Keep your Garage Door running smoothly
If you utilize your garage as the primary way of entering your home, it might be important to ask yourself, how does the garage system work? Should anything malfunction, you should understand your garage door system basics and how to maintain and keep your garage door running smoothly.
Parts and Components
•Door Opener – The motor box that operates the springs and cables to open and close the door.
•Springs and cables – Tighten and loosen for raising and lowering the door.
•Tracks and rollers – Guides the cables to keep them straight.
•Tube shaft and drums – Tube shaft keeps springs in position. Drums turn, moving the cables.
•Brackets and hinges – Attaches the parts to the door, and hinges enable folding and unfolding.
•Weatherstrip – Rubber stripping keeps the weather outside.
•Safety sensors – Two photo eyes send a beam across the bottom of the doorway and on the bottom a pressure bar.
•Emergency cord – Hangs down from the opener box, releases the motor’s door for manually opening and closing.
Maintaining Your Garage Door System
1. Listen and pay attention
Watch as you use your garage door to see if it operates smoothly and quietly. If it lurches or makes unusual noises, have a professional inspect it.
2. Tightness Inspection
About two times a year, inspect and tighten all the screws, bolts, and brackets.
3. Check the condition of cables
Do not mess with the cables. Check the condition of the cables looking for damage near the roller or broken strands. Call a professional if you see any type of damage.
4. Test door balance
Pull the emergency release handle, then manually move the door to the halfway point. A well-balanced door will hold its position at the midway point. If the door goes down or up, the tension needs repair by a professional.
5. Ensure auto-reverse safety works properly
Put an object under the open door, close it; it should reverse to open when it touches the object. Also, close the door pass your leg through the door to block the lower beam door to see if it reverses.
6. Keep moving components lubricated
One time a year, spend ten minutes applying lubricants to the screw/chain, springs, and rollers.
7. Check rollers, change if needed.
Check the rollers for cracks or chips at least twice a year. Depending on use, replace rollers after seven years.
8. Weatherstrip replacement.
Replace any cracked or breaking weatherstrips along the bottom of the door.
As the primary way of entering your home, knowing how does the garage system work is rather important. Plus, understanding how it functions helps you maintain your door, which helps your system last longer and makes your life easier.
For any garage door needs, contact us!