We’re sure you know that with owning a home, there’s a great amount of responsibility in making sure it’s safe and fits your family’s needs. Garage doors may seem like something you take for granted but can pose some real issues if not working properly. As you get to know your space, we recommend you make your garage door a part of your home you focus on as well! So, what do you need to know about garage doors as a homeowner?
Get Familiar With Garage Door Parts
Track, opener, roller, spring, seal. We promise we’re not trying to give you a vocabulary lesson here, but knowing the different components of your door is really important! Learn the names of the parts, the purpose they serve in order to get your garage door to work, and what common issues you might come across with these parts throughout the year. For example, garage door springs can get brittle during winter seasons causing rust buildup and breakage. Recognizing what to keep an eye out for can help you proactively mitigate garage door issues and save more money in the long run.
Perform Your Own Inspection
Even if it looks like everything is in good shape, take a closer look at your garage door. Here are some of the things to look for:
- Check parts for signs of wear
- Test that photo eyes are working properly
- Check your weather seal’s condition to make sure it seals properly to the concrete.
- Open and close your door – is it making any weird noises? Is it moving at a slower rate than it should be?
- Lubricate your tracks, hinges, and springs with garage lubricant
If you notice some potential issues, contact a garage door professional immediately to schedule an inspection. Do not try to fix the problem yourself.
Determine The Door’s Age
Another component in getting to know your garage door is determining its age as this plays an important factor in when to expect repairs or a replacement. On average, garage doors can last anywhere from 15-30 years. Depending on your door’s manufacturer, there should be a label on your door that shows the model number and what year it was made. You should find this label on the side frame of the door or the top/bottom edge. If your door is reaching up towards the end of that range, it may be more cost-effective for you to replace the door completely rather than pour money into repairs for an old door.
Plan to Clean Your Door Before the Start of Each Season
A lot of us get the urge to deep clean our home as new seasons approach, and your garage door should absolutely be on your list! Cleaning procedures will change depending on what material your garage door is made out of, but we recommend using a soft sponge or cloth and mild liquid soap to clean off dirt and grime. Not only will this help your garage door last longer, but increase your curb appeal.
Receive Annual Maintenance Checks
The best way to save money on your garage door over time is to be proactive in catching issues before they arise. Scheduling a garage door maintenance check with a professional garage door company means you’ll have a certified professional walk through a safety and operation checklist including moving parts, door hardware, paneling/sections, sensors, and any wear and tear. Your garage door technician will be able to tell you if there are any specific parts you should keep an eye on or provide recommendations on any replacements if necessary.
Schedule a Professional Garage Door Inspection
As a garage door company owned and operated in Des Moines, we’re no strangers to how weather extremes can affect the moving parts of your garage door. If you would like some peace of mind and reassurance that your door is working as it should, contact us at Amega to schedule an inspection appointment!