A garage door is an essential component of a home’s safety and protection plan. Since the cost of a new one with an opener can be several thousand dollars, it makes sense to take the necessary steps to preserve this investment.
That process starts with an annual service appointment. It helps to have a wear and tear check, adjust the spring system when needed, and inspect all the moving parts.
You can also take several steps throughout the year to extend a garage door’s lifespan.
5 Ways To Extend Your Garage Door’s Lifespan
1. Clean the door’s panels regularly.
A dirty garage door panel is more than a cosmetic problem. Moisture gets trapped beneath the grime if it’s allowed to stay there, leading to mildew or mold development. This process eventually causes rusting and rotting, which can damage things beyond repair.
If you wipe the exterior and interior panels with warm water and gentle detergent at least once per season, you’ll take care of this problem. A soft brush can help you remove stubborn grime.
2. Inspect the garage doors for damage.
It only takes a pebble flung by a mower to cause significant damage to a garage door. Once the panels lose their integrity, pests and moisture can breach through the opening. When you conduct your monthly home inspection, it helps to include this asset as part of those efforts.
3. Clear the tracks for your garage door.
The tracks that serve as the guide for your garage doors can accumulate dirt and grease as time passes.
When you raise or lower it on dirty tracks, the rollers erode faster because of the extra friction. It helps to use an old toothbrush to dislodge the buildup there, followed by a wipe down with a clean, lint-free towel.
Once the tracks are clean, you can spray silicone lubricant around and into the rollers’ stems for added support.The final step of inspecting the tracks is to check to see if a track adjustment is necessary.
4. Lubricate the door’s hardware.
A garage door relies on rollers, hinges, and springs for a seamless operation. When you clean and lubricate these parts at least twice per year (every six months), much of the excessive wear and tear gets prevented.
A clean, damp cloth can wipe away the dust and dirt. It helps to dry everything immediately with a lint-free product. That’s when it is appropriate to apply a thin lubricant layer.
If you try to add lubricant without cleaning the hardware, the results won’t be as good as you expect.
5. Inspect your cables.
If you have an automatic opener installed with your garage door, it helps to inspect the cables about once per quarter. When they start to fray or get weakened by age or exposure to solvents or chemicals, they can break when the door is in motion. Most cables have a lifespan of eight to ten years.
Once a garage door is professionally installed, its functional lifespan can reach 30 years or more with proper care. That’s why it is essential to have this asset inspected annually and follow the outlined ideas. If you would like to schedule an inspection or have any questions about your garage door, give us a call at (815) 725-6077!