Garage doors do more than keep your home safe. They provide a convenient place to enter your house and provide aesthetic appeal to your exterior. Since garage doors are a mechanical system, they need regular maintenance to stay in tip-top shape. Here are a few points to consider when it comes to your next maintenance appointment.
What Components Are Part of a Garage Door System?
A garage door consists of more than the outdoor door panels. When you schedule a maintenance appointment, a technician will check out all of its components.
Since the door springs bear the brunt of the door’s weight, they are prone to wear and tear over time. Inspect them regularly for corrosion, rust, or misalignment. If there are any signs of damage, replace them immediately.
The rollers and tracks are also vital components of the garage door system. Over time, they can dry out, leading to friction and rollers slipping off the track. For that reason, you will want to keep these parts protected with a silicone-based lubricant.
Cables help lift and lower the heavy garage doors. Look for signs of fraying along the line. If you see signs of damage, call a professional to repair them right away.
There are two more parts to check out: hinges and weather stripping. Like the other parts, your hinges should be inspected for corrosion or other signs of deterioration. Lubricate them to prevent them from rusting. The weather stripping keeps out drafts. As a result, it can help prevent energy loss in your home. Once again, any damage or signs of wear means that it is time to replace the stripping.
Should You Choose Annual or Bi-Annual Maintenance?
When it comes to choosing between bi-annual and annual maintenance for your garage door, you can make a decision based on:
- The door system’s age
- Your usage pattern
- Local environment, such as extreme cold or hot conditions
Older doors may benefit from more frequent maintenance to address potential age-related issues. Additionally, the local climate plays a role. For example, harsh weather conditions can affect the garage door differently. You may need to schedule more maintenance visits in extremely hot or cold climates or in climates that experience both hot and cold temperatures. Usage patterns also influence the decision. If the garage door is used extensively, especially in a commercial setting, bi-annual maintenance may be necessary to keep up with the demands.
Bi-Annual Maintenance
A bi-annual maintenance visit takes place about every six months. There are some benefits of these frequent checks. First, you can find and address potential issues before they become larger problems. Your technician will inspect and lubricate all the components of the garage system. These preventative measures can help you avoid major malfunctions down the road. A bi-annual approach is a great option for households that see heavy usage.
Annual Maintenance
This service is convenient for homeowners with busy schedules. These checkups give a once-a-year opportunity to thoroughly address all aspects of garage door care. While bi-annual maintenance focuses on more frequent preventive measures, annual maintenance is suitable for relatively new doors that are in good condition and experience minimal wear. Along with that, this plan is a cost-effective choice for garage doors that do not undergo excessive stress.
What Happens During These Visits?
Whether you choose a bi-annual or annual visit, you can expect the technician to inspect the door’s components and perform a few maintenance tasks.
Bi-Annual Tasks
Bi-annual maintenance visits will usually occur every six months, usually in the spring and fall. However, you can schedule these visits at any time. During this visit, the technician will lubricate all the moving parts, such as the hinges, tracks, and rollers. With that, lubrication can reduce friction and prevent premature wear and tear. Along with that, the technician will remove any accumulated debris and dirt from the components.
Plus, the technician will adjust the tension of the spring. Since these parts bear the full weight of the doors, they can loosen over time. With the correct tension, you will have more balanced movement. These repairs are not DIY fixes. Getting the right tension should always be left to the professionals.
A motor controls the garage door, and it relies on a force setting. This setting determines the power exerted by the motor during door movement. Your technician will check this setting to see if any adjustments are needed.
Along with that, they may need to make adjustments to the speed setting, which controls the pace of the door’s movement. If you don’t check these settings, it can lead to misalignment, motor strain, and even malfunctions.
Additionally, the technician will look at the weather stripping. These strips keep out the elements. When they are damaged, you could lose the energy efficiency benefits of the door. Along with that, damaged weather stripping could allow someone to pry into your garage.
Finally, the technician will test the auto-reverse features of your doors. These components prevent accidents. If someone or something is in the door’s path, then the safety measure will reverse the door’s direction. Sometimes, the sensors can become misaligned or damaged. With a professional maintenance visit, you can ensure you and your family stay safe.
Annual Maintenance
An annual maintenance visit will be a more comprehensive service call. During this time, the fundamental tasks are completed. The technician will check the garage door parts. Along with that, they will lubricate and clean the tracks, springs, and rollers. Also, the technician will perform a full check of every part of the door system. They will make sure your operating system is working at its best level.
Many times, the technician will even inspect the door opener. These simple steps will ensure there is reliable communication between the device and the rest of your system. Without this, you might not be able to open your door.
Leave These Tasks to the Professional
Due to the potential effects on the overall functionality and safety of the system, you will want to call in a professional. Garage door systems often come with complicated settings. If improperly adjusted, the door could experience issues such as misalignment, excessive wear on components, or compromised safety features. Professionals know the best way to ensure that the force, speed, and travel limit settings are configured to the manufacturer’s specifications. They can identify potential issues beyond basic adjustments, prevent problems, and extend the overall lifespan of the garage door system.
If you need to schedule maintenance for your garage door, trust the team at Lewis Door Service. We will take time to inspect your garage door system thoroughly so that you never have to worry about these tasks. In addition to our maintenance visits, we offer garage door installation and repair services for your Louisville, KY home. If you want to learn more about our services or financing solutions, call Lewis Door Service today to schedule an appointment.
