Extending the Life of your Garage Door Garage Door Several factors determine the lifespan of your garage door. Some of these factors include the material used in making the door and, to a great extent, how the door was installed in the first place. How often you use the door will also determine how long it will last. Most important of all, however, its lifespan will be determined by the care and attention that you give the door. On average, your garage door should last for 30 years. Automatic garage door openers, on the other hand, may last for 10 to 15 years. Unfortunately, not many garage doors and automatic garage door openers last this long. The problem is rarely associated with the quality of the materials used in making the door or how often the door is used, but by how the door is maintained. The good news is that the life of your garage door can be extended. It is easy to do this. Start by developing the good habit of washing both sides of the door on a regular basis. You may do this every time you wash your car. Be sure to use a mild detergent and water. Always rinse with clean water. If you live in areas prone to salty moisture conditions, wash your door more regularly. This exercise is supposed to prevent accumulation of corrosive materials. If you have a wooden garage door, ensure that you maintain it by repainting it at the first sign of chipping and peeling paint. Wooden materials, however, are as diverse as metallic materials, so ensure that you choose the right kinds of paint. You may need to follow manufacturer’s instructions. Now turn your attention to opener’s sensor eyes. The sensor is an important feature that guarantees the safety of your car. Keep the sensor eye clean by wiping it regularly with a clean, dry towel. Ensure also that the areas around the sensor are also kept clean. Remember also that lubrication is an important part of garage door maintenance. Ensure, thus, that the door springs, hinges, and rollers are well-lubricated. Apply, after every 3 months, a light layer of non-petroleum lubricant on these parts. Be sure not to overdo it as thick lubricant layers are known to attract more dirt and grime. On a monthly basis, inspect the entire garage door system. Replace any worn out parts as soon as you find them, tighten any loose bolts, and be sure also to give wires and cables the attention that they deserve. Also, listen habitually to the sound that the door makes as it is being opened and closed. If you notice anything unusual, interpret that to mean that something is not quite right with the door. Although each and every part of the garage door is important, greater attention must be given to the door springs. Springs do 95 percent of the work when the door is being operated. If you have to struggle to operate the door, then this is a sure sign that the springs are not working as they should. Inspect the springs on a regular basis and ensure that they are always well-lubricated. Besides doing the inspection and maintenance work on your own, you should schedule annual garage door inspection by qualified garage door repair mechanic.
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