Your garage door is most likely used just as much as your front door is. Therefore, you must keep it in good working order if you want it to perform smoothly and dependably well into the future. Part of any good garage door maintenance schedule is regular lubrication. Lubrication is an easy self-care step that any homeowner can take with a few simple materials and less than an hour on the weekend. Here are all the basics about garage door lubrication that you will need to know to take care of this home maintenance project yourself.
Benefits of Garage Door Lubrication
Regular garage door lubrication is not a task that you can do merely if you feel like it. Instead, it is a necessary part of garage door maintenance that provides many benefits, including the following:
-Helps it run smoothly without sticking or stopping
-Protects metal parts that rub against each other
-Protects against rust by providing a protective coating that protects against the elements and prevents corrosion
-Keeps the door quiet without squeaking or creaking
-Extends the life of the door by protecting all of the parts from wear and tear
When to Lubricate the Garage Door
Your garage door will need to be lubricated a minimum of every year. Although you may think you can get away with putting it off longer than this when the door is new, you will actually be extending the life of the door and the parts when you do it yearly despite how well the door is working. However, a clear sign that the door needs lubrication is squeaking whenever you raise or lower it.
Where to Lubricate
In general, metal parts that rub against each other should be lubricated. This could include the springs, rollers and hinges. However, if the rollers on your door are nylon, do not lubricate them. Additionally, never lubricate the tracks because this could get the door out of balance. Instead, just wipe the tracks down every year.
What to Use
Look for a lubricant designed especially for garage doors because it will contain the correct ingredients and go on well without a lot of mess. Silicone and lithium lubricants are both acceptable. However, do not try using regular WD-40 because it could gum up the parts. White lithium grease is the most popular option.
Of course, if you run into any problems while lubricating your garage door, you may need professional help to get your garage door back into smooth working order once again. Other times, you may find that extra lubrication does not repair the squeak or another problem that you had been noticing. Professional garage door repair workers can find and solve the problem much faster than you can, helping you get your garage door running smoothly and giving you back your peace of mind. By performing regular garage door maintenance, you will find that your door should not give you any problems for years into the future.
