Summer in Ann Arbor brings heat and humidity that can affect your garage door’s performance. Regular maintenance keeps it running smoothly and avoids costly repairs. Tips for seasonal upkeep and professional tune-ups ensure your garage door is ready for summer.
Seasonal Maintenance for Garage Doors
Summer heat and humidity can wear down garage doors. Without regular upkeep, these conditions might lead to costly repairs or even replacement. The intense weather can cause materials like metal and wood to expand and contract, leading to misalignment or warping that affects functionality and safety. With increased summer activity, garage doors endure more wear and tear.
Routine maintenance extends the life of a garage door. It keeps the door looking good and working safely, reducing the chance of accidents. By staying on top of maintenance, homeowners can ensure their garage doors run smoothly all summer, avoiding unexpected issues and expenses.
Essential Maintenance for Garage Doors: Key Steps
Simple maintenance tasks can keep your garage door running smoothly throughout the summer. Regular checks and upkeep prevent issues and extend the life of your door. Discover the key steps to keeping your garage door in great shape during the warmer months.
- Inspect and Clean the Door
Start by giving your garage door a good look-over. Check for dents, cracks, or rust that might weaken its structure. Focus on the door panels and hardware, like hinges and bolts, to ensure everything is tight and in good shape.
Clean your door. Mix a mild detergent with water to remove dirt and debris from its surface. This prevents rust on metal doors and helps avoid moisture absorption for wooden doors which can lead to rot. Regular cleaning keeps your door looking sharp and extends its life, making it a crucial part of summer upkeep.
- Lubricate Moving Parts
Keep your garage door’s moving parts well-lubricated. Focus on the hinges, rollers, and tracks, as these components are important for smooth operation. If neglected, they can become noisy or stiff.
Opt for a silicone-based lubricant or white lithium grease. These options minimize friction without attracting dust. Steer clear of oils like WD-40, which can attract dirt and cause problems over time. Apply the lubricant sparingly and wipe away any excess to avoid build-up.
- Test the Balance and Alignment
Your garage door’s balance and alignment ensure smooth and safe operation. An unbalanced door can overwork the opener, leading to early wear, while misalignment might cause the door to jam or move unevenly.
First, disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle to check the balance. Lift the door halfway and let go. If the door is balanced, it won’t move. If it shifts, the spring tension likely needs adjusting, which is best left to a professional due to the potential danger.
- Check Weather Stripping
Weather stripping maintains your garage’s energy efficiency and keeps it free from unwanted intrusions. In the summer, it helps block hot air and pests, which can increase cooling costs and cause discomfort.
Examine the weather stripping along the garage door’s bottom and sides. Look for cracks, gaps, or brittleness that signal wear. Damaged stripping should be replaced quickly to maintain its effectiveness.
- Assess the Garage Door Opener
Your garage door opener is key to convenience and security, so regular checks are necessary. Start by testing how the opener responds to your remote control. If there’s a delay or it doesn’t work, you might need to replace the batteries or reprogram the remote.
If your system has a backup battery, check it too. This is crucial during summer storms, when power outages are more common. If the battery isn’t maintaining its charge, it’s time for a replacement.
Benefits of Professional Garage Door Tune-Ups
While handling some garage door maintenance tasks yourself is helpful, professional tune-ups provide thorough care that can prevent expensive repairs. Experts can spot issues that aren’t obvious, like wear in the springs or cables that could lead to bigger problems.
A professional service includes detailed inspections, precise adjustments, and expert lubrication of all parts. This boosts safety and enhances performance, reducing the risk of breakdowns during the busy summer months.
For the best performance and safety, consider contacting Overhead Door of Ann Arbor for expert maintenance services. Our team is ready to help get your garage door summer-ready. Schedule a service by contacting us today.
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