One-Time Garage Door Maintenance From Delaware Express
Even if your garage door isn't covered by one of our garage door maintenance Care Packages, we can still come out and make sure that your door is ready for the upcoming season!
Your garage door and opener are made up of literally hundreds of parts. If any one of them fails, you can find yourself trapped on the inside or outside! Your garage door is like any machine. It needs to be checked and adjusted from time to time so it will work properly.
Delaware Express Garage Door Service will check your garage door and make sure everything is working correctly. Contact us to schedule a maintenance service.
Garage Door Maintenance FAQs
To test the safety features of your garage door, start by making sure that the door is fully open. Then, place a piece of wood or a similar object on the ground where the door would close. Next, use the garage door opener or button to close the door. The door should automatically reverse if it comes into contact with the object on the ground. If it doesn't, the safety sensors may need to be adjusted or replaced. Additionally, you can test the emergency release mechanism by pulling the release cord while the door is closed. The door should be able to be lifted manually without much resistance.
You should lubricate your garage door every six months to ensure smooth and quiet operation. Regular lubrication of the moving parts, such as rollers, hinges, springs, and tracks, can prevent wear and reduce noise. Use a high-quality silicone-based or lithium-based lubricant specifically designed for garage doors. Avoid using WD-40 or similar products, as they can attract dirt and cause buildup. Proper lubrication helps maintain the door's performance and can extend the lifespan of its components.
The best type of lubricant for your garage door is a silicone-based or lithium-based lubricant. These lubricants are specifically designed for garage door components and provide long-lasting protection without attracting dirt and debris. Silicone-based lubricants are ideal for metal parts, such as rollers, hinges, and tracks, as they reduce friction and prevent rust. Lithium-based lubricants are excellent for the springs and bearing plates, offering superior adhesion and lubrication. Avoid using WD-40, as it can cause buildup and attract dust.
The lifespan of a garage door typically ranges from 15 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the door, usage, and environmental factors. Regular maintenance is crucial in extending this lifespan. By performing routine tasks such as lubricating moving parts, tightening hardware, and inspecting springs and cables, you can prevent premature wear and tear. Additionally, addressing minor issues promptly and scheduling professional inspections every few years will ensure your garage door operates efficiently and lasts as long as possible.
Yes, garage door maintenance can prevent and reduce noisy operation. Regular maintenance tasks such as lubricating the door’s moving parts, including hinges, rollers, and tracks, can significantly decrease noise caused by friction. Tightening loose hardware, like bolts and screws, also helps prevent rattling sounds. Worn-out or damaged components, such as rollers or springs, are often responsible for excessive noise and should be replaced during maintenance. By addressing these issues early, regular garage door maintenance keeps the door operating smoothly and quietly, preventing the development of larger problems over time.
Garage Door Maintenance Is Not A Weekend Project
The garage door springs, cables, brackets, and other parts attached to the springs are under extreme tension. If not handled correctly, they can seriously hurt you. A professional who knows what they are doing, that has experience with these machines, and who follows the instructions from the manufacturer should make any adjustments.
We repeat: only a professional should adjust the torsion springs, (especially the ones above the door). Do not try to fix or change them yourself. Give Dex a call and we'll get someone out there to give you a tune-up in no time: 302-303-9866 !
Garage Door Maintenance Fast Facts
- A monthly, visual inspection of the door should be part of your family's regular routine. If you see something that doesn't look the way it did last month then call Delaware Express.
- You should be able to lift the door smoothly and with little resistance. It should stay open around three to four feet above the floor. If it does not, it is out of adjustment. Call Delaware Express Garage Door Service to have it inspected.
- Your garage door should have a reversing feature. Garage door openers manufactured after January 1, 1993, are required by federal law to have advanced safety features like a reversing feature. If your door does not have one, you or a loved one can become trapped under the door and even crushed by the mechanism. Call Delaware Express to have it replaced if your reversing feature is not functioning.
- A safe way to test your reversing feature is to open the door and place a piece of wood in the center of the door's path. Ideally, the wood is about 1.5" in height. If the door hits the wood and does not reverse immediately, call Delaware Express right away.
- You should also test the force of your garage door opener. Stand safely out of the path of the closing door and put your arms underneath it as it comes down. If it does not go back up when it comes into contact with your hands, the force may be too strong and need to be adjusted. Call Delaware Express to have it looked at.
No matter what the problem is with your Wilmington, DE, home's garage door, we can handle it. Call 302-303-9866 today if your door could be running smoother!
