As the temperatures in Indiana rise and the harsh winter months fade away, spring offers the perfect opportunity to give your home a fresh start. You can start with your garage door. The elements can severely damage your garage door after months of exposure to cold temperatures, snow, and ice. The change in seasons calls for a thorough cleaning and maintenance check. With that, you can make sure your door is ready for the busy months ahead. A little maintenance can save you from costly repairs and help ensure your door operates as it should.
Give Your Doors a Good Cleaning
Over the winter, debris, dirt, and salt may have accumulated on your garage door. The start of spring is a good time to clean it when the weather warms up. You can use a soft cloth and dish soap to wipe it down. Check for cracks or dents that could compromise the door’s integrity as you clean. It may be time to repair or replace your garage door if you notice any visible damage.
You will also want to clean the door tracks. Any grime or debris on these tracks can obstruct the door’s movement and quickly become a safety hazard. Clear away any debris inside and outside the tracks. Keeping the tracks free of dirt and grime will allow the door to move freely. This can even help reduce wear and tear.
Look for Any Signs of Damage or Wear
Garage doors are subject to a lot of stress. When you factor in the fluctuating temperatures in Indiana, this can lead to frayed cables, rust spots, or other issues. You will want to look for rust on metal parts like the springs or rollers. Remember that rust can weaken these components. In turn, this can make your garage door inoperable or unsafe.
During your visual inspection, check the weatherstripping. The rubber seal at the bottom and sides of the door prevents drafts, moisture, and pests from getting inside your garage. If it looks cracked or brittle, you will need to replace it.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Another important part of any spring garage door maintenance is making sure that components work efficiently. You can start by applying a garage door lubricant to the springs attached to your garage door. The rollers, hinges, and belt of your garage door opener also need a thorough application of silicone-based lubricant. After greasing down these parts, you need to open and close the door to make sure everything moves smoothly. If you notice any resistance or unusual noises, it may indicate an issue with these components.
Check the Alignment
A misaligned door can cause a range of problems. Many times, this can lead to uneven movement or strain on the opener. For this task, you need to stand and watch your garage door while it is in motion. As the door opens and closes, see how it moves. It may require realignment if you notice any tilting or if the door seems off-track. Misaligned tracks can be difficult to fix by yourself. You will want to call a professional on our team to handle the realignment process for you.
Inspect the Auto-Reverse Feature
Garage doors manufactured after 1993 are required to have a safety feature called the auto-reverse feature. A garage door will reverse direction if it encounters an obstruction while in the process of closing. If you want to test if this process works, place a block of wood in the path of the door and try to close it. The door should automatically reverse once it hits the obstruction. If it fails to respond, you will need to check the safety sensors. You can find them located on either side of the door. They should be clear of any obstructions. A quick cleaning can usually fix any issues. However, if that doesn’t work, you will need to call our team to inspect the door.
Spring is the ideal time to give your garage door the attention it deserves. Regular garage door maintenance and cleaning will help extend the life span of your door. Along with that, it can reduce the likelihood of expensive repairs. If you encounter issues beyond basic garage door upkeep, Hey Bo Garage Doors in Bloomington, IN can assist. We offer garage repairs, replacements, and enhancements for your garage doors and springs. Plus, you can count on us for 24/7 emergency services. Contact Hey Bo Garage Doors for garage door assistance today.
