Published on 30 December 2018
Of all the moving parts in the entire home, the garage door is by far the largest of all. It’s used many times in a single day, in every season, at night and during the day. Therefore, it’s vital that one takes time to regularly perform preventive maintenance and care for it so that it stays operating well for years to come. There’s no other season that takes as much toll on the garage door as winter does. Hence measures should be taken to ensure that the door is sufficiently protected from the harsh winter conditions. Here are the top ways to prepare your garage door for the winter:
Every time you use the garage door, it’s very vital that you observe it closely as the very first preventative measure. This way, it’s possible for you to know whether the garage door is jerky or smooth when in motion. Does your door make scraping or grinding noises, or does it work in a silent manner? If it does make any unusual noises, it’s probably in need of maintenance.
On average, the up and down movement of any garage door is above a thousand times a year. This means that the door vibrates and moves a lot in a single year. This can cause the loosening of the hardware. As a result, ensure you examine and tighten all bolts and roller brackets using a socket wrench in anticipation for the winter.
When the opener of the garage door works harder than it should, it won’t be able to serve you well for long. What leads to the door working harder than necessary is lack of proper balance. As the winter approaches, you must ensure that your door has the correct balance. To check the balance, disconnect the opener, move the door up halfway manually and then see if it stays put. If it doesn’t, the springs aren’t properly balanced. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to seek a professional to adjust the spring.
Rollers can be made from nylon or steel and should be inspected twice a year. They should also be replaced after about every seven years. However, the more regularly you use your door the more often you’ll need to replace them. Replace rollers that are chipped, cracked or worn as quickly as possible. This is done by removing any roller brackets which aren’t attached directly to the cable system and replacing them.
Lubricating all the moving parts of the garage door affords it seamless operation for more years, and can be done in under 15 minutes. When you lubricate all the moving parts of the door, be sure not to forget any part.
In case the weather seal trip of rubber located at the bottom of the door is either cracked or brittle, it’s necessary to replace it right away so as to keep the weather (rain, snow or wind) out.
The high-tension cables which lift the door should never be tinkered with because they’re very dangerous. However, you can keep checking what condition they’re in so that you know when to hire a professional. Look out for any damages or broken strands close to the bottom of the roller bracket.
Making sure your garage doors are prepared for the winter months can prevent any damage and future repair costs caused by harsh weather. Follow the tips above to check the upkeep of your doors.
If you are experiencing issues with your current garage door, or are looking for a replacement then feel free to contact us.
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