Proper maintenance practices for your door and your door opener will ensure that both last for many years. By properly lubricating the moving parts, inspecting for problems, and keeping all wood finished, you can avoid costly repair jobs.
Pushing the button and having your garage door open before your eyes is something you do every day,
and probably something you rarely think about. In fact, just like most appliances, the mechanisms that make this process work often draw little attention. Little attention, that is, until they stop working. Proper maintenance is the key to a long life of the opener.
Maintaining your opener requires little technical skill or knowledge, but just some time and dedication. The first step is lubrication. All moving parts, including rollers, hinges roller tracks, and latches, need to be lubricated. Start by cleaning them using a spray-on solvent. If you have an extension spring opener, spray down the pulleys.
On torsion-spring openers, pay attention to the bearings. The wipe everything off and apply a light lubricant to the parts. Some garage door openers have chains or drive screws that operate the opening mechanism. In these situations, apply lubricant to the entire length of the chain.
Inspect your system for stuck hinges and rollers or any parts that have excessive rust. These problems should be dealt with before applying lubricant. Soak stuck parts with kerosene, using a toothbrush to work the kerosene into any cracks.
Be careful when using kerosene, as it is highly combustible. Use steel wool to remove rust and wipe down the parts. Once the parts are clean and no longer stuck, apply lubricant. While you inspect the system for stuck hinges or rollers, also look for screws or bolts that need tightening, and tighten as needed.
After lubricating the mechanisms, take the time to check the weather stripping along the edges of the garage door. All weather stripping needs to be tight against the sides. Replace any that is starting to pull away. If you do not have any weather stripping, consider installing some.
Painting or staining any wood parts is an important maintenance step. If the wood has already been painted or stained, check the finish for signs of chipping or other wear and tear, and apply a new coat as needed. Unfinished wood has a tendency to warp, and this puts unneeded strain on the opener, which can shorten its life.
Always paint and stain both sides of the wood. While the exterior of the wood is more prone to damage from the elements, the interior can also warp and bend if not properly finished.
Taking care of your garage door and the opener does not require a lot of know-how, a huge time commitment, or a lot of money. By keeping everything in good repair, well lubricated, and clean, you will get many years of use out of your opener, providing hassle-free entry each and every time you return home.
