How to Maintain Specialty Garage Doors Guide
Specialty garage doors are designed to provide a unique look and feel to your home’s exterior. These doors can be made from various materials like wood, aluminum, or steel and may have intricate designs that require special attention and maintenance. Some examples of these specialty garage doors include sectional doors, industrial doors, and glass doors. To ensure that your specialty garage door remains in good condition and functions correctly, you need to follow some essential maintenance tips. So, how do you maintain specialty garage doors? Here are some tips on how to maintain specialty garage doors:
- Regularly Clean and Inspect the Doors
- Lubrication
- Check and Replace Weatherstripping
- Replace Worn Out Parts
- Test the Garage Door’s Balance and Keep It Balanced
- Spring Tension Adjustments
- Professional Maintenance
Whether you are looking for how to properly maintain your specialty garage doors or to purchase industrial doors or another type of specialty garage doors, there are a variety of tips available to ensure they continue to operate efficiently and safely.
1. Regularly Clean Doors
As they can accumulate dirt, dust, and other debris that can affect their appearance and function.
To clean garage doors, remove any dirt, grime, or debris that may have accumulated on the surface or in the tracks. Regular cleaning with mild detergent and water can help remove the buildup and prevent any damage to the door’s surface. A clean door will operate more smoothly and be less prone to problems.
2. Regularly Inspect Garage Doors
Regular inspections are absolutely critical to maintaining the performance of a specialty garage door. Despite the fact many people tend to overlook their garage doors until there is a major problem that is costly to fix, regular inspections are an easy way to avoid larger-scale issues.
To inspect your home’s garage door thoroughly, check for any signs of wear and tear such as cracks, dents, or rust. Be sure to pay close attention to the hinges, rollers, tracks, and springs, as these are the parts most likely to experience problems.
Besides these, Garage Door Openers are another part that needs regular upkeep for smooth functioning. However, since it has internal machinery, you may not know when it needs maintenance or repair. You should call professionals to inspect them and make the required repairs there.
3. Lubricate All Moving Parts
Always be sure to lubricate all moving parts – lubrication is key to keeping garage doors operating smoothly. You should regularly lubricate the hinges, rollers, tracks, and springs to ensure that they move smoothly and quietly.
By keeping the rollers and other moving parts of your garage door lubricated, you can efficiently reduce stress on both the rollers and the door opener. It is best to do this about twice per year, by applying a spray-type lubricant onto the rollers and hinges. You can then wipe off any excess.
It is important to use a high-quality lubricant that is specifically designed for use on garage doors. Proper lubrication can also prevent your garage door from rusting, which can save you from further damage in the long run.
4. Check and Replace the Weatherstripping
The weatherstripping on your garage door helps keep out cold air, moisture, and pests, as well as helps your home conserve energy. Check the weatherstripping regularly for any damage or wear and replace it if necessary. Weatherstripping can be purchased at hardware and home improvement stores, so it is easily accessible.
Weatherstripping has a flange that smoothly slides into a groove at the bottom of your garage door. If it experiences any type of damage – such as tearing – and becomes badly worn out or loose, it should be replaced as soon as possible.
5. Replace Worn Out Parts
When completing regular inspections of your garage door, it is important to replace any worn-out or damaged parts you notice as soon as possible. Damaged parts can cause your door to operate improperly, which can lead to safety hazards and damage to the door. Some of the most common parts of garage doors that need to be replaced include springs, hinges, rollers, and tracks.
6. Test the Garage Door’s Balance and Keep It Balanced
A properly balanced garage door will function smoothly and reduce wear and tear on the door’s parts. To test the balance, disconnect the door from the opener and manually lift it halfway. If the door stays in place, it’s properly balanced.
Properly balancing your garage door is an essential way to maintain its safe and efficient operation. If the door is not balanced, it may be difficult to open or close – and it could be more prone to damage.
If your garage door is not balanced, the opener will need to work harder, which will shorten its lifespan. Springs, however, can keep the door balanced so that it opens and closes smoothly.
Check the balance of the door regularly by disconnecting the opener and manually opening and closing the door. Once you have closed the garage door, pull the release handle, which will disengage the automatic opener.
You can then manually lift the door until it is halfway open. A balanced door should not move up or down more than a foot – it should remain in place without any assistance.
A door that moves up or down at all is not balanced or has springs that are worn out. If the door is difficult to operate manually or appears to be unbalanced, it may need to be adjusted.
7. Spring Tension Adjustments
The tension on the springs that help open and close the door is critical to the proper operation of the door. If the tension is too loose, the door may not close properly. However, if it is too tight, the door may be difficult to open. Both instances can cause safety hazards and damage to the garage doors if not adjusted.
If you notice a problem with spring tension, you should adjust the tension as needed to ensure the door opens smoothly and safely. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when adjusting the tension of the springs, as improper adjustments can be dangerous and may void any warranty.
8. Professional Maintenance
It’s essential to have your specialty garage door inspected and maintained by a professional garage door service annually. A trained technician can identify any potential issues and perform any necessary repairs to keep your garage door in top condition.
The Importance of Maintaining Your Home’s Specialty Garage Doors
Specialty garage doors are a significant investment for homeowners as they provide an essential function while also enhancing the home’s aesthetic appeal. Here are some reasons why it is important to maintain your home’s specialty garage doors:
– Increase the Lifespan of the Door
Regular maintenance can help increase the lifespan of your specialty garage door. With proper cleaning, lubrication, and inspection, you can prevent wear and tear on the door’s moving parts and ensure that it functions smoothly for years to come.
– Prevent Costly Repairs
Neglecting maintenance can lead to more significant issues that require expensive repairs or even the replacement of the entire garage door. By investing in regular maintenance, you can identify and fix small issues before they become more severe and costly.
– Ensure Safety
A malfunctioning garage door can be hazardous to your family and your property. A poorly maintained door can fall unexpectedly or fail to close properly, putting your home’s security at risk. Regular maintenance can ensure that your garage door is functioning correctly and safely.
– Maintain Curb Appeal
Specialty garage doors are often chosen for their unique designs or features that add to the home’s curb appeal. Neglecting maintenance can cause the door to look worn or damaged, detracting from the overall look of your home. By keeping the door in good condition, you can maintain the home’s aesthetic appeal.
– Increase Property Value
A well-maintained specialty garage door can add value to your home. A potential buyer may be willing to pay more for a home with an attractive and functional garage door, making it a worthwhile investment.
In Closing
In conclusion, specialty garage doors require proper maintenance to ensure they remain functional and retain their aesthetic appeal. Regular cleaning, lubrication, damage inspection, testing door balance, checking to weatherstrip, and professional maintenance are all essential steps to take to maintain specialty garage doors properly. By following these tips, you can extend the life of your specialty garage door and enjoy its unique beauty for years to come.
