You probably use your garage door daily, but like most homeowners, you might tend to overlook the importance of garage door maintenance. Like every other part of your home, the garage door has a life span and maintenance needs. More than that, this home feature significantly impacts property value and curb appeal— it’s no secret that a new garage door can improve an entire neighborhood’s perceived value.
The most well-maintained garage doors should last between 15 and 30 years, but how long your door will last depends on a few factors. The manufacturer’s estimated life span of your garage door and regular maintenance are at the top of the list of impacting factors. Its usage and location also affect the longevity of a garage door.
To ensure your garage door can last as long as it should, here’s everything you need to know about maintenance and care.
Proper use and a few maintenance efforts are essential if you want your garage door to last three decades. These tips will help you keep your garage door in top shape:
Your garage door has a few features that make it safer. The release cord, reverse functionality and motion sensors help prevent injuries to you and your family and damage to your property. Inspect these components regularly to ensure they work correctly.
To check the release cord, tug on it to make sure it moves the door manually on its tracks. To test the motion sensors, place a large object in the sensor path while the door is closing, and it should stop and then reverse.
For the entire system to work correctly, the garage door must be balanced. To test the balance, detach the door from the automatic opener and use the release cord to pull it along its tracks.
Move the door halfway — if it stays in place, it is balanced. But if the door falls when you let go of the release cord, you should contact a technician. Even though you can test the door’s balance yourself, fixing it requires professional expertise.
Your garage door should have rubber lining surrounding the edges. This weather stripping provides insulation and helps keep bugs out. Over time, wear and tear degrades these strips, so inspecting them regularly is essential. If they become cracked or torn, replace them. You can do this yourself or contact a technician to have this part replaced.
One of the primary reasons garage door systems endure wear and tear and eventually fail is simply a lack of lubrication. When the hinges, bearings, rollers and tracks are not lubricated, the opener experiences more strain as the door struggles to open or close.
At least twice a year, apply lithium grease to all the working parts of the garage door’s system. While you can use WD-40 or engine oil, lithium grease attracts less dirt over time. The garage door system will struggle to function properly if dirt builds up.
Washing your garage door panel with a mild solution or all-purpose cleaner and water will also extend the garage door’s life span. Dirt and debris will eventually wear down the coating on the door, leading to a worn look that can degrade curb appeal.
Whether you need garage door repairs for the rollers, tracks, sensors, opener, or any other component of your system, Viking Overhead’s team of experienced technicians can handle the complexities of these systems and restore functionality to your home.
We service many Texas communities with top-quality materials and extensive warranties. We also understand that garage doors provide essential protection, so we offer 24/7 emergency repair and replacement services to these areas.
If your garage door seems damaged or isn’t opening and closing smoothly, it might be time for a new one. Here are the signs that it’s time to consider a complete replacement:
If you still aren’t sure whether you need to replace your garage door, contact Viking Overhead to evaluate the most suitable solutions to restoring the garage door’s function or replacing the system.
Viking Overhead offers Clopay doors in various styles, from classic steel or carriage-style doors to modern glass and aluminum doors. Our designs come in quality materials to accommodate the uniqueness of your property and upgrade intentions.
Whether you’re a fan of the Chevron trend or want something a bit more modern, we have doors to match every architectural style.
There’s no need to budget for a potentially unnecessary call-out fee. At Viking Overhead, we offer free on-site estimates. One of our technicians will come to you to evaluate your garage door and offer an estimate. After that, we can fix your garage door on the spot.
Garage door repair and replacement is a worthwhile investment for your home. This essential property feature offers protection, convenience and character to your home.
Viking Overhead is committed to helping you restore or replace your garage door when needed. Our doors and openers showcase top brands, including Chamberlain and Liftmaster, so you can enjoy your investment for decades. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment!
