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Shawn. G. MacDonald
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Garage Door Maintenance
Like everything, you should service your garage door at least twice a year. A good time to remember is when the time changes in the spring and fall.
1. In order to prevent damage such as rusting, which is caused by foreign matter adhering to the door, the garage door should be wiped down with a soft cloth twice a year. Wash the door with a mild detergent, such as car detergent, and a car brush.
2. Waxing your garage door once a year with car wax will protect its lustre and revive the shine it may have lost due to acid rain and UV rays.
3. Check for broken or bent components, and lubricate rollers and hinges with motor oil (e.g.: 10W30). Do not use any petrol-based lubricant because, aside from lubricating, it has the property of degreasing. Do not put grease in the tracks. Springs require basically the same treatment. Apply motor oil on them and wipe off excess oil with a cloth. This simple trick will help prolong their useful life.
4. Inspect the bottom weather seal on a garage door. If it is cracked or broken, replace it by taking off the old gasket and sliding a new one into place.
5. Lubricate weather-stripping every other month, or more, according to how often the garage door is used. Never use a petroleum-based lubricant since petroleum is know to adversely affect the elastic properties of rubber.
6. All screws and nuts on bolts should be tightened every six months. Make sure that the slide lock does not extend past the end stile of the door when it is in unlocked positioned.
7. The door should open and close easily. With the proper adjustments, the door will hang into the opening four to six inches. If the door is difficult to open but falls closed, or if the door is difficult to keep closed, contact an authorized dealer to make the proper adjustments. Springs are under considerable tension. Do not attempt to make any adjustments yourself.
© Shawn G. MacDonald 2003 - 2008