Garage doors have an average lifespan of 15 to 30 years - quite an extensive range, right? You may be wondering what exactly makes the difference between a door that lasts 15 years and one that makes it to 30; it’s quite simple: proper maintenance. At Door Doctor, we stress the importance of adequate garage door care because we know high-quality doors are a significant investment. When maintained properly, a well-constructed garage door can serve your needs for decades. 

Curious about what you need to maximize the lifespan of your garage door? Check out the very concise yet very complete guide below.

Garage door weather stripping maintenance 

The weather stripping is located around the edges of the garage door and prevents moisture and debris from entering the garage through gaps around the door. Weather stripping is typically made of vinyl, rubber or PVC, which means it will gradually degrade over time. If the degradation becomes significant, the door may not function properly, and moisture or debris may enter your garage.

To extend the life of the weather stripping and, thus, the life of your door, you must ensure the material remains clean and well lubricated. To do this, examine the weather stripping and remove debris using a clean, damp cloth. All-purpose cleaner may be required to remove massive build-ups. 

To prevent the weather stripping from drying and cracking, cover it with a thin layer of a silicone-based lubricant. For best results, clean and lubricate your door’s weather stripping every three months. 

Regular garage door hardware servicing

Just as the moving parts of your vehicle require regular maintenance, so do the moving parts of your garage door. Springs, hinges, rollers, and tracks require regular cleaning and lubrication in order to work best. Here’s what you need to do:

• Springs: Gently remove any dust or debris from the door’s springs. Apply a thin layer of lubricant to each spring. Wipe off excess lubricant with a lint-free towel;
• Hinges: Clean the hinges with a damp cloth, then let them dry. After they’ve dried completely, apply a thin layer of lubricant to each hinge and door joint;
• Tracks and rollers: Clean the door’s tracks and rollers with a moist cloth. After removing all debris, apply a thin layer of lubricant to the components, then wipe away any excess with a lint-free cloth. 

For in-depth instructions to perform a full hardware maintenance routine, refer to your garage door owner manual.

Balancing your garage door

An unbalanced garage door may close faster than it should, posing a significant safety risk to you and your family. Faster operating speeds can also put excessive strain on the various mechanical components of the door, causing premature wear. To prevent a safety hazard and extend the lifespan of your door, you should test its balance at least once per year. Here’s how to do it:

• Close the door and disconnect the garage door opener;
• Manually raise the door until it’s approximately two feet above the ground;
• Step back several feet from the door and observe whether the door moves.

A properly balanced door should not move when disconnected from the opener; the springs should fully support its weight and keep it stationary. An unbalanced door may move towards one side or the other due to slack in a spring. If you feel like your garage door may be off-balance, contact a garage door repair company promptly. 

IN NEED OF GARAGE DOOR REPAIR OR INSTALLATION? CONTACT DOOR DOCTOR, THE BEST GARAGE DOOR PROVIDER ON THE MARKET

At Door Doctor, we understand that a high-quality garage door is a significant investment. That’s why we’re here to help you care for your door throughout its lifespan. Our expert team has over 40 years of experience, and we’re ready to put our skills to work to keep your garage door in perfect working condition. Whether you need garage door repairs or are looking to upgrade your current door, we’re here when you need us.

The leaves have turned, temperatures have gone down, and the most glacial period of the year isn’t far off. In anticipation of the snowy, icy days ahead, it’s essential to prepare your home to withstand winter, and that includes your garage.

Your garage door can take quite a beating during winter, but if you don’t take care of it properly or don’t provide decent maintenance, you could run into problems. Today, the experts at Door Doctor Canada discuss three of the most common garage door issues you may face coming wintertime, and what you can do about them.

1- Damage to weather stripping

Temperature fluctuations throughout the day can cause the snow outside of your garage door to melt, then freeze again. As melted snow turns to ice, it can cause your garage door to stick to the ground; when you open the door, the weather stripping may peel right off the bottom, compromising the door’s seal.

Damaged weather stripping allows frigid air and moisture inside your garage, which can affect other door components. Both the garage door tracks and motion sensors are sensitive to low temperatures; to prevent extensive damage, have a garage door repair company fix the weather stripping promptly.

To avoid this situation entirely, make sure you clear snow from your driveway frequently. Remember to knock snow off your vehicle’s tires before parking in your garage, and sweep away puddles of water with a shop broom. Do your best to prevent moisture accumulation on your garage floor in order to limit ice formation.

2- Door opens slowly

Freezing temperatures can affect several of your garage door’s components, from the tracks and rollers to the springs, or even the opener.

The lubricant used on moving parts can stiffen as temperatures drop, making it difficult for the rollers to pass along the tracks unimpeded. Conversely, inadequate track lubrication can also lead to a slow opening. In warmer weather, a scant amount of grease isn’t typically a problem; however, during winter, the door rollers need substantial lubrication in order to move the door smoothly along the tracks. If your automatic door opens slowly on a cold winter morning, the tracks should be the first thing you check.

If the tracks don’t appear to be the problem, perhaps the opener motor or spring are at fault.

It can be challenging to locate the source of an issue without extensive training. Your best bet for a fully functional door is to contact your local garage door repair company, Door Doctor.

3- Shrinking metal components

In cold weather, the metal components of a garage door may contract if the garage is not properly insulated. Because the tracks, chain, and springs are all made of metal, this natural phenomenon can compromise the integrity of the door’s moving parts.

In freezing temperatures, the springs that control the door can become stiff and brittle and can easily break under the weight of the door. Broken springs are incredibly hazardous and should only be handled by a professional garage door technician.

To help prevent damage to your garage door’s moving parts caused by freezing temperatures, consider purchasing a well-insulated garage door, which will retain more heat.

PROFESSIONAL GARAGE DOOR REPAIR

If your garage door starts acting up this winter, the experts at Door Doctor Canada are here to help. Whether you’re dealing with torn weather stripping, damaged springs, a frozen door, or misaligned tracks, we’ve seen it all and can fix it all.

Our trained professionals have over 40 years of combined experience, are here to deliver that experience to your doorstep. For any question about your garage door or to schedule a service appointment, give us a call at 1-800-663-3130, or send us a message through our contact page!