Keeping your garage door in good condition is important to the value of your garage and your home or business. A secure, well functioning door will increase the security of your home and your family as well as add effortless convenience and access to your garage. When looking for a new installation, we recommend steel garage doors for their low maintenance and their durability. Offered in a variety of styles, even styles to mimic wood finishes in any color. Steel doors will last you a long time if you take good care of them.

Here are some simple maintenance tips on how to extend the longevity of your steel garage door:

Oil the Torsion Springs

These are the springs right above the door on the inside. Use a lightweight motor oil and apply it in a thin line across the top of the springs leaving 2-3 inches on either end. Extension springs do not need oil, so avoid doing that. You should only oil the springs in your garage door once or twice a year.

Apply a lubricant (not grease) to the curved segments of the track

Also referred to as the ‘radius sections’ of the tracks, lubricating the curved segments of tracks will keep wheels and rollers moving smoothly. Avoid using grease – it will have the opposite effect. Grease is like a magnet for dirt and dust which will clog the tracks and get stuck to the moving parts of your garage door. You should only use lubricant every six months.

Wash Your Garage Door

Prevent erosion by washing the outside of your door with soap and water. Because your door is constantly exposed to the elements, over time it is at risk of a build up of corrosive substances that can get into the cracks of your door. Next time you wash your car in the driveway, give your garage door a quick rinse. Washing your door every so often will prevent any potential build up.

IMPORTANT: If something breaks or malfunctions with your garage door or garage door opener, it can be dangerous to try and fix it yourself. You should always contact a professional.

At A-1 Fleet Door Service we offer scheduled maintenance such as these quick fixes as well as others to keep your residential or commercial garage door in good working shape. We also offer installation and 24 hour repair on all garage doors and openers, whether we installed them or not. It is important to keep your door ‘on track’. Call today to learn more information at 603.553.9797 or email us [email protected]