Getting Your Garage Door Ready for Summer
Summer is on its way, and it’s important that your garage door is ready for it. While it may seem like you shouldn’t need to do much for your garage door, a number of factors such as the humidity and heat can affect your garage door system. Here are some tips to making sure your garage door is ready for summer, and will help it last as long as possible.
Wash Your Door
You should wash your garage door at least twice a year, as every time it opens it gets more and more dirty. While using a power washer may seem like an appealing idea for such a large area, we recommend using a mild detergent, rag, and garden hose to wipe down both sides of the door. You will want to not use a stiff brush or harsh detergents, as this can damage the exterior surfaces of the garage door. You should also make sure to wash the weather stripping.
Clean Inside
After you’ve gotten your garage door cleaned off, why not work on de-cluttering your garage itself? Garages can become receptacles of odds and ends you’re not sure where else to put. A good method for doing so is to remove the contents of the garage so you can get a good idea of what you have and what you want to keep. Avoid storing hazardous materials such as paint and propane, food items which can attract pests, and keep things off the floor if possible to better provide space for your car, and passage through your garage.
Hardware Check & Wear and Tear
This is perhaps one of the most important aspects to check - the hardware of your garage door. You will want to check that all bolts and screws are tightened and secured. These can become loose due to changes in temperature. While you are doing so, check the cables for your garage door, the springs, and any moving parts allowing your garage door to open and close smoothly. You will want to replace any rusty, worn out, or damaged items before they cause problems. The same goes for the panels, and sections of your door. Garage door batteries should be checked if present.
Lubrication
Make sure to lubricate any and all moving parts. These can include the garage door hinges, rollers, and tracks. This will allow your garage door to operate smoothly and effectively. Use only oil or lubricant that is specifically designed for garage door use, rather than WD-40. Avoid using too much oil, however, as that can cause dirt and dust to build up in the moving parts. Make sure not to forget the weather stripping. Use a silicon based lubricant on the weather stripping.
Overhead Door Company of Metro Milwaukee™ is happy to serve the residential and commercial garage door needs of the West Allis, Waukesha, Brookfield, Menomonee Falls and the entire Milwaukee, Kenosha, and Racine areas since 1975. Contact us here to learn more about our garage door installation and maintenance services and what we can do for you!
