Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Roller Garage Door
Roller garage doors are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their space-saving design and ease of use. However, like any equipment, they require regular maintenance and care to keep them functioning properly and safely. Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding more costly repairs down the road and ensuring your garage door continues operating smoothly for years to come.
In this article, we'll discuss several simple yet important maintenance tips to help you safely operate and care for your roller garage door. Implementing these basic procedures will go a long way in extending the life of your door.
Inspect the Door and Tracks
The door tracks that guide your roller door as it moves up and down are one of the most important components to check regularly. Make sure the tracks are free of dirt, grease or debris which can cause the rollers to bind. Wipe down the tracks with a clean rag to remove buildup. Check that the tracks are straight and aligned correctly with no visible damage or wear.
Pay close attention to the rollers themselves. These are attached to the door edges and should roll smoothly within the door track. If they appear worn, cracking or do not spin easily, replacement is needed. This will reduce noise and ensure ideal door travel.
Give the garage door a visual inspection for any signs of damage, loose hardware or imbalance. The door should move straight up and down in its tracks evenly on both sides.
Test the Door Balance
A garage door that is properly balanced will stay in place when stopped in any partially open position. You can test the balance by manually opening the door halfway, then releasing it. If the door drifts up or down from that point, the spring tension likely needs adjusting.
Proper spring tension ensures that the opener motor does not have to work harder than necessary when opening or closing the door. This also reduces wear and tear.
Consult the owner's manual to check the recommended procedures for adjusting tension. Imbalanced doors can be dangerous, so this adjustment is best left to the pros.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Like any equipment with moving parts, lubrication is vital for smooth operation and prevention of premature wear. Consult your owner's manual for the recommended lubricants for your specific garage door. In general, lithium grease or spray lubricants work well for the metal rollers and hinges.
Apply a thin coat of grease to the bearings on the rollers a few times per year. Spray door hinges, pulleys and springs with lubricant according to manufacturer directions, often every few months. This prevents squeaking and grinding while maintaining the free movement of parts.
Test the Auto-Reverse Function
Garage door openers manufactured after 1993 are required to have a safety auto-reverse function. This causes the door to immediately reverse direction if obstructed on the way down. Testing this feature is an important maintenance task.
Begin with the door fully open. Place a solid object such as a piece of wood on the ground beneath the door. Operate the door in the down direction. When it contacts the object, it should immediately reverse back to the open position. Repeat this test using varying objects.
If the door does not reliably reverse, the sensor eyes may need adjustment or there could be an issue with the opener that requires professional service. Never disable the auto-reverse function as this creates a serious safety risk.
Check Emergency Release Cord
All garage door openers have an emergency release cord that allows the door to be opened manually in the event of a power outage. The cord is typically red and hangs down near the door opener's electric motor. Pulling this disengages the trolley from the motor so you can raise or lower the door by hand.
Test this release 1-2 times per year to ensure it is operating properly. Give the cord a firm tug and make sure you can easily separate the trolley from the motor. This is an important failsafe to have working properly in case of entrapment or opener failure.
Replace Batteries and Light Bulbs
Garage door remotes, wall consoles and the motor itself often rely on small batteries to operate. Check these several times per year and replace as needed to prevent getting stuck with a non-working remote.
Additionally, consider switching the standard incandescent light bulbs to longer lasting LED bulbs. These use less energy and have extremely long lifespans compared to traditional bulbs. Just be sure to use bulbs that are compatible with your garage door opener.
Keep the Door Clean
Buildup of dirt, cobwebs and debris not only looks unsightly but can also impede smooth operation of your door. Give the door an occasional cleaning by wiping down its surfaces with a microfiber cloth and mild detergent solution.
Pay particular attention to the tracks and weatherstripping along the sides and bottom of the door. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools when cleaning which may damage the door's finish. Keeping the surfaces clean promotes proper operation.
Know When to Call a Professional
Some garage door repairs and issues do require a professional to ensure proper service and safety. Make the call when:
The door is severely off-track or misaligned
There are problems with the opener motor, gears or electronics
The door is making excessive noise, binding or uneven movements
There is visible damage to the door panels, tracks or hardware
Springs need adjustment or replacement
Don't take chances with getting fingers caught in rollers or having a door come crashing down. Licensed professionals have the expertise and proper tools to safely make repairs and adjustments to your garage door.
Regular preventative maintenance is the key to enjoying years of smooth, safe operation from your roller garage door. Following these simple tips will help keep your door in tip-top shape while giving you peace of mind knowing it is functioning as it should. Be sure to consult your owner's manual for the manufacture's maintenance recommendations as well. With proper care, your garage door will provide safe and reliable operation you can count on.