As you start making lists for your spring maintenance plans, don’t forget to include your garage door. A faulty overhead door is not only an eyesore but can result in injury and won’t provide much home protection. The following basic care tips will ensure it continues looking and working perfectly.

How to Care for Your Garage Door

1. Clean the Roller Tracks

It’s easy for debris to build up in roller tracks, especially as spring rolls around and you begin working in the garage, tackling outdoor tasks. This can make it difficult for rollers to pass smoothly when opening or closing the garage door. In some cases, larger debris may even pop rollers off the track. Carefully inspecting and cleaning any buildup on rollers will ensure they pass efficiently, but continually checking them throughout the season to make upkeep easier over time.

2. Lubricate

It takes a lot of moving parts to keep an overhead door functional, and many need to be lubricated. Lubricate the chain on the opening mechanism, the roller joints and tracks, hinges, and any moving hardware to reduce friction. This will help avoid strain on the system.

3. Tighten Hardware

Loose hardware can cause your garage door to jostle, or fall off its tracks altogether. Tightening hardware could help avoid these more serious problems. A socket wrench and screwdriver are enough to get the job done. If you notice hardware is damaged or stripped, you may want to schedule garage door repairs to replace them.

4. Test the Balance

Testing the balance of a garage door is important. An unbalanced overhead door is going to struggle when opening and closing and can drastically cut into its lifespan. Test the balance by releasing the handle on the automatic opener while the overhead door is closed. Ask a friend or family member to help you open the garage door halfway. If it’s properly balanced, the door should stay in place when you let go. If not, carefully set it back down and contact repair professionals.

Whether you need garage door repairs or installations, Elizabethtown Overhead is your go-to resource. From replacements to garage door opener repairs, this Kentucky company services both residential and commercial overhead doors. Call (270) 763-9121 to schedule a consultation and visit their website to learn about their products. Connect on Facebook to receive news and updates.