How to Lubricate Your Garage Door
If your garage door squeaks or squeals, the manufacturer will probably advise that you lubricate it. Lubrication is also generally recommended as a part of regular maintenance in order to prevent parts from wearing out. And after your garage door is repaired, you will again need to lubricate the new bolts, chains, and other parts.
Yet, as important as lubrication is for garage doors, few people actually know how to apply the lubricant! This is a pretty simple task, so you can generally do it yourself rather than having to call the garage door repair team. Here's how.
1. Buy the right lubricant.
An all-purpose lubricant like WD-40 is okay in a pinch, but if you have a few minutes and dollars to spare, you're better off heading to your local hardware store for a more specialized lubricant. In the garage door repair aisle, you'll probably find a few different products made specifically for garage doors. Most of these products use lithium as an active ingredient. Buy one with a long precision applicator, as these can help make the application less messy.
2. Clean the tracks, hinges, spring, and chain.
If your tracks, hinges, spring, and chain were just replaced, you can skip this step. Otherwise, use a soft cloth to wipe any grime and debris off the surface of each of these parts. If there is a lot of dust, you may want to use a shop vacuum to suck it up. Cleaning before applying the lubricant ensures the dirt does not get stuck in the lubricant, change its texture, and lead to an increase in friction and wear.
3. Apply the lubrication one part at a time.
When everything is clean, start by lubricating the chain. Hold a cloth under the chain as you apply the lubrication to catch any extra drips. Close and open the door a few times to work the lubrication in. Then, do the same thing to the hinges, track, and spring. Remember to go over each part very gently with a soft cloth to pick up any extra, dripping lube. Apply the lubricant, then move the door to work it in.
By following the three steps above, you can repair your squeaky garage door. Remember to repeat these steps every 6 months under normal conditions, or every 3 months if your garage door gets a lot of wear and tear. Talk to a garage door repair company to learn more.