Garage Doors: Three Things to Watch For
Posted on: 18 September 2020
Garage doors are an important part of any home but often neglected. As homeowners work to change light bulbs, deep clean the house, and winterize the lawn, they don't realize the garage door needs attention too. Garage doors are large surfaces that can add or detract from the curb appeal and we rely on them on a daily basis to open and shut. Here are three ways you can care for your door and three signs that might mean its time for a professional to visit and do some garage door repair.
Squeaking
Have you ever heard a squeaky noise as your garage door is opening or closing? Garage doors run on a track system with the help of some heavy-duty springs. Over time these things can get bumped and thrown out of alignment. Sometimes parts wear down and cause misalignment issues. If your door is making noises you can look for signs that the tracks are off. If the door is hanging off its mark while open or closed you will need a professional to come and look at the garage door for repair. If the door and springs look fine, you can try using a lubricant made for garage doors and apply it to the wheels that run on the track. Most of these lubricants can be applied with a spray function or rubbed on with a rag.
Heavy Garage Door
If you are not able to lift your garage door when the system is set to manual, this is often a sign that the springs need to be replaced. The torsion springs allow you to lift a very heavy door easily by assisting you in the gravity department. Being able to open or close your garage in an emergency or because the power is out is important for the safety of the people in your home. You can check how your door is doing by switching the garage unit to manual and attempt to pull the door up. If you have a hard time doing this, call a professional to come to take a look.
Weather Stripping
If you live in an area that receives a lot of wind or rain you want to make sure you check the weatherstrips. Most garage doors have the stripping on the bottom end of the door that runs along the floor when it's shut. These weatherstrips help keep the door in place during windy days and keep water out of the garage. These seals can be worn down from regular wear or exposure to sunlight. If your weatherstripping is looking tired it is easy to replace and secure the space again.
Watch for these things to keep your garage in good working order. If you have any questions you should find a garage door installer or repair service in your area and schedule a consultation.
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