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Garage doors may be the most neglected component of
your home. It opens, it closes, it must be ok, right? Wrong!
The longer your garage door operates without maintenance, the
shorter the life of your garage door. By following these
simple steps, you can prolong the life of your garage door and
keep it operating like new for years to come.
One of the most important maintenance features
is keeping your hardware clean and lubricated. Inspect the
track for grease and dirt buildup. Any buildup can cause the
door to bind and jump. Use a clean rag to remove any debris on
the track. Keep the tracks lubricated by using graphite or
light machine oil.
 Check the hinge pins for rust and dirt. If you find
rust, sand them down with fine steel wool or sandpaper. Once
rust is removed, oil the hinge pins to keep them lubricated.
Rollers must be in alignment with the track. When you are
checking these, take the opportunity to oil the rollers as
well. Use a little oil on the locks to keep them in
operational condition. Give the mechanism and key channel a
little puff.
Inspect the door for rust or flaking paint on a
metal door. If you find either of these it could be a sign
that moisture is taking its toll. Sand rust spots or flaking
paint down to the bare metal. Apply metal primer to these
spots and apply 2 finish coats. On a wooden door, look for
blackish marks near the bottom of the door. These can signal
rot and should be attended to as soon a possible. Sand the
areas where you find flaking or peeling paint. Prime and apply
two coats of finish coat. Also be sure to keep the door edges,
bottoms and panels sealed with paint. This will help protect
against moisture that can be fatal to your door
mechanics. |
