How to Maintain & Care for Your Modern Garage Door?

Modern garage doors are marvels of engineering, offering a blend of security, convenience, and aesthetics. They come in various materials like steel, aluminum, and wood and boast features like automatic openers, insulation, and even smartphone integration. 

Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure your modern garage door functions smoothly and lasts for years.

Routine Maintenance for Modern Garage Doors

By incorporating these simple measures into your routine, you can keep your contemporary garage door operating at peak performance:

• Visual Inspection: Take a few minutes to visually inspect your door once a month. Look for any signs of damage to the panels, hinges, rollers, or tracks. Check for any rust (especially on steel doors) and ensure there are no loose bolts or screws.
• Track Cleaning: Dirt and debris can build up in the tracks over time, causing the door to bind or become misaligned. Use a moist cloth or soft brush to clear dirt from the tracks.
• Lubrication: Every six months, apply a small amount of garage door-specific lubricant to the hinges, rollers, and screw drive (if applicable). 

Important: Avoid using petroleum or silicone lubricants, which can collect dirt and grime.

• Balance Test: A properly balanced door opens and closes effortlessly. To test the balance, disconnect the opener (ensure the door is secured with the safety release) and attempt to lift the door halfway. If it feels heavy on one side, call a professional for adjustment.
• Safety Features: Modern garage doors often have safety features like auto-reverse. Regular testing is necessary to ensure these functionalities operate correctly.

Cleaning Your Modern Garage Door

Keeping your modern garage door clean not only improves its appearance but also helps prevent rust and other damage. The cleaning process may differ based on the material of your door.

• Steel Doors: Use warm water and a mild detergent solution to clean the door.  After a thorough rinse, pat dry with a soft towel.
• Wood Doors: Use a wood cleaner specifically designed for the type of wood your door is made from. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Fiberglass Doors: These doors can be cleaned with a mixture of mild soap and water.

When to Call a Professional

While many maintenance tasks can be done yourself, there are situations where it's best to call a professional garage door technician:

• Broken Springs: Garage door springs are extremely tense, so only a trained professional should replace them.
• Loud Noises:Unusual noises when operating may indicate a problem with the rollers, tracks, or opener. Call the professionals to identify the problem and carry out the required fixes.
• Misaligned Door: If your door appears crooked or misaligned, it could lead to further damage. An expert can realign the door and ensure proper operation.

Conclusion

By following these simple maintenance tips and recommendations, you can ensure your modern garage door continues to provide years of reliable service, adding value, convenience, and beauty to your home. 

Remember, a well-maintained modern garage door is an investment that pays off!