Summer Is Here: 4 Steps You Should Take To Help Your Garage Door Beat The Heat
If you've got a list of summer maintenance projects to do around the house, and your garage door isn't on it, you might be setting yourself up for problems. The summer heat and humidity, can wreak havoc on your garage door, which makes it so important to give your garage door some tender-loving-care before the temperatures rise too much more. Don't take chances with your garage door this summer. Here are four steps you should take to avoid problems with your door.
Give it a Good Cleaning
If it's been a while since you gave your garage door a good cleaning, now's the time to take care of that. Whether you have a steel, vinyl, or wood door, it can get dirty. When that happens, your garage door won't function properly. First, fill a bucket with warm water, and add a couple teaspoons of grease-cutting dish detergent.
Use a scrub brush to scrub the entire surface of your door, inside and out. Use a clean shop cloth to wash the track system of your garage door. Be sure to remove all the leaves, dirt, and grease that's accumulated on them. If you have a vinyl door, apply a thin coat of your car wax to the inside and outside of your door. If you have a wood door, apply a fresh coat of waterproof sealant to the inside and outside of the door.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
Once you've thoroughly cleaned your garage door, and the tracks, you'll need to lubricate all the moving parts. Proper lubrication will prevent jamming and sticking, and will ensure that your garage door opens and closes smoothly all summer long. Use a water-based lubricating spray on your tracks and chain drive, while using gear oil to lubricate the motor and internal gears inside the garage door opener.
Replace the Weather-Stripping
You might not realize this, but the weather-stripping around your garage door will need to be replaced from time-to-time. The cold winter months can cause the weather-stripping to dry out and become brittle. The hot summer temperatures can cause the weather-stripping to rot. To prevent problems, be sure to replace the weather-stripping as soon as it becomes worn-out and damaged.
Inspect for Damage
While you're cleaning, and lubricating your garage door, and opener, be sure to inspect for damage. Look for things like missing bolts, damaged tracks, or loose springs. These are all issues that can stop your garage door in it's tracks. If you see problems, be sure to contact your repair technician as soon as possible.
Do you need a new garage door? Contact a business such as Gorilla Garage Doors and Screens.