Add a garage door tune-up to your “to-do” list
One
of the most overlooked items is the garage door. In a recent study,
50% of respondents stated they have never maintained their door. Like
every other mechanical device — your garage door needs to be maintained.
Just as it’s common to have your furnace checked annually, it’s wise to
have your door checked by a qualified technician. The experts remind
homeowners to use caution when working on or near garage doors. Ensure
that children understand that garage doors and openers are not toys.
Homeowners can avoid expensive repairs by performing an annual
inspection and tune up of their garage door by following these simple
steps:
1. Clean the outside of the door with a detergent, sponge and water. Rinse with a garden hose.
2. Check for broken rollers, frayed cables and rusted bottom brackets and replace as necessary.
3.
Use a socket wrench to tighten any loose nuts or bolts on the tracks or
hinges. Any bolts or nuts that are red or have warning tags should not
be tightened or loosened. Only a garage door technician should adjust
them.
4.
Check the door’s balance, with door in closed position, disengage the
opener by pulling the release cord and raise the door to waist level and
then let it go carefully. If it lowers or rises, it is out of balance
and needs maintenance.
5. Check your electric opener safety reverse. With
the door open, lay a piece of 2 x 4 on the floor in the center of the
opening. Push the wall button to close the door. When the door strikes
the wood, it should reverse. If the door does not reverse, it should be
serviced.
6.
With the door in closed position, clean photo eyes with a soft, dry
cloth. Gently adjust photo eyes if they are out of alignment. With the
door open, push wall button to close door. Wave a long object, such as a
broomstick, in front of one of the photo eyes so it “breaks the beam.”
If the door does not reverse, it should be serviced immediately.
7. Lubricate all moving parts with a silicone lubricant spray, never use grease or WD40.
With proper maintenance, your garage door will serve you faithfully for years to come.
