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Your garage door is one of the most used and abused parts of your home. It opens and closes hundreds of times a year, exposing it to wear and tear, weather, and dirt. That’s why regular garage door maintenance is essential to keep it in good shape and prevent costly repairs.
However, many homeowners neglect some of the most important parts of their garage door, which can lead to serious problems and safety hazards. In this blog post, we will reveal the three most overlooked parts in garage door maintenance and how to take care of them properly.
1. The Tracks
The tracks are the metal rails that guide the garage door up and down. They need to be clean, straight, and aligned to ensure smooth and quiet operation. However, many homeowners ignore the tracks, allowing them to accumulate dust, debris, and rust. This can cause the garage door to jam, squeak, or even fall off the tracks.
To maintain the tracks, you should:
- Wipe them with a damp cloth or a soft brush to remove any dirt or dust.
- Check them for any bends, dents, or gaps, and adjust them if needed. You can use a level to make sure they are plumb and a rubber mallet to straighten them. If the damage is severe, you may need to replace the tracks.
- Lubricate them with a silicone-based spray or a garage door lubricant. Do not use oil or grease, as they can attract more dirt and damage the tracks.
2. The Springs
The springs are the coiled metal wires that balance the weight of the garage door and help it lift and lower. They are under a lot of tension and can break or wear out over time. This can cause the garage door to become heavy, hard to open, or even dangerous to operate.
To maintain the springs, you should:
- Inspect them for any signs of wear, rust, or damage. Look for any gaps, cracks, or loose coils. If you notice any of these, you should call a professional garage door repair service to replace the springs. Do not attempt to adjust or repair the springs yourself, as they can cause serious injury or death if handled improperly.
- Test the balance of the garage door by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door halfway. If the door stays in place, the springs are balanced. If the door falls or rises, the springs are unbalanced and need to be adjusted by a professional.
- Lubricate the springs with a garage door lubricant or a silicone-based spray. This will reduce the friction and noise and extend the life of the springs.
3. The Sensors
The sensors are the small devices that are installed on both sides of the garage door, near the floor. They emit an invisible beam that detects any objects or people that are in the way of the garage door. They are a safety feature that prevents the garage door from closing on anything or anyone that could be harmed.
To maintain the sensors, you should:
- Clean them with a soft cloth or a cotton swab to remove any dust or dirt that could block the beam.
- Check them for any misalignment or damage. They should be facing each other and parallel to the floor. You can use a level to make sure they are aligned. If they are not, you can loosen the screws that hold them and adjust them until they are aligned. If they are damaged, you may need to replace them.
- Test them by placing an object under the garage door and trying to close it with the opener. The door should reverse or stop when it reaches the object. If it does not, the sensors are not working properly and need to be fixed or replaced.
These are the three most overlooked parts in garage door maintenance that you should pay attention to. By taking care of them regularly, you can avoid many common garage door problems and ensure the safety and performance of your garage door.
If you need any help with garage door maintenance, repair, or installation, you can count on J & J Garage Door and Electric Openers. We are a trusted and experienced garage door company that serves Hanover Park and the surrounding areas. We offer a wide range of garage door services, including garage door repair in Hanover Park, at affordable prices and with exceptional quality. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate or a same-day service. We are here to help you with all your garage door needs.