Garage Doors: Tips For Upkeep Of Your Door

Your garage door has to endure a lot of use over the years. Harsh conditions can also put wear and tear on your doors if you live in a climate with dramatic changing seasons. In order to get the most out of its life, some simple maintenance and repairs should be made over time. Just doing a simple inspection once or twice a year yourself can make a difference.

Wood
If your entrance is made of wood, it will need more upkeep than its other counterparts. Once the most popular material, wood has slowly been replaced by other materials requiring less maintenance and upkeep. Initially, it is recommended to paint both the inside and outside of the door.

Also use a good sealant to help slow the rotting process which will naturally occur. If you are having a contractor install your wood entrance, make sure that they complete these tips. It will help to prevent the wood from warping and distorting. Then every year or two, repaint the exterior as chipping may occur, especially in climates that get a lot of rain, sun and wind.

Steel
Steel has become a widely used material for its simple upkeep. Every 6 months or so, oil the torsion springs with a motor oil and lubricate the radius section of the tracks. If there are signs of heavy dirt and grime, wash the doors with soapy water to prevent corrosion. Doing something as simple as this will extend the life of your garage door and save you time and money in the end.

Another simple do-it-yourself repair for all types of garage doors is simply checking the adjustment. It is likely that it will fall out of adjustment at some point in time. Some signs of this are if the door feels heavier than usual when lifting it. Look for worn hinges, springs, nuts or screws.

Tighten loose screws and nuts and oil the hinges. For these same parts, check them for rust. Replace rusted pieces before they become a larger problem. Most of these pieces are relatively inexpensive to replace and can keep your door in good condition.

Aesthetically, the best option for upkeep is always a coat of paint. Even just painting it a different color will instantly give the look of a completely new garage door. Or after repainting that white garage, it will look like a brand new garage and make your home look nicer with minimal work, time and money.