Your automatic garage door opener is a powerful device designed to handle heavy loads efficiently. To ensure its longevity and optimal performance, regular garage door maintenance is essential. Taking care of your garage door and opener can extend their lifespan significantly. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what homeowners need to know about garage door service.

Recognizing Signs of Problems

Keeping an eye out for warning signs is crucial in identifying potential issues with your garage door system before they escalate. Here are some key indicators to watch for:

Unusual Noises

Pay attention to any strange sounds emanating from your garage door opener, such as squeaks, clanks, or an overall increase in noise levels during operation.

Squeaks and Creaks:
When you hear high-pitched squeaks or creaking sounds coming from your garage door, it often indicates that various components, such as hinges, rollers, or tracks, require lubrication. Over time, the natural wear and tear on these components can cause friction, leading to these irritating sounds. Applying a suitable lubricant, such as silicone spray or lithium grease, to these areas can eliminate these noises and help your garage door move smoothly.

Metallic Clanks:
If you notice metallic clanking noises during the operation of your garage door, this may be a sign of loose or damaged hardware. The clanking sound may occur when nuts, bolts, or brackets have become loose due to vibration or usage. Inspecting and tightening any loose hardware is a straightforward maintenance task that can prevent more significant issues down the road.

Grinding or Scraping Sounds:
Hearing grinding or scraping noises when your garage door opens or closes can be particularly concerning. These sounds often indicate that the rollers are misaligned or that the tracks are damaged. In some cases, worn-out rollers may be causing friction against the tracks. Addressing this problem promptly is crucial to prevent further damage and ensure smooth, safe operation.

Excessive Motor Noise:
An overall increase in motor noise from your garage door opener can be a sign of motor strain or impending motor failure. If your opener is working harder and making more noise than usual, it may be struggling to lift the door, which can lead to premature wear and tear. A professional technician can assess the motor’s condition and make the necessary adjustments or replacements.

Safety System Failures

Modern garage doors are equipped with safety mechanisms that automatically reverse the door’s motion if an obstruction is detected in its path. Testing this system regularly is vital to prevent accidents. You can do so by:

• Waving a broomstick in the path of the closing door, in front of the photoelectric eye.
• Placing a brick in the path of the closing door and ensuring it reverses when it encounters the obstacle.

If the safety system fails to respond correctly during these tests, it indicates a critical issue that needs immediate attention.

Deterioration of Paint or Seal

Wooden garage doors rely on a protective coat of paint or sealer to shield against moisture and rot. When you notice the paint or sealer starting to flake or peel, it’s time to address the problem to prevent structural damage.

When to Perform Maintenance

To maintain the optimal functionality of your garage door, conduct regular inspections and perform maintenance as needed. Here’s a breakdown of when and what to do:

Annual Inspection

Perform a thorough inspection of your garage door at least once a year to spot any emerging problems or wear and tear.

DIY Maintenance

While some maintenance tasks may require professional expertise and tools, there are several things homeowners can do themselves:

• Replace or reinstall weatherstripping when it begins to deteriorate to keep out drafts and moisture.
• Apply a fresh coat of paint or sealer when the existing one fades or shows signs of damage.
• Lubricate hinges, springs, and rollers with lithium grease or silicone spray to ensure smooth and quiet operation.

Professional Garage Door Service

If you notice your garage door making unfamiliar noises or behaving erratically, it’s imperative to contact a professional garage door technician promptly. Even if your door appears to be functioning correctly, scheduling an annual tune-up with a qualified technician is a wise decision. During this routine service, the technician will perform essential maintenance tasks to keep your garage door in peak condition for years to come.

Contacting a Garage Door Professional

At Overhead Door of Wilmington™, we are dedicated to assisting you with all your garage door needs, from maintenance to installation. Our expert team is well-versed in servicing garage doors of all ages and types. Whether you require a tune-up or are considering a new garage door installation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today for a consultation or to schedule maintenance to keep your garage door operating smoothly throughout the summer and beyond. Your garage door’s longevity and performance are our priority.

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