Garage Door Parts That Require Regular Lubrication
Garage doors add a valuable design element to homes. All garage owners want the door to function as quickly, quietly, and smoothly as possible. Several distinct components work and move in coordination to allow a garage door to operate effectively. The movement creates friction and leads to wear and tear of the parts over time. Regular upkeep ensures that the garage door remains in top shape and prevents unnecessary spending on repairs or replacements.
Lubricating the moving components is one of the most critical steps in garage door maintenance that minimizes friction and restores proper functionality. It also reduces the squeaky and grinding noises, extends the system's life, and keeps it running seamlessly.
Let's look at the various garage door parts that need regular lubrication to limit wear and tear:
Springs and bearing plates
It is vital to lubricate the torsion springs, as the garage door heavily relies on them to open and close. With constant use, the lubricant wears off, leading to loud and annoying noises. Cover the springs and bearing plates with grease, but avoid soaking them with it.
Hinges
Hinges connect the door sections. It is first essential to determine whether the garage door uses plastic or metal hinges. Do not lubricate the plastic hinges, as it contributes to their premature degradation. Clean them with a cloth or duster to get rid of any dirt. Lubricate only the metal hinges at their pivot points.
Tracks
Tracks are a vital part of the garage door mechanism that requires lubrication annually. They attract dirt, dust, cobwebs, and other debris. Therefore, it is essential to clean them regularly to remove build-up; wipe them down with a sponge to keep the surface spotless.
Rollers
Rollers are responsible for running the garage door smoothly up and down the tracks. For metal wheels, thoroughly apply the lubricant directly and wipe away excess grease to prevent it from dripping on the garage floor. For a garage door with nylon wheels, only lubricate the bearings and avoid getting any on the nylon.
Locking mechanism
Locks do not require frequent lubrication when compared with other parts. A lock should only be lubricated if the key sticks or if it's difficult to open or close it. Spray it with a lubricant, and ensure it gets into the moving parts.
Lubricate the rollers, springs, and hinges once every three to six months to minimize noise and other issues. Post lubrication, operate the garage door a few times to ensure that the lubricant is evenly distributed.
Choose the right lubricant
There are several garage door lubricants available, and choosing the right one defines the process's effectiveness. Experts suggest using a white lithium grease or silicone spray to lubricate the moving garage door parts. Aerosols also work well, as they don't attract dust and are easy to inject into smaller components. Avoid using WD-40, the popular oil-based spray useful in making metal parts work better. Its degreasing properties are not suitable for the garage door.
Lubricating a garage door is a DIY task that homeowners can routinely perform using a good quality lubricant. Hire professionals for other garage door repair and replacement services. Annual inspection and maintenance by experts ensure that potential issues get fixed before they create serious trouble.
Quality Overhead Door, Inc. is a full-service garage door installation and repair company for both residential and commercial customers in the GIlbert area 480-838-8850.
Our new location:
Quality Overhead Door Inc
1750 N. Rosemont., Ste 107
Mesa, AZ 85205
Office: 480.838.8850 Fax: 480.964.9942
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