How to Increase Your Garage Door's Lifespan: Expert Tips from Alpha Doors!
Your garage door plays a crucial role in keeping your home secure and protecting your belongings. However, like any other mechanical system, it requires regular maintenance to function at its best. Investing in a quality garage door is only part of the equation—proper care and attention will ensure it lasts. Here are our expert tips to extend the lifespan of your garage door:
1. Routine Maintenance is Key
One of the simplest and most effective ways to increase your garage door's lifespan is through regular maintenance. Much like maintaining a car, your garage door requires yearly services to keep it running smoothly.
Lubricate Moving Parts:
Lubricating the rollers, hinges, springs, and tracks helps reduce friction, preventing parts from wearing down prematurely. Make it a habit to apply a high-quality lubricant to these parts at least twice a year.
Tighten Loose Hardware:
Over time, vibrations from the garage door's operation can cause nuts and bolts to loosen. Periodically check and tighten all the hardware to ensure your door operates smoothly without unnecessary strain on the components.
2. Test and Maintain the Door Balance
An unbalanced garage door can place undue stress on the opener and springs, causing them to wear out faster. To test the balance, disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle and manually lift the door. If the door is properly balanced, it should stay in place halfway up. If not, it’s time to call in a professional to adjust the tension in the springs.
3. Keep Tracks Clean and Aligned
Debris in the tracks or misaligned tracks can interfere with the smooth operation of your garage door, leading to unnecessary strain on the opener and other components. Regularly clean the tracks with a damp cloth to remove dust, dirt, and grime. Use a level to ensure the tracks are aligned correctly—if you notice any issues, it’s best to contact us to avoid causing further damage.
4. Inspect the Weatherstripping and Replace as Needed
The weatherstripping along the bottom of the door serves to seal the garage and prevent drafts, dirt, and moisture from entering. Over time, this strip can become brittle or worn out. Replacing it as needed not only keeps your garage insulated but also protects the door from environmental damage.
5. Don’t Forget About the Springs
The springs are one of the most critical components of your garage door system. They bear the weight of the door and help it open and close smoothly. If you notice your door operating sluggishly or making strange noises, it could be a sign that the springs are worn or damaged. Always have springs inspected regularly and replaced by a professional when necessary. Never attempt to adjust or replace the springs yourself—they’re under significant tension and can be dangerous to work with.
6. Regular Cleaning Helps Preserve the Door’s Appearance
A clean garage door not only looks better but also functions more efficiently. Wash your garage door regularly with mild soap and water to remove dirt, debris, and grime. For wood doors, use wood-specific cleaners and conditioners to prevent the material from cracking or rotting.
Tip for Steel and Aluminum Doors: Apply a coat of wax once a year to protect the finish and keep the door looking new.
7. Check the Auto-Reverse Feature for Safety
The auto-reverse feature is an important safety mechanism designed to prevent accidents. To test it, place an object (like a piece of wood) in the door’s path, and then close it. If the door doesn’t reverse upon contact, it's time to adjust the opener or call a professional for a safety inspection.
8. Be Mindful of Extreme Weather Conditions
Extreme temperatures—whether it's the freezing cold or intense heat—can take a toll on your garage door. Cold weather can cause springs to weaken, while intense heat can cause certain materials to warp. Insulated garage doors are an excellent investment if you live in an area with fluctuating temperatures, as they help maintain the door's structural integrity and improve energy efficiency.
9. Professional Inspections are Crucial
Even with regular DIY maintenance, it’s a good idea to have a professional technician inspect your garage door at least once a year. We can catch issues early that might go unnoticed by the untrained eye, such as worn-out rollers, misaligned tracks, or malfunctioning openers.
Alpha Doors: Number One In Garage Doors.