Spring Cleaning Tips:
(NC)-Just an hour of attention each spring, will keep your garage doors in fine condition. Here are some easy maintenance tips from Garaga, a leader in this field:
The Door
Clean your garage door regularly with a mild soap (dish detergent) and a soft bristle brush. Avoid using abrasive cleaners and very strong liquid cleaners which could damage the paint. If you have a steel garage door, you can revive its luster by applying a car wax as it will protect against acid rain and dust. It is best to avoid applying a wax in direct sunlight to achieve better results.
Exterior Weatherstripping
Clean the weatherstripping with a good all-purpose cleaner. Lubricate it every 2 or 3 months with a silicone-based lubricant. Never use a petroleum-based lubricant on weatherstripping as it will dry up and crack. Don't forget the weatherstrip between your door panels. It is important to let your weatherstrip hang 1/2" below the door base when you readjust your perimeter weatherstripping. If the weatherstripping is too tight, the door will not function properly. So if your weathestripping has lost its flexibility, it is best to replace it.
Hardware
Lubrification: Lubricate the rollers, tracks and hinges and all moving hardware parts with a little motor oil (ie. 10W30) every three months. Wipe off excess oil with a cloth. As for the springs, use the same oil applied with a cloth.You are not only prolonging the spring's life, but also reducing the noise the springs make when the door is operated.
At least once a year, home owners must check the following:
• the sturdiness and adjustment of the hinges;
• the rollers for worn-out ball bearings, flattened rollers, and crooked rods;
• the tracks for premature wear and tear, loose bolts, and loose supports;
• the cables for wear and tear; especially near the pulleys and the lower support.
Electric Garage Door Opener
Depending on the model you own, consult the manufacturer's guide. If you want to add some white grease on the operator track, again you must first clean the track. By oiling all the mobile parts you will reduce the noise initiated by the motor. If it is still too noisy for your liking, then nylon rollers would help reduce the noise.
Do not attempt to adjust the springs yourself. They are wound very tight and only a specialist should adjust them, for your own protection.
Pull on the trolley release cord and operate the door manually. Is it difficult to open and close? The electric operator only replaces manual operation, therefore it must move freely. If you have trouble operating it, contact a Garaga dealer at www.Garaga.com. With a 10 step check-up, he or she will lubricate all the above mentioned parts and perform any required repairs. A well-balanced door must not weigh more than 10 lbs (4.5kg). For your safety as well as your child's, check the automatic safety reverse system of the door opener every month.
- News Canada