Like any part of the home, your garage door requires regular maintenance to keep it functional, yet it’s left off the to-do list more often than not. We’re here to tell you regular maintenance is a must to maximise its lifespan and avoid needing a replacement garage door anytime soon.
To help homeowners with this sometimes tricky task, we’ve compiled a list of garage door maintenance tips to ensure your door stays standing for years to come.
1. Regularly Clean Your Garage Door
Dust, dirt, and salt will cling to your garage door. If you let this debris hang around for too long, it will accelerate the ageing process rapidly. Salty air can be particularly potent for Auckland homes, especially those close to the coast, causing rust and corrosion. To prevent this, make it a habit to clean your garage door every couple of months (or every time you wash your car!) to avoid any buildup.
How to Clean:
- Use a soft cloth or sponge with mild detergent and warm water to wash the door’s surface.
- For steel and aluminium doors, rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt residues.
- Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the door’s finish.
Pro Tip: Pay close attention to the bottom of your garage door, as it’s most prone to dirt buildup and moisture exposure.
2. Inspect and Tighten Garage Door Hardware
Homeowners put their garage doors through their paces, going up and down plenty of times throughout the day. This regular movement can loosen hardware over time. Regularly checking and tightening the hardware can prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs.
What to Check:
- Bolts and screws on the tracks, rollers, and hinges.
- The brackets that hold the door’s tracks to the wall.
- The door’s lift cables for any signs of wear or fraying.
Pro Tip: If you notice any damaged or worn parts, replace them immediately to avoid further damage.
3. Lubricate all the Door’s Components
Your garage door needs more than elbow grease to keep running—it needs actual grease, too! Regularly lubricating the moving parts of your door reduces friction, helps prevent rust, and extends its life.
Where to Lubricate:
- Rollers and tracks: Use a silicone-based spray or garage door lubricant on the rollers and along the tracks.
- Hinges: Apply lubricant to the door’s hinges to ensure smooth movement.
- Springs: Lightly coat the springs to keep them in good working order.
Pro Tip: Avoid using oil-based lubricants, which can attract dust and debris, leading to buildup and potential blockages.
4. Check Your Door’s Weatherstripping
The weatherstripping on your door is crucial for keeping your garage airtight. This layer of protection is particularly important for Auckland homes that battle the high humidity and salty air of the area, which can wreak havoc on your garage door components. Ensuring your weatherstripping isn’t worn out is a garage door maintenance tip you can’t forget.
Check for:
- Cracks, tears, or gaps in the weatherstripping along the bottom of the door.
- Proper sealing along the sides and top of the door.
How to Replace:
- Remove the old weatherstripping and clean the surface.
- Measure and cut the new weatherstripping to fit.
- Attach it securely, ensuring a tight seal.
Pro Tip: Opt for weatherstripping specifically designed for coastal environments, as it’s more resistant to moisture and UV damage.
5. Protect Your Garage Door Against Corrosion
For those living in Auckland’s coastal suburbs, corrosion is a constant threat due to the salty air. Regularly inspecting and treating your door can prevent rust from taking hold.
Prevention Tips:
- Inspect the door for any signs of rust and address them immediately with a rust remover or sandpaper, followed by a protective coating.
- Apply a light coat of lubricant to keep the door’s hardware, including springs, hinges, and tracks, free of rust.
Pro Tip: If you live close to the coast, consider investing in a steel garage door, especially one made from galvanised steel. When properly coated, steel doors are highly resistant to corrosion.
Dominator SEA Can Help Extend Your Garage Door’s Lifespan
Following these garage door maintenance tips will help keep your door running year after year. While getting your hands dirty with a little DIY maintenance helps massively, it’s also a great idea to get the professionals in once in a while. At Dominator South & East Auckland, we provide comprehensive garage door maintenance services to prevent small problems from becoming big ones. Contact us for expert advice or to schedule a maintenance check.
