When planning your spring cleaning to-do list, don’t forget to give some attention to your garage door. These security features undergo a lot of wear and tear during the winter and require seasonal care to keep them operating safely. Consider the following four tips for keeping yours in top shape. 

How to Care for Your Garage Door This Spring

1. Inspect the Entire System

Take a close look at the garage door from the outside to check that the panels are all intact, and the weatherstripping at the bottom of the door hasn’t ripped off. Then, open the door and look at the internal mechanisms. Check that the rollers move smoothly, and the springs are not rusty.

Assess the safety sensors near the ground to see if the lenses are scratched. Damage to these sensors could prevent the door from remaining open if an object is in the way. Note areas that need maintenance that you can address and call a garage door technician for any mechanical repairs. 

2. Lubricate the Rollers

Garage doors move along tracks that can become covered with dust and oil buildup. When dirty, the rollers won’t run smoothly and may emit a loud noise or stop working.

Use a spray lubricant to ensure the rollers and hinges move without issue. Select a white lithium grease or WD-40 product that features a long spray nozzle, as this will make it easy to control the application of the product. Wear gloves and goggles as you complete this task to safeguard your skin and eyes.

3. Fix the Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is the plastic or rubber guard at the bottom of the door. Garage doors feature weatherstripping to keep air and moisture out of the building. Replace these features seasonally to ensure that they’re not worn down from regular use. You may need vinyl or rubber stripping for the top and bottom of the door and in between the panels. This simple adjustment can prevent airflow that will make your garage hot and uncomfortable as the temperatures rise. 

4. Wash the Panels

Over the winter, garage doors take on a layer of grime, including sidewalk salt buildup and dust. Use a microfiber cloth and gentle, biodegradable soap to wash off the exterior. Scrub tough stains or tiny details like inlays with an old toothbrush or a scrub brush. Then, rinse the panels with a hose and let the door air dry. If the paint is peeling, apply a new coat that is appropriate for the door’s material, like acrylic or oil-based paints for aluminum panels.

If you need professional garage door care or repairs, contact Southside Garage Door Co in Dakota County, MN, to schedule a complimentary estimate. Their residential team has over 25 years of industry experience fixing and installing lift systems. Call the Rosemount-area company at (651) 423-7444 or visit their website for information on their top brands like SafeWay®, LiftMaster®, and Ideal®.