This fall, make sure you’re prepared for the chilly weather heading your way. Some of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make is not doing their due diligence with bi-yearly maintenance. Things like your garage door require essential support and checkups at least two times a year. At Next Day Garage Door, you can call us to have an expert technician come out and conduct this maintenance and inspection!
Residential garage doors in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas need attention all year long, but for the purpose of this post, we’ll focus on the colder months coming up. Plan on performing maintenance tasks early on in the fall season for the best results. With proper fall maintenance, the warm air will stay inside, and the cold air will be contained outside. The best way to ensure the results you’re after is to confirm the seals are tight to the door, floor and walls, and free of cracking and other types of damage.
Keep your garage door and related components in tip-top shape to avoid costly repairs down the road. If you are a homeowner and you have a garage, then the following five fall maintenance tips are for you:
Check the weather stripping:
Your garage door acts as a barrier between your home and the elements. If it’s in poor condition, then cold air can get in during the fall and winter months. This fall, be sure to check the weather stripping for damage, wear, and any jams along the sides. Check that the seals at the bottoms of wooden garage doors are intact. Jammed weather stripping can cause problems with door operation, and cracked areas will let in cold air or moisture. A simple adjustment can fix most jams, but some doors will need new weather stripping.
Test the batteries:
As a part of your seasonal garage door maintenance routine, make sure to test the cells in your garage door opener clicker. Check the batteries before fall and again when winter arrives. Replacing them if they seem sluggish can prevent a garage lockout in the middle of a cold, rainy fall or winter day.
Lubricate components:
Before the cold fall weather sets in, make sure your garage door is functioning correctly. Stand inside your garage and open the door all the way, then close it all the way. Does the overhead door shake or make odd sounds? If it does, certain parts of the door may need to be lubricated, such as rollers, tracks, hinges, or latches. While you’re applying lubrication to parts, also lubricate pulleys and bearings and oil any torsion springs.
Check the drive track:
Look up and check the garage door’s drive track—this is the part of the door that guides the door from open to close safely and efficiently. Repetitive use can lead to the path becoming damaged or obstructed. Sometime during the fall season, check to make sure the drive track is clear and running along the rails smoothly.
Inspect rollers and springs:
Disconnect the door opener motor from its power source, then take a close look at the door’s rollers and springs for damage, over-stretching, and general wear and tear. Worn parts should be replaced or cleaned if dirty. Clean rusty or dirty rollers and springs with steel wool to remove corrosion or debris buildup. Wipe parts clean before applying lubricant.
For repairs, replacements, or inspection of your home’s garage door components, call Next Day Garage Door Services. Our team specializes in all sorts of services for residential garage doors in the following cities:
State of Virginia:
- Alexandria
- Arlington
- Fairfax, VA
- McLean
- Loudoun County
- Northern Virginia
- Manassas
- Springfield VA
- Annandale VA
State of Maryland:
- Waldorf MD
- Silver Spring
- Bethesda
- Montgomery County
- Washington, DC
