2024-01-10 6 min read
As winter fades and spring approaches, it's the perfect time to give your garage door some attention. The cold winter months can take a toll on your door's components, and a little preventive maintenance now can prevent costly repairs later. Here's your complete spring preparation guide.
Winter weather puts unique stresses on your garage door system. Cold temperatures cause metal components to contract, lubricants to thicken, and weather seals to become brittle. Snow, ice, and road salt can cause corrosion and rust. Spring maintenance addresses these issues and prepares your door for the warmer months ahead.
1. Visual Inspection Start by examining all visible components. Look for rust, corrosion, or damage on the springs, cables, rollers, and tracks. Check the weather stripping around the door for cracks or gaps that could let in pests or moisture.
2. Clean and Lubricate Remove dirt, debris, and any salt residue from the tracks using a damp cloth. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to all moving parts including rollers, hinges, springs, and the opener's drive mechanism. Avoid using WD-40 on springs as it can strip away necessary grease.
3. Test the Balance Disconnect the automatic opener and manually lift the door halfway. It should stay in place. If it falls or rises, the springs need adjustment.a job for a professional due to the high tension involved.
4. Check Safety Features Test the auto-reverse feature by placing a board under the door. It should reverse immediately upon contact. Test the photo-eye sensors by breaking the beam while the door is closing. Clean the sensor lenses with a soft cloth.
5. Inspect Weather Seals Replace any cracked or worn weather stripping. A good seal keeps out water, pests, and helps with energy efficiency. The bottom seal is particularly important and should be flexible enough to conform to your garage floor.
While DIY maintenance is valuable, an annual professional tune-up ensures nothing is overlooked. Our technicians check spring tension, test safety systems, adjust tracks, and identify potential problems before they become emergencies. Schedule your spring maintenance with Salisbury Garage Doors today!