Make a list of the important moving parts in your home, and you may not think to include your garage door. But chances are, your garage door is the biggest moving part in your home — and also one of the most important. Although these doors don’t require a ton of maintenance, they do require basic upkeep, and that upkeep includes lubricating their moving parts.
Things to Know in This Article:
- How Can I Tell If My Garage Door Needs Lubrication?
- What You Need to Get the Job Done
- If Lubricant Doesn’t Work
How Can I Tell If My Garage Door Needs Lubrication?
Here’s what you can look forward to if you don’t maintain your garage doors: noise. Lots and lots of noise — and eventual malfunction. The good news is that lubrication can return quiet function to your garage door system. That’s especially important if there’s a bedroom above your garage or if it’s near your neighbor’s home. You may have become accustomed to your garage door’s loud welcome, but others probably haven’t.
If you hear the unmistakable screech or grind of metal on metal, you don’t have to live with it. Tracks, hinges, wheels and springs are just a few of the parts that benefit from regular lubrication. Don’t overlook your lock either, even though it’s probably not noisy. The gears inside the tumbler definitely benefit from occasional lubrication and should make your lockset easier to work.
What You Need to Get the Job Done
Don’t grab the first engine “lubricant” you see, especially if it was designed to prevent rusting. Rust preventatives do a great job preventing rust, but they aren’t true lubricants. Check your garage door manual to see if the manufacturer recommends a particular lubricant. Some parts on your door may not require lubrication at all, while others might need a specialized lubricant such as lithium grease.
If you don’t have your manual and aren’t sure what kind to buy, make sure you go with an option made specifically for garage doors. These lubricants will sink deep into the gears and dry without becoming sticky. Use a small amount at first to avoid making a mess, and move the door back and forth after you’ve applied it. This action will help the lubricant move throughout the parts and ensure smooth operation.
Here’s a pro tip: Vacuum areas requiring lubrication beforehand. Otherwise, you could force dirt or debris into the gears or other difficult-to-reach places. Don’t forget to keep plenty of rags handy for easy cleanup, and wear goggles to prevent lube or dirt from getting in your eyes. Check all bolts to make sure they’re tightly secured after lubrication too, or the grinding and screeching could continue.
If Lubricant Doesn’t Work
If your garage door is still noisy after you’ve lubricated and tightened its parts, you may need professional service. Other problems that can cause noisy operation include loose or broken hardware such as bearings, worn rollers, worn pads and a loose chain.
DistribuDoors is the local expert that can help you repair or replace your garage doors. Contact us today and we can help you prepare your door for years of safe use.