How To Maintain Your Garage Door: Our Top Tips

A new garage door is a significant investment, and one you’d hope would last for an extended period of time. However, like any piece of hardware used on a daily basis, your garage door can be subject to a considerable amount of wear and tear over the years. But what steps can you personally take to ensure the longevity of your door?

Here at JB Garage Doors, we’re your local industry experts and have written this article, jam-packed with useful tips on how to prolong the lifespan of your garage door.

Lubricate all moving parts

If you’ve noticed that your garage door is making grinding or squeaking noises, this is a common sign that it requires lubrication. Your garage door has multiple moving parts and it’s important to lubricate them regularly to ensure smooth operation. This can minimise friction and prevent rust whilst promoting quiet and efficient movement. Silicone lubricant is generally the recommended option, but if you’re uncertain, contact your garage door manufacturer for advice. You should pay special attention to lubricating the hinges, rollers, tracks and springs, as these areas are in frequent use.

Tighten up loose hardware

Every time your garage door is used, it creates vibrations which can loosen the hardware. Should your garage door have loose screws, nuts or bolts, this can cause various problems, such as misalignment and difficulties opening and closing the door. Therefore, it’s important to frequently inspect the screws in your garage door and tighten up any loose ones.

Test the door’s balance

If your garage door is off balance, not only is this an inconvenience but it also places unnecessary stress on the door opening mechanism. This can ultimately lead to a reduced lifespan, so it’s important to regularly check the balance. 

You can do this by disconnecting the garage door from the opener. Then, manually pull the release cord and stop when the door reaches halfway — if the door is correctly balanced, it will stop on its own. However, if it slides all the way down or rides up, this indicates that the spring’s tension requires adjustment. This is a complex task that is best handled by a reputable garage door professional, like JB Garage Doors.

Restain your wooden garage door

If you have a wooden garage door, this can be prone to warping and cracks over time. Regular restaining creates a protective barrier which increases durability and seals the wood to minimise the risk of rot. This also has an additional benefit; it enhances the appearance of your garage door to boost the kerb appeal of your home.

Annual garage door maintenance

Most people tend to overlook garage door maintenance, only paying attention when an unexpected problem arises. By this point, the issue may have worsened, resulting in a costly repair. However, if you schedule an annual service for your garage door, you can proactively address any potential problems before they become a major headache.

During a garage door service, a skilled technician will visit your property and perform a comprehensive inspection, meticulously examining all components to ensure each part is in good condition. If any damage is noticed, they can also perform the necessary repairs and ensure your garage door is running smoothly once more.

Here at JB Garage Doors, we provide repair and maintenance work on all styles of garage doors. With over 50 years of experience, our knowledgeable team will work with you to prolong the lifespan of your garage door.

We also offer a stunning range of composite doors and front doors.

If you’re based throughout Sevenoaks, Canterbury, Rochester or the wider Kent region, get in touch with us today to schedule your annual garage door service.