Living in Raleigh means enjoying four distinct seasons, each with its own charm. However, these changing seasons can take a toll on your home, especially your garage door. As the gateway to your home, your garage door needs a little TLC to keep it running smoothly year-round. Whether you’re facing the humidity of summer or the occasional frost of winter, regular garage door maintenance is essential.
Here’s a seasonal checklist to ensure your garage door stays in top shape, keeping your home secure and your family safe.
Why Garage Door Maintenance Matters
Did you know that garage doors go through an average of 1,500 cycles per year? With all that wear and tear, parts like springs, rollers, and tracks can wear out. Ignoring these issues could lead to costly repairs or even dangerous malfunctions. In fact, emergency garage door repair services report that over 30% of breakdowns are due to a lack of regular maintenance. But don’t worry—by following this simple checklist, you can avoid many common problems and save money in the long run.
Spring Garage Door Maintenance: Refresh and Inspect
Spring in Raleigh is the perfect time to give your garage door a thorough tune-up. Here’s what you can do:
- Inspect the hardware: Check the nuts, bolts, and hinges for any signs of wear or rust. Tighten any loose parts.
- Test the balance: Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, your springs are balanced. If not, it’s time for some garage door spring maintenance.
- Clean the tracks: Dust and debris can accumulate in the tracks, so wipe them down with a damp cloth.
Summer Garage Door Maintenance: Lubricate and Protect
Raleigh summers bring heat and humidity, which can cause metal components to expand and make your garage door squeak or stick.
- Lubricate moving parts: Use a silicone-based lubricant on the rollers, springs, and hinges. This simple step can prevent costly repairs.
- Check the weatherstripping: Ensure the seal at the bottom of your door is intact to keep out rain and pests.
Fall Garage Door Maintenance: Safety First
Fall is a great time to focus on safety. With school back in session and holiday prep in full swing, you want to ensure your garage door is reliable.
- Test the safety features: Place a small object (like a roll of paper towels) under the door and close it. The door should reverse immediately. If it doesn’t, call a professional for a tune-up.
- Inspect the opener system: Replace the batteries in your remote and check the opener’s settings.
Winter Garage Door Maintenance: Weatherproof and Monitor
Although Raleigh winters are milder, cold snaps and frost can still affect your garage door.
- Inspect the tracks for ice: Ice can build up and prevent smooth operation.
- Weatherproof the garage door: Check the insulation and repair any cracks in the panels.
- Listen for unusual sounds: Strange noises often signal the need for affordable garage door maintenance.
When to Call the Pros
While DIY maintenance can handle most tasks, some jobs are best left to the experts. If you notice persistent issues like an unbalanced door, broken springs, or malfunctioning safety sensors, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for emergency garage door repair. Finding a reliable garage door maintenance company in Raleigh can save you time and stress.
