At Hipwoods, we believe that your garage door can be kept in great condition with the right amount of care and attention. Garage door maintenance is a key part in keeping your garage doors not only looking brilliant but also performing at their best. Take a look at our useful garage door maintenance tips to see what our expert team recommends!
1. Think Safety!
We appreciate that the typical ‘safety talk’ is a bit of a pain, however, safety really is key to well-performed garage door maintenance. The last thing you want to do is cause harm to yourself, others or any damage to your garage doors. Our safety tips are very simple, they are as follows:
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Ensure your garage door is in an accessible position. This will be when the door is closed and in a fixed position. By doing this, you reduce the chances of injury and damage.
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For electric garage doors, you must disconnect them from the power source. You may need to look online for instructions as to how to perform this safely and accurately.
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Assess the task at hand before attempting any garage door maintenance. If there is an issue or problem that appears as though it needs a significant amount of work, it would be worth considering professional help. We are more than happy to offer our excellent garage door repair service!
2. Get Cleaning!
Now that the safety part has been covered, the real magic can happen. There are a variety of elements that can all contribute towards good garage door maintenance. These are important for keeping your garage looking and working at its best. Take a look at our following tips:
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Clean the Tracks – Using a damp rag, wipe the inside and outside of the tracks. This will help remove any grease, grime and dirt that may have built up over time. Alternatively, you can use a toothbrush for harder-to-reach areas.
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Lubricate the Garage Door – It is important to lubricate the locks, hinges, arm bar and bearing plates. It is recommended that you do this every 3 months to keep everything moving smoothly. Lubricating your garage door springs is essential too, however, this may require a professional garage door technician.
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Clean and Wash the Door – Grab a soft cloth, gentle soap such as dishwashing or car soap and a bucket of water. Pre-rinse the garage door before applying soap. You should avoid using a pressure washer as this can cause damage to it. Apply the soapy water and scrub away any dirt and grime. Rinse down your door, dry it if needed and apply a good quality wax.
3. Check Sensors!
Sensors can seem like a lot of hassle, but there are lots of quick and easy steps that can help you check if they are still aligned. It will also help check if they are possibly damaged when completing your garage door maintenance. Here is what you should do to check your sensor alignment:
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Look at the Light Indicators – Light indicators are great for checking whether there is a problem. A green light means you are in the clear and all is well! A red light suggests the sensors are not aligned or may be obstructed.
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Check Around the Sensors – A dirty or obstructed sensor lens is a common problem with a brilliantly easy solution. Take a clean cloth, make it damp if the dirt is more solid and wipe away. Even the smallest of cobwebs or bits of dust can act as an obstruction. That is why it is important to clean your sensor lenses regularly.
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Inspect the Wires – There can be issues regarding the sensor wiring system. Regular use, weather and pests can all contribute towards wire damage. It may be worth calling out a qualified garage door repairman, as the wires can be complex and dangerous.
4. Consider Replacement!
You may decide that you would prefer to update your garage door. Perhaps you would like to replace your old garage door with a modern wooden style door, or a remote-operated one or even a retractable door? Whatever you would like, we can deliver! At Hipwoods Garage Doors we have a variety of designs and functions to suit you.
As a family-run business, we pride ourselves on our professionalism and quality service. We are happy to provide any assistance you may need regarding your garage door maintenance. We can also help with the door itself, should it be a simple repair, a new garage door or a bespoke project. Reach out today for a free survey.