Important Maintenance Steps For Residential Garage Doors
As a homeowner, one of the most important parts of your home to maintain is the garage door. It's large and used every single day, so it needs to be in working order. You can ensure its longevity with the following steps:
Replace the Weatherstripping
The weatherstripping (seal) located at the bottom of your garage door plays an important role in keeping elements out, such as dirt and leaves. Unfortunately, it's not designed to last forever. If you notice that major parts have chipped or the weatherstripping is coming off of the door completely, you need to find a suitable replacement.
Today, you have many great selections to choose from. Bottom seals are effective at keeping your garage clean, and you can select models that attach to one point or two. If you're worried about water getting in, threshold seals can be used to create a tight seal against your concrete floor. Vinyl seals are another great option that lasts for a long time and are easy to install.
Tighten Up and Lubricate Hardware
Since the garage door is used thousands of times each year, it's not surprising that integral parts experience wear and tear. You can keep them in great condition with some tightening and lubrication. Start with the roller brackets and bolts, making sure they are tight and free of rust/corrosion.
Every moving part needs lubrication often so that your garage door glides up and down in an effortless manner. Instead of using WD-40, though, go with lithium-based grease. It will prevent parts from rusting over time. Use this effective solution on hinges, rollers, springs, and bearing plates.
Consider a Replacement
If your garage door constantly breaks down and has seen better days aesthetically, it may be time to replace your garage door altogether. If you're looking for a conventional and warm look, wood doors may be the best option. They are built with layers, and you have several wood species to choose between. Some of them include cedar, redwood, and fir.
Aluminum frame doors are also coveted because of their rust-free design and limitless style options. For extra durability, consider vinyl doors. They are difficult to dent and are readily available today in different styles.
The garage door is an important practical and aesthetic component of your house that needs regular maintenance. With the right steps, you can keep your garage door beautiful and working year after year. Contact a residential garage doors specialist for more information and assistance.