5 Simple Yet Very Important Things to Remember When Lubricating Your Garage Door

One of the most vital things to bear in mind when it comes to keeping your garage door in excellent shape is regularly giving it the right amount of lubrication, say every six months.

Apart from ensuring that all the moving parts are gliding smoothly during operation, making it a point to lube up your garage door routinely also prevents unwanted noise as well as components bending or warping out of shape.

While the whole thing may sound rather complicated, you can easily pull it off if you’re an avid DIY enthusiast. (But you can also call a garage door professional if you’re not that confident to take on the job, though.)

Make sure you read on to learn the simple yet crucial things you have to remember regarding garage door lubrication.

Tip #1: Do a thorough visual and tactile check of your unit.

Before you begin with the actual lubrication process of your garage door, start things off by meticulously inspecting it through visual and tactile means. Check the overall condition of your unit and pay close attention to details like worn parts and areas that seem to have buckled and twisted.

It is highly recommended that you list down all of the significant things you noticed during your inspection so that you can easily pinpoint the potential issues if something does go wrong sooner or later. Don’t forget to include any unnecessary squeaks and jerks in your notes while you’re at it, too.

Tip #2: Inspect the integrity of your bolts and nuts.

The bolts and nuts of your garage door not just play a vital role in keeping its whole structure together but also ensure that all of the parts are wholly joined so they can function as a single working unit.

Make it a point to check that all of them are snugly in place and immediately tighten the ones that seem to be a bit loose. Remember to take it easy on the tightening, though, since overdoing it can already be potentially counterproductive to your garage door’s functionality.

It is also quite helpful to refer to the manufacturer’s manual before you do this to be aware of any critical reminders or warnings.

Tip #3: Give the hinges a methodical once-over.

Akin to your garage door’s nuts and bolts, the hinges on your unit may be small but they play a crucial role in its overall functionality. They are essentially the parts that regulate the pivoting movement of your garage door, so it will open and close without issues.

Visually check the hinges for any wear and tear, as well as signs of warping and bending. Besides making your garage door noisy when used, unsound hinges can also cause your unit to suddenly stop in mid-operation if not given the proper attention.

Tip #4: Check how your rollers and chain are doing.

If you’ve already checked everything else and you still hear a thumping sound whenever you use your garage door, chances are your chain needs a bit of a tightening. Make sure you don’t ignore this issue since it can lead to jerky motions that can interfere with the way your garage door works before you know it.

As for your rollers, remember to inspect them for any cracks, and also check if there is an accumulation of dust and grime on the unsealed bearings. Remember to clean them before applying lubrication, too. Wiping them down with a clean cloth already does the trick.

Lubricating Your Garage Door Tip #5: Choose the right lubricant.

Buying a stronger and more resilient garage door allows you to be more confident when it comes to storing stuff in your garage. It won’t be just a place for your car or tools anymore. This time, you can use your garage to put away a wide range of things from documents to footwear and even kitchen utensils. With the amount of security and protection that you’re getting, you can even convert part of your garage into a media space or a gaming refuge if you like.

Great Reason #5: Having a new garage door provides better performance and lots of high-tech options

Unlike what a lot of people mistakenly think, regular oil and WD-40 are not the best options to go for when lubing up garage doors. If you’re using these to lubricate your unit until now, then you might be in for an unpleasant surprise sooner or later.

The ideal choice would be either a lithium-based grease or a silicone spray. Click here to read a more in-depth article on these two as regards garage door lubrication.