Have you recently attempted to open your garage door only to have it slowly grind upward with an agonizing screech, jerking and shuddering along the way?
We often take our garage doors for granted, assuming they’ll reliably open and close at our command. But over time, negligence plus wear and tear from the weather conditions here in Fort Worth, TX, take their toll. This causes the garage doors on our homes to become slower, noisier, and potentially compromised for security.
If you’ve noticed a decline in your garage door’s functionality or want to be proactive in preserving its longevity, read on to discover why scheduling regular garage door maintenance in Fort Worth can save you from unexpected headaches and costly repairs. And learn ways you can ensure that your garage door continues to perform at its best throughout the year.
The Importance of Garage Door Maintenance in Forth Worth
Fort Worth, TX, has a humid subtropical climate with summer heatwaves, cold winters, and frequent storms that may bring rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
These varying weather conditions can significantly impact the functioning of your garage doors. The intense heat can cause the metal components of the door to expand and contract, leading to misalignment and difficulties in opening or closing the doors smoothly. And the humidity can cause rust and corrosion, further affecting the performance and longevity of your garage doors.
Seasonal maintenance, at least twice a year, including once before the scorching summer heat and once before the colder winter months, can help address minor issues before they become significant problems. This proactive approach can save you from the inconvenience and potential costs of unexpected malfunctions and prolong the lifespan of your garage doors.
Top Reasons for Regular Garage Door Maintenance
Adding garage door maintenance to your seasonal to-do list may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it’s worth your consistent attention. Investing your time and effort in seasonal garage door maintenance allows you to avoid these potential consequences and gain the following long-term benefits.
Steer Clear from a Potential Safety Hazard
A poorly maintained garage door can pose a safety risk. Worn-out components such as springs or cables may break, causing the door to become imbalanced or suddenly malfunction and fall unexpectedly, resulting in injury or damage to property.
Prevent Expensive Repairs
Detect and address minor issues before they become bigger, more costly problems. By conducting routine inspections and promptly addressing any issues, you’ll save money in the long run and significantly delay the need for a complete door replacement.
Ensure Smooth Operation
Lubrication of hinges and moving parts helps to reduce friction, preventing unnecessary wear and tear. Additionally, adjusting springs regularly helps to maintain proper tension and balance, preventing excess strain on the door mechanism and ensuring efficient operation.
Enhance Energy Efficiency from Weatherproofing
Regular inspections of seals and weather stripping protects your garage and everything inside it from harsh weather conditions. When you identify gaps or damage that could let in water, wind, or cold air, you’ll cut heating and cooling costs by maintaining a consistent indoor temperature.
Prevent Security Breaches
By scheduling regular inspections and maintenance checks that look for potential security vulnerabilities, such as faulty locks or weakened hinges, and rectifying them promptly you’ll
maintain your home’s overall safety and security. By ensuring your garage door remains in optimal condition, you can minimize the chances of unauthorized access or entry.
Help Noise Reduction
No one likes hearing a rattling garage door. Performing regular maintenance makes your living experience more enjoyable by eliminating the noisy operation of your garage door. Regularly tightening loose hardware and replacing worn-out parts can give your ears and everyone within a hearing range a welcome rest.
Enjoy Peace of Mind
Knowing that you have taken steps to ensure your garage door functions seamlessly and reliably allows you to focus on your day-to-day activities without having an unexpected malfunction disrupt your routine. With a properly maintained garage door, you can trust that your home and belongings are safe and secure.
What seasonal maintenance does your garage door need?
By following these steps and seasonal maintenance tips, homeowners can minimize wear and tear and reduce the chances of making repairs or replacing the entire unit.
1. Regularly Inspect the Garage Door
To ensure proper functioning and safety, check the following components for signs of damage or malfunction during your inspection.
- Look for frayed cables or rusted hardware
- Examine the door for loose hardware or damaged parts, potentially affecting its performance and increasing the risk of accidents.
- Assess the weather stripping to ensure there are no cracks or gaps that could allow drafts, pests, or moisture to enter the garage
- Check the door’s balance and functionality by opening and closing it multiple times and listening for any unusual noises or signs of strain
- Test the safety features, such as the auto-reverse mechanism, to ensure they function properly
- Look for any dents, cracks, or other damage to the panels of the garage door
2. Apply Lubrication to Moving Parts
Lubrication reduces friction, prevents damage, and extends the lifespan of the garage door’s hinges, rollers, and tracks to ensure smooth and quiet operation. Be sure to use a lubricant that’s specifically designed for garage doors, and avoid using excessive lubrication.
3. Clean and Protect the Garage Door
Remove any dirt or debris from the tracks and rollers of the garage door to prevent them from becoming clogged or interfering with proper operation. Also, apply a protective coating to the door to shield it from extreme weather conditions such as rain, sun exposure, or ice.
Hire OGD® Garage Door Maintenance Services in Fort Worth
Protect the longevity and optimal functionality of your garage door. If you live in Fort Worth, TX, hire the professionals at OGD® to help you maintain and keep your garage door functioning at its best. Our highly skilled team has the expertise and experience to ensure your garage door’s constant smooth and efficient operation. Contact OGD® today and enjoy a properly maintained garage door that enhances your Fort Worth home’s security, convenience, and aesthetics.