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As we run to and from the car this winter, you might think of a garage as nothing more than a middle ground that protects you from the harsh outdoors and it’s unforgiving elements. However, we can’t forget the good times of pulling out the pool floaties and grabbing a cold drink from the cooler on a hot day.
Our garages are a vital part of our homes year round and can be a real inconvenience when something with the garage door goes wrong. It’s important to maintain these systems in order for them to last through the winter and continue to operate efficiently as the warm weather returns, but they need our help to do it.
PREPARATION
Changing – Remote garage door buttons and external keypads are vital tools and gateways to warmth. Ensure you don’t get stuck out in the snow by checking their batteries and even consider keeping a spare set of batteries nearby.
Organizing – This is the season for bad weather. Locate any snow blowers, shovels, salt bags, ice scrapers, or tools you may need to battle the winter and keep them at the ready. Check the weather frequently so you’re not surprised by changes that could affect your routine.
Closing – It’s cold out! Keeping your garage door closed is better for the door’s lifespan and your heating bills overall. It prevents excess moisture and brisk air from making a home in the welcoming warmth of your garage and causing damage during its stay.
MAINTENANCE
Cleaning – The tracks and sensors should be cleared of any debris in order for them to continue to run smoothly. Even the door itself could probably use a wipe down as dirt can make its way into places it shouldn’t and cause more problems than it should. Also check for any rust spots, water damage, or warping that may have occurred since it’s last check-up.
Lubricating – Working pieces such as ball bearings, rollers, springs, hinges, and any other metal parts that move should be sprayed regularly. This is crucial in the winter months as these components are more prone to sticking, causing excessive tension and possibly costly damage.
Balancing – To keep all parts running smoothly, the tracks and metal framing need to a be aligned and a quick balance check should do the trick. Have a professional check these regularly to ensure all is operating correctly.
INSPECTION
Cracking – Weather stripping, sensors, and window panes can become victims to the winter weather as well. These components are less durable than their previously mentioned metal counterparts, but can easily be maintained. However, metal springs are typically the ones that we see the most problems with in the cold. Checking for any cracking in these parts can be a quick, vital fix.
Contracting – Much like we wish we could do with our body’s extremities, metal contracts in cold temperatures. When this happens, certain nuts and bolts can become loose, may even fall out of place, and will need to be tightened and replaced.
Adjusting – Even if the sensors don’t have visual cracks, they may need to be realigned instead. These safety features can become askew over time and adjusting them back into place is an important aspect of their usefulness.
CONSULTATION
Continued regular maintenance should be on the calendar in order for your faithful garage door to be able to continue its mission. If you see anything out of place, contact the experts at Garage Doors of Indianapolis to come out and inspect and repair it today!