Lubrication is a crucial part of maintaining your garage door. Along with providing protection against theft and weather, garage doors enhance the appearance of your property. However, just like any mechanical device, garage doors need regular maintenance.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to lubricate a garage door to ensure its smooth operation.
Why Lubrication Is Important?
To safely lift and lower a heavy garage door, its many moving parts like hinges, springs, rollers, and tracks need to work together seamlessly. However, as they become worn or corroded over time, they can cause friction and stress on the garage door opener. This can eventually lead to the motor burning out or complete breakdown of the door. To prevent this, lubrication reduces friction and wear on these components, increasing the lifespan of the garage door and opener.
When To Lubricate A Garage Door?
To keep your garage door functioning smoothly, it’s recommended to apply lubrication at least once a year. If you use your garage door more often, you may need to lubricate it more frequently. It’s better to lubricate the door in warm weather when the lubricant can spread properly. Avoid lubricating during cold weather as the lubricant may not spread evenly due to thickening.
What Lubrication To Use?
When it comes to garage door lubrication, there are several options available. You can use a silicone-based lubricant, lithium-based grease, or white lithium grease. Silicone-based lubricants are best for plastic parts, as they won’t damage or corrode them. Lithium-based grease is ideal for metal parts, such as hinges and springs, as it’s long-lasting and resistant to water and heat. White lithium grease is a general-purpose lubricant that’s suitable for both plastic and metal parts.
It’s essential to choose a high-quality lubricant for your garage door. Avoid using WD-40 or any other household lubricants, as they can attract dirt and dust, causing more harm than good.
How Is It Done Step-By-Step?
Now that you know why and when to lubricate your garage door let’s take a look at how to do it properly.
Step 1: Clean The Garage Door – Before lubricating your garage door, you need to clean it thoroughly. Wipe down all the moving parts, including the springs, hinges, rollers, and tracks, with a clean cloth. This will remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may have accumulated.
Step 2: Apply Lubricant To The Images – Start by applying lubricant to the hinges. Use a silicone-based lubricant for plastic hinges and white lithium grease for metal hinges. Apply the lubricant directly to the hinge pins, making sure to coat them thoroughly. Move the garage door up and down several times to spread the lubricant evenly. Wipe off any excess lubricant with a clean cloth.
Step 3: Lubricate The Springs – Next, lubricate the springs. Use lithium-based grease for springs, which will keep them from rusting and wearing out. Start by closing the garage door and clamping the springs to prevent them from moving. Apply the grease to each spring, making sure to coat them thoroughly. After lubricating the springs, release the clamps and open and close the garage door several times to spread the grease evenly.
Step 4: Lubricate The Garage Door Rollers And Tracks – The garage door rollers and tracks are often the most neglected parts of the garage door. Without proper lubrication, they can become noisy and wear out quickly. To lubricate the rollers, apply lubricant directly to the bearings. For the tracks, apply the lubricant to the inside of the tracks, making sure to coat them evenly. Move the garage door up and down several times to allow the lubricant to spread.
Step 5: Check The Garage Door Opener – After lubricating all the moving garage door parts, it’s essential to check the garage door opener. If the opener has a chain or screw drive, apply lubricant directly to the chain or screw. If you have a belt drive opener, check the manufacturer’s instructions for lubrication recommendations.
Hiring A Professional To Lubricate Your Garage Door
If you don’t feel confident enough to lubricate your garage door yourself, hiring a professional is the best way to ensure it’s done correctly. Professional technicians have the knowledge and tools needed to properly lubricate your garage door and make sure all its components are in good working order. This will help extend the life of your door and keep it running smoothly for years to come.
Conclusion
Lubricating your garage door is an essential part of its maintenance routine. Regular lubrication helps reduce friction and wear on the moving garage door parts, ensuring the smooth operation of the garage door and extending its lifespan.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily lubricate your garage door and keep it in top shape for years to come.