door, regular garage door maintenance is the best way to protect your investment. A few simple tasks performed twice a year can prevent costly repairs, ensure quiet operation, and extend the lifespan of your entire system.
As the garage door experts in Toronto, we recommend the following seasonal steps to keep your door in top shape.
1. Inspect Moving Parts and Tighten Hardware
The average garage door moves up and down hundreds of times a year. This constant vibration can loosen the hardware over time.
Tighten Bolts: Check the brackets that secure the tracks to the wall and the bolts that hold the opener to the ceiling.
Examine Rollers: Look for any cracked or worn rollers. If your door has steel rollers, check for worn bearings or lopsided movement.
2. Lubricate for Quiet Operation
Proper lubrication is a critical part of garage door maintenance. It reduces stress on the opener and keeps the door running quietly.
What to Lubricate: Apply a high-quality silicone-based spray or white lithium grease to the hinges, rollers, and springs.
What to Avoid: Do not use heavy grease on the tracks, as this can attract dust and debris, leading to clogs. Simply wipe the tracks clean with a damp cloth.
3. Check the Door Balance
If your door is not properly balanced, your wifi garage door opener has to work harder, which can lead to premature motor failure.
The Test: Pull the emergency release cord and manually lift the door halfway.
The Result: A well-balanced door should stay in place. If it slams shut or pulls upward, the spring tension needs to be adjusted by a professional.
4. Test the Safety Reverse Features
Safety is the most important aspect of garage door maintenance. Modern doors include sensors designed to prevent accidents.
Photo-Eye Test: While the door is closing, wave an object (like a broom) in front of the sensors at the base of the door. The door should immediately reverse.
Pressure Test: Place a small block of wood on the ground in the door’s path. When the door hits the object, it should reverse within two seconds.
5. Clean the Exterior Surface
Maintaining the appearance of your door is just as important as the mechanical parts.
Steel Doors: Wash with a mild detergent and water. Look for any rust spots; these should be sanded, primed, and painted to prevent spreading.
Wood Doors: Check for peeling paint or water damage, which requires immediate attention to prevent warping.
Professional Tune-Ups in the GTA
While many of these tasks can be handled by homeowners, some components—like high-tension springs—should only be handled by experts. At Dodds Doors, we provide comprehensive preventative maintenance services to ensure your home stays secure.
Is your door making unusual noises? Contact Dodds Doors today at 1-877-503-6337. We’ve been the #1 rated garage door company in the GTA for 60+ years, offering 24/7 support for all your garage door maintenance needs.