Things You Can Do To Improve Your Motorized Garage Door's Performance
Your automated garage door - the silent sentinel of your home. It stands guard day and night, opening and closing at your command, housing your cherished vehicles.
However, like every trusty sidekick, it needs a tune-up from time to time. Many homeowners rarely pay attention to their garage doors until a begrudging groan or a failed response jolts them into action.
This guide is for those who want to stay ahead of the game and understand that a bit of maintenance can go a long way. From simple lubrication to a few specialized upgrades, here are a few ways to boost your motorized garage door's performance and keep it running as smoothly as the day it was first installed.
Regular Lubrication
Regular lubrication is fundamental to maintaining the optimal performance of your motorized garage door. It plays a critical role in reducing the friction between the door's moving parts, such as the tracks, brackets, and rollers.
The tracks are among the most crucial parts of your garage door as they guide and direct its movement. You should lubricate them at least once every few months with a silicone-based spray or high-quality machine oil. It also helps to use a clean cloth to wipe away any excess lubricant that may attract dirt and debris.
Brackets connect the tracks to the wall and hold everything in place. They look like metal plates with slots or holes for bolts and screws. Well-lubricated brackets will help reduce the strain on your garage door's motor, preventing it from burning out prematurely.
Rollers are small wheels that move along the tracks as the door opens and closes. They should also be lubricated regularly to prevent wear and tear, which can cause them to break or become misaligned with the tracks. However, you should avoid using grease as it can attract dirt and dust, which will cause more friction instead of reducing it.
Lubrication also helps reduce the noise levels of your garage door, making it operate quietly and smoothly. This is especially important if you have bedrooms near the garage or use the garage frequently at night. It makes it less of a disturbance to you and your neighbors.
Alignment Check and Adjustment
Just like a vehicle needs wheel alignment for optimal performance, your automated garage door requires regular alignment checks and adjustments. The door's alignment is crucial for its smooth and efficient operation.
Over time, normal usage can cause the door to become slightly misaligned. You'll notice signs such as unusual noises, the door not closing properly, or moving slower than usual. Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious issues, such as the door coming off the track, excessive wear on the motor, or even a complete system breakdown.
To perform an alignment check, you have to first inspect the garage door's balance and track the alignment. You can do this by manually lifting the door halfway and seeing whether it stays in place. If it doesn't, your door might be off-balance and needs adjustment.
But for a comprehensive check, consult with a professional technician who can accurately assess the state of the tracks, brackets, and rollers. If they detect any misalignment, they can tighten or loosen screws and bolts or adjust the tracks' positions to restore the door's balance and smooth movement.
These steps might be simple but can significantly impact your motorized garage door's performance. But garage doors are pretty complex pieces of machinery, and you need a trained technician's expertise to handle these intricate components.
Schedule a routine maintenance check with Overhead Doors Unlimited Inc for professional and efficient maintenance services. We offer guarantees on all our products and services, ensuring you always have a reliable, top-performing automated garage door.
