The spring and summer is the best time to maintain your garage door. The weather is nice, and longer days mean you can dedicate some extra time to get some much-needed repairs and maintenance tasks done. But before you begin, do you know how to clean a garage door for summertime?
Let’s look at some tips on what you should do.
How to Clean a Garage Door for Summer
Over the winter, your garage door will have taken a bit of a beating, but now that summer is here, you can care and prepare it for the year to come in several ways:
1. Give The Door A Clean
The first thing you’ll want to do is give the garage door a good clean. You’ll be amazed at how dirty your garage door can get, especially over the winter.
Hose off any loose dirt on both sides of the door, and give them a good scrub with soap and water. If you want to go the extra step and stop dirt from building up again, you can actually apply a layer of car wax to it too.
For wooden doors, you’ll want to apply a fresh coat of paint and water sealant. That will help keep water out and prevent rotting over time. For a steel door that’s started to rust, that rust can be sanded down and painted over with a zinc primer to stop it from spreading.
2. Lubricate All Moving Parts
The next step is to lubricate all the moving parts on your garage door, as this will help avoid any future breakdowns. The cold weather over the winter can break down existing lubrication, so now’s the best time to replenish it.
It’s important that you pick the right lubricant for the job. WD-40 is most people’s go-to, but it’s important to know that it isn’t actually a lubricant. As such, you aren’t going to get the job done with it. Instead, look for a lithium-based grease that comes in a spray can. These often are sold as specific garage door lubricants.
Take that spray can and spray grease into all moving parts, including the hinges, rollers, pulleys, chains, screws, and so on. Wipe away any excess with a cloth, as too much can actually attract more dirt.
3. Take A Good Look At The Garage Door
Now that you’ve done the basics, you’ll want to perform a garage door inspection. You’re looking for any issues that could interfere with the working of the door or the garage door opener. If you can catch the issues now, you can fix them before they start causing serious problems.
You’re looking for anything that looks as though it’s wearing out. That can be the ball bearings, hinges, supports, and so on. Ensure the bolts are tight and that the springs are in good condition and rust-free.
You’ll also want to do a balance test on your garage door, as that will tell you a lot about the condition of the springs. Open the garage door halfway and leave it there. It should be able to stay in position. If one side sags or the door closes on its own, that’s a sign that the springs are wearing out and need to be replaced.
If you do identify any repairs that need to be done, ensure that you call a professional to help you with them. They’ll be able to do the repair safely and effectively. The earlier you call them, typically the cheaper the repair will be too.
4. Check On The Insulation
If you have insulation on your garage door, check on it to ensure that it’s intact and in good condition. If it’s starting to get worn out, it’s a good idea to replace it before the cold weather comes around again.
If you don’t have insulation on your garage door, it’s worth considering installing it. This is especially important if your garage is attached to your house. In the winter, cold air can come in in the gaps around the door, and that’s going to drive your heating bills up. It can be cheap and effective to install insulation, and it’ll pay for itself in the reduction of your energy bills.
5. Inspect The Windows
If your garage door has windows, make sure you inspect them for any damage. Look for cracks and signs of damage, as these will make the garage less secure.
You’ll also want to look for any chipped or peeling paint on the window frames, as that can be a sign of moisture damage. Repairing these windows will not only make your house cooler in the summer but safer too.
6. Check The Auto Reverse Feature
While you’re taking care of your garage door, you’ll want to take a good look at the auto-reverse feature on your garage door opener. This is what will keep everyone in your home safe, as the door should automatically start opening up should anyone be beneath it.
It’s very simple to test the opener. Simply place a brick or piece of wood under the door. If the opener is working as it should, then you’ll see the door automatically open up again. If it doesn’t, you’ll want to have it examined and repaired by a professional.
7. Install Reinforcements On Your Garage Door
When you’re inspecting your garage door, you may see holes in it that will reduce its overall strength. Adding reinforcements in these spots will help in several ways, as they’ll ensure that the garage is more secure, as well as protect against severe weather events.
Prepare Your Garage this Summer
If you do see some issues that need repair, should you do them yourself or get an expert? There are some things you can do on your own, such as cleaning it and lubricating the moving parts. If you see any other issues, you should get an expert to address them. They’ll have the experience needed to do that repair right the first time.
That’s everything you need to do this summer to ensure that your garage door is well taken care of. Give it a clean and inspect it for any issues, and call the experts if you need help.
For questions or inquiries, contact Your Garage Door Guys today. We proudly serve Ventura and Los Angeles County.