In many homes, the garage doors is the main way for the owner to get in and out of the house. An online survey found that 71% of homeowners contacted, use their garage door openers to gain access to the house every day. The key to the front door is now the garage door opener’s remote control! Annual maintenance and inspection can keep the door running safely and smoothly for years to come.
Maintenance Tips for the Homeowner:
- Lubricate the tracks and rollers with a light weight motor oil
- Springs, cables, rollers, and pulleys should be inspected regularly for signs of wear or fraying
- Periodically test the balance of your door. Start with door closed and disconnect the door from the electric opener. Door should lift smoothly and with little resistance and stay open three to four feet from the floor. if not, the door is out of balance and should be checked by a garage door professional
- Test reversing feature on the electric opener. Lay a 2×4 slat in the center of the door and push the wall button. The door should hit the wood and reverse. If this does not occur, have it checked by a professional.
The garage door is usually the largest and heaviest moving part in a home. The garage door springs, cables, brackets, and other hardware attached to the springs are under very high tension. Even a minor error in installation or repair can result in damage to the door or injury to the homeowner. An annual tune up of the door by an experienced garage door professional to mechanically adjust hinges, tighten nuts and bolts, and replace worn parts can eliminate a potential major problem in the future.