When you're doing routine cleaning and maintenance on your home, don't forget about the garage door. By checking it regularly, you can be alerted to potential problems, so you can call for repairs early. Here are some things you can do to keep your garage door looking great and working properly.

Clean The Outside

If you have a vinyl or steel garage door, you can maintain its appearance by washing it at least once a year. You may need to wash it more often if you live in an area where there is a lot of dust or pollutants in the air. You can clean it with soapy water and a soft cloth. You can even use a power washer to make the job go quicker. If your door is stained, choose a product that states on the label it is safe for vinyl or whatever material your door is made from.

If your garage door is made of wood, you may need to do a little more maintenance. You probably don't want to use a power washer, as it might damage the wood. Instead, you can hose off the dirt and examine the paint for signs of fading and peeling. You'll have to paint or stain your wood door every few years to keep it looking in good shape.

Examine The Inside

Next, look over the inside of your garage door. You want to check along the track, hinges, and spring. You'll be looking for loose screws and signs of a loose track. Also look for dirt and frayed cords. If screws to the hinges or track are loose and wobbly, you can tighten them yourself. However, you don't want to bother screws attached to the spring. Those screws will probably be painted red, and they should have a danger tag near them. If you try to adjust those, you'll throw your door out of balance. If you see frayed cords, rusted hinges, a bent track, or any other problems with your door, you should call a contractor to come out and make the necessary repairs.

Clean The Inner Door

To keep the door moving smoothly along the track, you need to keep the track clean. Dirt and dust can accumulate in there along with leaves and bugs. Just wipe them out with a cloth. Don't use oily cleaning products or the door may start slipping in the track. You should also clean out the sensors near the bottom of the door. When dust builds up on them, it can stop your door from working. If you feel comfortable doing it, you can apply spray lube to the hinges on your garage door. Choose a product that doesn't have silicone in it. Apply the thin applicator tip and spray a little lube on the hinges so they don't rust or catch on the track.

It doesn't take long at all to clean and check your garage door. However, it's a task you can easily overlook for months if you don't get in the habit of doing it. Therefore, you might want to set a schedule for maintaining your door at the same time you do monthly checks on the operation of your door opener. If you need more information, contact Rogers Overhead Door Co.

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