Winter’s just around the corner – now is the time to ensure your garage door is ready for the cold and wind, not after the first snowstorm. Luckily, anyone can give their garage door an once-over using household items – and it will only take you around half an hour.
Check your remote’s battery
In ideal circumstances, your remote’s button battery can last as long as 12 months at a time – but it’s always a good idea to have a spare just in case.
Check your external keypad’s the battery
Located right under the keypad cover in a compartment that might be secured with a Phillips screw, this 9-volt battery has to weather some rather nasty temperatures. Change it every 12 months to be safe.
Check your garage door’s counterbalancing system (the springs)
This is easier than it sounds. First, pull your emergency cord to disable your door opener. Then use just one hand to open your garage door – if it proves difficult to open, you should have it professionally serviced. Contact us instead of trying it yourself.
Check for intact weather-stripping
Take a close look at your weather-stripping on your outer door frame. Is it squashed flat against the door? Are there spots that seem hard or damaged from sun exposure? Get it replaced. If you have PVC weather-stripping, you might just need some silicone-based lubricant to keep it in good condition.
Next, check the weather-stripping along the door’s bottom. If it’s worn or damaged, it’s actually an easy fix; we can provide you with instructions for changing it yourself.
Make sure your hardware’s metal parts are lubricated
Lubricate all the metallic springs, rollers and tracks inside your garage.
- Before you reapply, remove any old lubricant and dust with a dry cloth.
- Use 10W‑30 motor oil or some other oil-based lubricant.
- A little goes a long way. Wipe up any excess with a rag.
- Stay away from WD‑40. This isn’t a lubricant – it’s actually a degreaser!
- Don’t grease anything at all, actually. This goes double for the tracks. They need to be able to roll freely instead of sliding within the track.
Check the automatic reversal systems on your garage door
You likely either have a photoelectric system or a mechanical one.
- Mechanical: Place a piece of wood, like a two‑by‑four, on your door’s threshold and then trigger your garage door opener to close. The door should detect resistance when it contacts the wood and automatically reverse. If it doesn’t, check your manual for how to adjust the sensitivity.
- Photoelectric: This one is easy. Just set your door to close and then stick your foot across the threshold so you break the beam of your electric eye. If your door keeps closing, your photoelectric units might not be aligned. See if you can’t correct it on your own – if you’re still having problems, your best bet is to contact us for a service call.
There it is: just a handful of tips that can help avoid some large problems down the road. If you don’t have the time to do this maintenance yourself – or you’re simply not much of a do‑it-yourselfer, give us a call today.
Add new comment