Blog | PJ Sullivan Exteriors | Midland Park, NJ | Design/Build

6 Garage Door Maintenance Tips

Written by P.J. Sullivan | Aug 2, 2021 9:47:17 AM

Your garage door and opener get used almost every day, meaning regular maintenance is important to keep them working properly. Your garage door contains multiple large, moving parts and each of these represents an element that needs to be attended to if you want a garage door that continues to do its job.

Repairing a broken door can be a costly hassle, but with the right preventive maintenance tips done by the right roofing replacement companies, you can avoid the breakdowns and keep your garage door running smoothly.

Here is what you need to know to make sure your garage door operates without any issues from PJ Sullivan Exteriors.

1. Check Your Door for Unusual Sights and Sounds.

Next time you’re using your garage door, keep an eye and ear out for any unusual sights or sounds like slow rising, visible straining/jerking, or squeaks and scrapes. These could be signs that there’s an issue, and if it’s not taken care of, this could lead to a major repair.

2. Tighten up the Hardware

The average garage door moves up and down more than a thousand times a year. Examine and tighten all roller brackets and bolts with a socket wrench.

3. Lubricate the Moving Parts

Use white lithium grease on the opener’s chain or screw, and a spray lubricant, available from your garage door specialist, to coat the overhead springs.

4. Test and Check the Cables 

Open and close the door to ensure that it is working properly. Check high-tension cables that lift your door for broken strands and damage near the bottom roller bracket. This maintenance can also be performed by trained siding contractors and technicians.

5. Clear the Tracks and Remove Rust

Make sure the tracks on either side of the door are free from debris and, if you are so inclined, you can use a level to check the plumb. Remove visible rust on steel garage doors by sanding the damage, applying a primer and painting over with exterior latex paint for the best results.

6. Wash Your Garage Door

Improve the overall appearance of your garage by washing it during the warm summer months. Washing the door will remove dirt, grease and grime that has built up over time. Water and a mild household detergent can be used to clean the surface of steel and aluminum doors with ease.

PJ Sullivan Exteriors offers unbeatable craftsmanship, quick service and a wide range of design options. We specialize in doors that add an element of style to your garage. We also specialize in asphalt and fiberglass shingles that are light, easy to install and readily available.

PJ Sullivan Exteriors can help with your new garage door and any other home exterior project you’ve got lined up. Call us today at (201) 473-4842 in New Jersey or (914) 352-7881 in New York, or fill out our online contact form to get started on your project.