If you’re considering a new garage door you might be wondering just how long your new purchase will last. Garage doors are made up a lots of parts and that need to be maintained to make them last.
Keep your garage door working with routine maintenance.
Garage door life is measured in cycles, the single opening and closing of the door. There are many factors that influence the number of cycles your garage door will experience before performance suffers.
- How many people use the garage door.
- Is your garage door used as another entrance to your home?
- Do you use your garage door for your car or has it become another storage unit for your stuff?
A “normal” average for cycles is three per day and that equals out to about 1,000 cycles a year. Less expensive doors are rated at about 5,000 cycles which can only be about five years. If your garage door usage is more the life of your garage door will naturally be shorter.
How Can I Make My Garage Door Last Longer?
A garage door can’t stand alone, it needs routine maintenance to keep it working smoothly and lasting longer. Check your owner’s manual for maintenance information and perform them monthly.
Look over the door springs, cables, rollers, pulleys and other door hardware for signs of wear. Don’t try and adjust the springs yourself, this is a job best suited for a professional.
Lubricate the moving parts of your garage door. Lubricate the hinges, rollers, springs, chains or pulleys. Buy a chain or silicone based lubricant, don’t use WD-40 as it can attract dust and dirt. Don’t spray onto plastic rollers or other plastic parts.
Perform a balance test on your garage door. With the door closed use the release mechanism that allows you to operate the door by hand. Lift it and then let go about halfway up. The door should open smoothly and stay open when your hand is removed. If it doesn’t your door is out of balance and needs an adjustment by a qualified service professional.
Keeping your garage door in good working order is essential to make it last. You don’t want to have to replace it before it’s time so take a minute to show it a little love now and then. And when no amount of duct tape will hold it together call us at Raynor Garage Door of Kansas City and we can show you the garage doors that will complement your home and increase its curb appeal. But if you’ve got a few more years and just need a little professional attention we can help with that, too.
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