Increasing value and street appeal, securing your home and protecting your valuables, garage doors are an investment for homeowners. And so, you want to take care of it best you can. Here are some steps you can take to make sure your garage door is well cared for and protected.
First step: Register your warranty
At C&M, our garage doors are covered by warranty. In saying this, to activate the warranty you must register it online. If you don’t, your warranty is void and you won’t be covered should anything unexpected happen.
Book your Annual Service
Just like a car, garage doors require regular servicing to keep things in working order. After all, it does have a motor. The moving parts need to be inspected and potentially adjusted by a technician every 12 months. Servicing will give you peace of mind your garage door is securing your home, is safe for your family and will help to catch-out any problems before they become a costly repair. Plus, an annual service is required to uphold your end of the warranty agreement.
At home care for your Garage Door
So, you’ve registered your warranty and you’ve booked your annual service in, but what else can you do to care for your garage door? When it comes to extending the life of your garage door, there are a few more things we recommend you do. This includes:
- A basic inspection
- Cleaning and lubricating springs, hinges and other moving parts
- Keeping your door clean
Check your garage door
When you remember, every 3 to 6 months, you can be doing the following to preserve the working condition of your garage door:
Perform a visual inspection
Check all the edges, the nooks and crannies, the springs and tracks for anything out of the ordinary. Keep an eye out for rust, insects and any fraying cables.
Protect against Corrosion
Wash down the external surface of your door with clean water and a soft brush or cloth every 14 days, or more often in coastal areas. Washing your door not only keeps your door looking good, but it also removes the build-up on any organic matter. If you notice any corrosion in your guides, you can use white vinegar and a wire brush to scrub it off.
Lubricate garage door hinges and springs
Open and close your garage door, paying attention to how it sounds. Keep an ear out for any squeaking, popping and scraping. Even if you don’t hear anything different, you still need to apply lubricant to the moving parts of the door regularly to prevent any damage. Using a silicon based lubricant, lubricate the springs, bearings and hinges (but not the tracks – that’s the next step!).
Clear the tracks of your garage door
Often dirt, oil, dust and debris end up in the tracks of your garage door, hindering its smooth operation. Grab a dampened cloth with mineral turps or methylated spirits and clean the tracks, paying careful attention to removing any oil or grease.
When do you need our help?
For anything other than the above, you need a garage door technician. Some common problems that require immediate attention include:
- The door is stuck or gets stuck momentarily when open or closing
- The motor is making a strange noise
- The door is not responding to the remote control
- The door is squeaking loudly
- The tension needs to be adjusted
With these self-maintenance tips, you can make sure your garage door is in working order, extend its life and protect your warranty.
