A garage door that is well taken care of not only makes your home more valuable, but it also works smoothly and safely. Lubrication is an important part of keeping your garage door in good shape. Regular lubrication can prevent your garage door from making unnecessary noise, reduce wear and tear on its parts, and keep it running efficiently for years. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of lubricating your garage door for optimal performance and highlight why professional garage door repair Fountain Valley may be necessary if you encounter persistent issues.
Why Lubricating Your Garage Door is Important
There are many moving parts in a garage door, such as rollers, springs, hinges, and tracks. These parts are used a lot, which causes pressure that can wear them down over time. Regularly lubricating these parts lowers friction, which keeps them from grinding against each other. You should grease your garage door so that it doesn’t make noise, move slowly, or be hard to open and close.
Additionally, greasing your garage door can help it last longer. The parts are less likely to break early if the movement is smooth. This will save you money on expensive garage door repairs.
Steps to Lubricate Your Garage Door
- Choose the Right Lubricant
To lubricate your garage door effectively, it’s important to use the right type of lubricant. Avoid using WD-40 or other penetrating oils, as these can actually cause the parts to dry out and attract dirt. Instead, opt for a silicone-based lubricant or a lithium grease spray. These products are designed for garage door use, providing long-lasting protection without attracting dirt. - Clean the Tracks
Clean the tracks of your garage door before you put any oil on them. When dirt and other things get in the way of the door’s smooth operation, they can cause pressure that makes it hard to open or close. Use a dry cloth or a cleaner to get rid of any dust, dirt, or other junk that’s on the tracks. - Lubricate the Moving Parts
Start by applying the lubricant to the rollers, hinges, and springs. Focus on areas where the door makes contact with other parts. Spray the lubricant directly onto the moving parts, such as the rollers and hinges, ensuring each one gets a light coating. Avoid over-lubricating, as excess grease can attract dirt and dust, which can cause more friction in the long run.- Rollers: The rollers are one of the most important moving parts of the garage door. They allow the door to slide up and down the tracks with ease. Apply a generous amount of lubricant to the rollers to keep them moving smoothly.
- Hinges: The hinges connect the panels of your garage door and enable it to bend and fold as it opens and closes. Lubricating the hinges ensures smooth movement and reduces the strain on the components.
- Springs: The springs help the door lift and lower evenly. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the springs to prevent them from rusting or becoming stiff.
- Lubricate the Torsion Bar and Extension Springs
If you have a torsion spring garage door, make sure the torsion bar is well-oiled. This will help keep the door’s weight even. If your door has extension springs, these should also be lubricated to ensure they work properly. Be cautious when handling springs, as they can be under high tension. If you’re unsure about lubricating the springs yourself, it’s a good idea to call a professional for garage door repair Dana Point. - Lubricate the Chain or Belt
If your garage door has an automatic opener with a chain or belt drive, don’t forget to lubricate the chain or belt. These components are crucial for the operation of the garage door opener. Use a spray lubricant specifically designed for garage door openers, and apply it evenly along the chain or belt. - Test the Door
After lubricating all the moving parts, test the door by opening and closing it a few times. Pay attention to any noise or resistance. A well-lubricated door should operate smoothly, quietly, and without difficulty. If you notice any problems, like strange noises or jerky moves, it could mean that you need to fix your garage door even more.
When to Call for Professional Garage Door Repair
It’s important to lubricate your garage door, but it’s not a magic bullet. If your garage door still makes noise or moves slowly after you’ve oiled the moving parts, there may be a bigger problem that needs to be fixed by an expert. For instance, broken rollers, worn-out springs, or tracks that aren’t lined up right may need to be fixed or changed.
If the problems keep happening, you should call a professional garage door repair service to figure out what’s wrong and fix it. If you try to fix complicated problems on your own, you might hurt yourself or cause more damage.
Conclusion
Lubricating your garage door on a regular basis is an important part of keeping it running smoothly. If you follow the steps above, you can help keep your garage door from getting worn out, make it quieter, and make it last longer. But if the problem keeps happening and lubrication doesn’t help, don’t be afraid to call a skilled garage door repair service. You can get many years of good service from your garage door if you take good care of it.
