An automatic garage door is a common feature that is found on many modern homes. However, caring for these doors can be a difficult task for new homeowners as they may make some simple oversights. Unfortunately, these oversights can expose the door to more intense wear and tear. To help you minimize and avoid these risks, you will want to be mindful of the following tips when it comes to your home's garage door.
Clean The Exterior Of The Garage Door
The exterior of your home can get extremely dirty. In addition to degrading the overall appearance of your garage door, this can also damage the door by causing rust or rot to start forming. To avoid this problem, you will want to clean the garage door by wetting and scrubbing it with a microfiber cloth or using a pressure washer to remove these substances. For most homeowners, this will need to be done at least once a year to help prevent the door from suffering damage. However, homes that are near bodies of salt water may need to have this cleaning done every few months due to the corrosive effects of the salt.
Lubricate The Joints
The joints of the door are essential for allowing it to easily open and close. However, there are many issues that can arise with these joints. In particular, it is possible for the lubrication that is on them to degrade as time passes. The friction that is generated when these parts move can severely warp them if there is not sufficient lubrication. As a result, it is necessary to check the joints to ensure that they are properly lubricated every few months. If you notice that the joints appear dry or there's a squealing or grinding sound when you open the door, you should apply additional lubricant.
Inspect It For Signs Of Rust
If rust forms on the components of the door opener, it may be unable to effectively raise and lower the garage door. Sadly, this type of rust can get progressively worse, and while it may be repairable in the early stages, components that are severely rusted will need to be replaced. Inspecting the metal parts of the garage door for rust can allow you to catch this problem before it gets too bad. When minor rust is found, it is often possible to repair it by sanding away the rust and applying a protective sealant.
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