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DIY garage door maintenance tips for homeowners

Maintaining your garage door is an important part of owning a home, as it not only helps your garage function properly, but also saves you from expensive garage door repairs, which can run as much as $1,500, according to HomeAdvisor.

Fortunately, there are a few simple DIY maintenance tasks that you can do to keep your garage door in good shape. In this blog post, we'll go over a few do-it-yourself maintenance tips that every homeowner should know.

1. Check the Tracks regularly

The tracks of your garage door are what the rollers ride on as the door opens and closes. Over time, these tracks can become bent or damaged, which can cause your door to malfunction and make it unsafe for use.

Since uneven tracks can present a major safety hazard, it's important to check your garage door's tracks regularly and straighten them out as necessary. You can use a level to check if the tracks are properly aligned, then adjust accordingly. By ensuring your tracks are properly aligned, you can lessen the chances of unexpected mishaps with your garage door.

A closeup of rollers on a garage door

2. Lubricate the Rollers and Hinges

Your garage's rollers and hinges are moving parts, so it's important to lubricate them regularly to keep them functioning smoothly. Properly lubricating these components not only helps prevent noise and damage but also prolongs the lifespan of your garage door.

Lubricating the rollers and hinges regularly is the key. Most hardware stores carry lubricants specifically designed for garage doors, but you can also use WD-40 on the rollers, hinges, and springs to keep them in good shape.

3. Inspect the Hardware

Garage doors are made up of dozens of pieces of hardware, which means there are plenty of opportunities for something to go wrong. If you identify a malfunctioning or damaged piece of hardware as it begins to fail, you may be able to prevent an expensive repair. So it's important to inspect all the hardware regularly.

Look over the screws, bolts, and hinges to make sure they are tightly secured and not rusting. You can use a screwdriver to check if any screws need tightening. Also be sure to inspect the springs, cables, and pulleys to make sure they are functioning properly and not showing any unusual signs of wear or failure.

By keeping up with regular inspections and maintenance, you can prevent small hardware issues from becoming bigger problems down the line.

A homeowner wipes down a garage door

4. Clean the Door Regularly

Between wind, rain, dust, and dirt, your garage door can get covered in grime and debris that can affect its functionality. Cleaning your garage door regularly not only keeps it and your home looking nice but also prevents damage to the panels and hardware.

To keep your garage door looking and working its best, be sure to clean it regularly using a mild soap and water solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners as they could damage the finish of your door. You can also use a pressure washer on the low-pressure setting to dislodge any stuck-on dirt or grime that regular cleaning may miss. Just be sure to hold the nozzle at least 12 inches away from the door to avoid causing damage.

5. Test Your Door Monthly

Finally, one of the most important things you can do when it comes to maintaining your garage door is to test it monthly.  This includes testing the automatic opener and the manual function, as well as checking the balance.

Closeup of a caucasian hand activating a garage door opener remote

To test the automatic opener, simply press the button to open and close the door several times. Pay attention to how smoothly it operates and listen for any unusual noises or malfunctions. For the manual function, disconnect the automatic opener and try lifting and lowering the door by hand to make sure it moves smoothly and doesn't get stuck.

To test your garage door’s balance, disconnect the automatic opener and try lifting the door halfway. It should stay in place without assistance. If something doesn’t work correctly and you are not absolutely sure how to fix it safely, be sure to call a professional.

By following these simple tips, you can easily maintain your garage door on your own and keep it functioning properly for years to come! Be sure to inspect it regularly and call a professional if you ever have any concerns about its safety or operation.

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