Garage doors serve as important structural components to a residential or commercial business. They provide aesthetic appeal, contributing to the visual appearance of the building or home, serve as an entrance for storing vehicles and items and are designed to keep belongings secure, dry and locked. Improper garage door maintenance can lead to unlawful entry, component deterioration and a decrease in property value. Whether the garage door is manually operated or electrically controlled, there are some mechanical issues that need attention every so often to the ensure that the door is functioning and closing properly. Take care of your garage door by following these 5 tips before you need services for garage door repair in Marietta, GA.

1. Manual Garage Doors

Manual garage doors can be made of wood or aluminum. Older doors do not have openers, which are the electric motors used to open them by remote control. The older wooden doors require inspection periodically to make sure the door is not sagging or bowed. Many of the older doors come with adjustable cross-bars that tighten the framework. Tightening the bars requires only a wrench, and the process should be synchronized in tightening stages from one bar to the other. The wood should be inspected for dry rot and termite infestation. Any evidence of rot or deterioration in the framework should be replace. The springs should be inspected for recoil strength—if the springs are weak from age and wear, they should be replaced. If the door is unusually heavy to open, chances are the springs are weak. All of the hinge points should be lubricated with grease and all the framework screws, nuts and bolts should be tightened to guard against misalignment.

Note: if you need to change the springs, we strongly recommend you use professional repair service to avoid serious injuries.

2. Electric Garage Door Openers

To avoid serious garage door repair, inspection and maintenance should be performed at least once a year on garage door openers. Structural fasteners and door framework bolts should be inspected and tightened just like a manual door, but there are a few more components to the typical garage door opener, consisting of electrical parts, tracks, cables or chains and a motor. The remote controller should always have fresh batteries installed for proper signal activation. Power should be turned off to the door before any maintenance is performed.

3. Cleaning and Lubrication

The long overhead track and side track should be inspected for bends or misalignment. Inspect the drive chain inside the track and remove all excess oil, dust and debri with a rag and a good de-greaser. Wipe down all the hinge pins and fasteners with de-greaser. Use a light oil to lubricate all the hinge points where the metal framework slides or pivots—this will reduce friction and stress on the motor. Use approved chain grease to lubricate the chain, and be sure to wipe away excess. Lubricate the door pivot brackets, axles and the pull arm. Grease lubrication can be performed every six months to a year. Look for any bolts or nuts that have become loosened and tighten them. Use steel wool to clean any obvious rust spots on the metal components, then apply a coating of light oil over the surface.

4. Chain Tension

The chain can sometimes stretch and sag, making a noise inside the track while in operation. For this type of garage door repair, consult your owner’s manual on the proper procedure for the correct tool to tighten the chain. The chain will normally have some slack and should not be tightened to the point of stress on the links. If in doubt about the correct procedure, contact your experts for garage door repair in Marietta, GA at (678) 981-8454.

5. Motor Opener

Perform a safety reversing test/operation every six months or so. Check to make sure the door is in alignment with the reversing sensor. Consult your owner’s manual for this test. Listen to the motor while it is in operation. The motor should emit no more noise than a mild hum and should not cut in or out of operation. If the motor does not activate, check for lose wire connections, but turn the power off first. Activate the reset button if applicable to the model. The opener motor should not emit any foul odors like burnt insulation or wiring smells. Burnt smells are an indication that the motor has shorted out or the wiring or circuits have burned. For a garage door repair that involves a defective motor, the best option is to call a professional to have the problem diagnosed.

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