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The typical new homeowner doesn’t even give a thought to the garage door except to wonder where the garage door opener is. The garage door is meant to last a long time, but it can and does wear out. Repair and replacement of the garage door is often expensive and not covered by homeowner’s insurance, so all homeowners should give at least a little thought to the proper care and maintenance of the garage door.
Generally, proper care of a garage door depends on the material from which it is made and the climate in which it is operating. First, however, there are few general maintenance guidelines for garage doors regardless of location or material. Every six months or so, wash and rinse the interior and exterior sides of the garage door and any windows in it with a mild soap – dish or car wash detergent will work fine. Lubricate the track and hinges with a silicone or Teflon based spray – not WD-40 or grease, which will attract dirt. After application, open and close the garage door a couple times to distribute the lubricant. Every year, check the weather seal, springs, and other hardware on your garage door for signs of wear. Contact the manufacturer if anything needs repair or replacement. Another annual chore is to apply car wax to a metal door or sealant to a wood door, doing so will keep the surface of the garage door free from dirt and moisture. Garage door springs and cables should be replaced by a professional every couple of years. If you live in an environment that gets annual snowfall, you will need to regularly maintain your garage door so as to avoid damage from snow and road salt. During the winter season, you should remove snow and road salt with a mildly soapy mixture as needed. You will also need to be wary of salt build up on your garage door if you live in a coastal climate. If you live in an environment with heavy air pollutants, you may need to wash and lubricate your garage every other month or every three months. As mentioned before, a garage door will require specific care depending on the material from which it is made. If the door is made of metal, it is imperative to watch for rust and get rid of it as soon as you see it. This can be done by scraping off loose rust with a soft-bristled wire brush. If possible, scrape down to the bear metal and then repaint. A wooden garage door may need to be refinished or repainted. As well, any cracks or gaps in a wooden garage door should be caulked. A garage door, like any other major part of the house, needs regular maintenance and annual cleaning. By following the guidelines in this article, you garage door should operate without any trouble as long as you own your house. |
Garages