Garage doors are huge exterior home accessories with a lot of moving parts. If you must repair the garage door, it can cost you a pretty penny. And in a worst-case scenario, a repair might not be possible and you’ll need an even more expensive replacement. 

Garage door maintenance can reduce the need for costly repairs and replacement. It will ensure your garage is running its best to minimize dangerous situations. A well-maintained door will also increase your home’s safety and energy efficiency. 

Read on for tips on how to maintain a garage door and keep expenses low. 

Invest in a High-Quality Garage Door

Investing in a high-quality garage door may be the best way to reduce repair expenses. These garage doors may have higher price tags than their counterparts, but they will more than pay for themselves in reduced repair costs and increased garage door life. 

How can you tell if a garage door is reliable? Here are some things to look out for: 

• Material: There are several garage door materials to choose from. Steel tends to be the best in terms of durability and affordability. Fiberglass and aluminum are cost-effective alternatives. Wood provides an upscale appeal. 
• Hardware: Inquire about the hardware used on the door. Ensure it is durable and sturdy. Look for 14 gauge tracks with mounting brackets welded on rather than riveted. The rollers should feature at least ten ball bearings covered with rigid nylon. 
• Insulation: Insulated doors are preferred because they will increase your home’s energy efficiency and enhance noise reduction. Consider the R value which measures the insulation’s thermal resistance. You should also look at the insulation’s installation to ensure it will hold up in extreme temperatures. 
• Weather Stripping: Weather stripping protects your home and garage from the elements and temperature fluctuations. A professional can provide weather stripping installed correctly and cut to size. 

Keeping Up With Maintenance

There are several things homeowners can do to service garage doors on their own to keep them in excellent shape. Here are some top tips for garage door maintenance:

• Lubrication: Lubricating the moving parts of your door will reduce wear and tear and ensure smooth operation. There are various lubricants on the market, but experts say lithium-based agents work best. 
• Tighten Hardware: Your garage door’s vibration can loosen the hardware. Use a socket or wrench to tighten loose components. 
• Clean the door regularly: Cleaning a garage door is about more than keeping up appearances. The dirt and grime that builds up on a garage door can affect the way it operates. A mild detergent and water solution will clean dirt off the tracks and the door. 
• Check the Balance: You can check your door’s balance by pulling the release balance. The door should not go up or down more than a foot. It should then stay in place without any help. In addition to checking the door's balance, you should also check the springs for signs of wear and tear. 
• Check the Autoreverse: The autoreverse causes the door to go backward when it detects a person or object. It ensures that pets, people, or objects won’t get crushed by a closing garage door. You can check the autoreverse by placing an object, like a block, beneath the door. It should autoreverse when the block is detected. 

Keep your Garage Door Clean and Lubricated

The steps listed above will ensure your garage door operates smoothly, but cleaning and lubrication are especially important. Let’s delve into these techniques to ensure your garage door is properly cleaned and lubed. 

Clean Your Garage Door

1. Close the door so you can access its moving parts. 
2. Cut the power to reduce safety hazards.
3. Clean out the tracks with a damp rag to reduce operational issues. 
4. Use automotive brake cleaner to loosen stubborn dirt. 
5. Vacuum the tracks to remove dirt and debris. 

Lubricate Your Garage Door

1. Purchase a lithium-based grease product. 
2. Open your door and spray a lubricant on the door hinges where they meet the bend of the track. One or two sprays should do the trick. 
3. Lubricate the inside of the ball bearing inside your rollers to ensure your door opens and closes smoothly. Wipe off any excess so it doesn’t interfere with the operation. 
4. Spray your springs and bearing plates. The springs are at the top of your garage door. The bearing plates are the moving circular parts on either side of the spring. 
5. Spray the lock and armbar to ensure a smooth locking and unlocking process. Spray the lubricant directly into the lock hole. Then, lubricate the armbar at the top of your door. 
6. Lubricate the top of the rail. The rail runs along the garage ceiling. Spray the portion of the rail the chain rides along. Spray the lubricant once, then spread it around with a rag. The chain has its lubricant and does not need to be lubricated. 

Never Ignore a Problem

Squeaks, pops, and operational issues with your garage door won’t go away by themselves and they could even get worse with time. And while there are some issues you may be able to take care of yourself, be aware that a DIY fix could cost you more in the long run. 

If you are unsure or you need to call a professional, you are best off calling them sooner rather than later. Before the fix becomes even more costly.

Hire a Professional for Repairs

It is possible to DIY a garage door repair, but it’s always best to call in a professional. A professional will repair your garage door properly so it withstands the test of time. They will also minimize the risk of damaging the door or injuring yourself, which could cost you thousands of dollars. 

Many people try to DIY their garage door repairs to save money, but hiring a professional is often a more cost-effective solution. Work with a professional you can trust. Look at factors like experience and online reviews.

Ready to Keep Up with Your Garage Door’s Maintenance? 

Maintaining garage doors will keep them in top shape. You can maintain your doors by: 

• Investing in a quality door
• Keeping up with maintenance
• Ensuring your door is clean and lubricated
• Never ignoring problems
• Hiring a professional for garage door repair and maintenance

Raynor is a solution for homeowners who wish to keep their garage doors in top shape. We have years of experience servicing garage door issues. We are also providers of high-quality doors that withstand the time. 

Contact us for all your garage door repair and maintenance needs.