Your Old Garage Door Could Put Your Family in Danger

The garage door is an important part of any home, though it is easy to overlook. A well-maintained garage door keeps your vehicles and belongings safe while adding curb appeal and security to your home. Luckily, it is easy to take good care of your garage door and keep it running well with a little preventative maintenance. Here are four great ways to maintain your garage door:

Tighten Bolts On Occasion

The many bolts that keep your garage door securely in place as it moves up and down may need to be tightened from time to time in order to prevent rattling noises. When performing seasonal maintenance of your home, take a few extra minutes to use a wrench and tighten each bolt on your garage door as firmly as possible. If your garage door has been making odd noises, this step may help significantly.

Replace Old Weatherstripping

Over time, the weatherstripping around your garage door may wear out, breaking away from the door or cracking due to exposure to the elements, as well as due to frequent movement and friction as the garage opens and closes. Luckily, weatherstripping can easily be purchased and cut to measure at any major home improvement store, and then simply fit in place in the grooves along the edges of your garage door.

Keep Moving Parts Lubricated

Your garage door will always operate the most smoothly and quietly when the various moving parts are kept lubricated with a little spray lubricant. Simply spray the lubricant onto any hinges and springs you see on your garage door, and you should be good to go. 

Have the Garage Door Repaired as Needed

The most important way to maintain your garage door is to have it inspected and repaired by a garage door company if you notice any issues that don't go away after performing the first few steps. A garage door that moves up and down in a jerky or slow fashion, makes loud noises, or suddenly stops needs expert help before it becomes a safety issue. Even better, having your garage door inspected once or twice a year as a preventative measure will ensure that any problems are caught and repaired right away before they become more serious and costly.

Garage door maintenance doesn't take a lot of time, but it makes a big difference in the lifespan of your garage door. By following these simple tips, you will have a garage door that works the way it should for a long time to come.