Regular maintenance of your garage door is essential to minimize any potential problems that can arise with regular use. While some maintenance can only be performed by trained professionals, there are some simple tasks that can be done with little mechanical knowledge that can help your garage door run as efficiently as possible.
Regular cleaning and painting
Regular cleaning helps keep caustic chemicals (like road salt), dirt and debris away from moving parts while keeping your garage door clean. Cleaning your garage door doesn't have to be complicated and doesn't have to be done every day; a soft brush and mild soap a few times a year should suffice. In our snowy Canadian climate, the most important thing is to invest in a good floor squeegee to push out all the slush that comes off your car, which is often laden with caustic chemicals.
Regular cleaning is usually sufficient for metal garage doors, but wood garage doors require more TLC. Wooden garage doors should be painted/refinished every few years. This keeps them safe from moisture and prevents warping.
Lubricate critical moving parts
One of the most important aspects of garage door maintenance is lubricating the moving parts that allow the garage door to move. A light mineral oil or good quality spray on the hinges and rollers should be enough to keep the garage door open and closed smoothly. Moving parts should be lubricated twice a year. When lubricating doors, it's good to get in the habit of regularly checking elevator cables for corrosion or wear.
