The temperatures are still warm and the leaves haven’t started to change color, but the pumpkins and goblins lining store shelves are reminders that fall is here and winter weather isn’t far behind.
Winter rain, wind, snow, and ice can cause problems for garage doors if proper maintenance isn’t done well before the bad weather hits. Now is the time to ensure your garage door and garage door opener will be ready for whatever this season sends our way.
When you contact Overhead Door Company of Portland to conduct your fall maintenance, we’ll be ready to assist, no matter what type of garage door or door opener you have. Our skilled technicians can spot potential issues and perform complex maintenance tasks to keep your door running smoothly.
Here’s what you can expect from our inspection and maintenance visit:
1. Inspect and Lubricate Moving Parts
We’ll check the rollers, hinges, and springs for signs of wear and tear, damage, or rust. We’ll follow by applying a light coat of high-quality mineral based lubricant to keep these parts working smoothly. The tracks will cleared of any dirt and debris and also be lubricated to prevent the door from sticking
2. Check and Replace Weatherstripping
The bottom, side, and top seals around your door prevent cold air, water, and even pests from entering the garage. Seals can become cracked, brittle, and torn over time so we check them all and replace the damaged seals.
Before
After
3. Test and Tighten Hardware
Normal functioning of your garage door can loosen bolts, nuts, and screws, especially on the hinges and brackets. Our technicians will tighten loose hardware, including the brackets that keep the tracks securely fastened to the walls. When not properly tightened your garage door may start to shake and rattle and operate inefficiently.
4. Test the Door Balance
A garage door should stay in place when you manually lift it to the halfway point. If it falls or rises, it isn’t properly balanced and the springs could need adjustment. We’ll conduct this test to ensure your door is balanced correctly.
5. Inspect and Clean the Door
Aesthetics aside, a standard steel garage door should be kept clean to be working properly. Wood doors should be painted or stained every few years, to prolong its life.
Dirt and grime can wear down the surface sealant allowing moisture to penetrate the door. This can lead to rot, rust, or other damage. A simple cleaning with mild detergent along with a thorough inspection will help protect your door from winter weather.
6. Check the Auto-Reverse Feature
At Overhead Door of Portland, safety is a priority. The auto-reverse feature on a garage door opener is designed with safety in mind, so our team ensures it works correctly. We’ll place an object under the door to see if the door reverses immediately upon contact. If it doesn’t, we’ll adjust the opener settings and further explore what might be causing the auto reverse to malfunction.
7. Service the Garage Door Opener
In our world, a garage door just isn’t complete without a garage door opener.
Why lift a heavy door if you don’t have to? However, a garage door opener is another component that can cause problems if it stops working properly. As part of our inspection and maintenance visit, we’ll test the remote control and keypad, and replace batteries. Next, we’ll inspect the chain and belt and determine if it’s noisy or jerky and in need of an adjustment. We’ll then lubricate the chain or belt to keep the door operating smoothly. If your opener has a backup battery, we’ll also test that and replace it if necessary.
Overhead Door Company of Portland makes garage door upkeep simple with our Maintenance Program.
You’ll receive a discount on labor, service, and repair work, plus priority scheduling. Extend the life of your door and decrease long-term repair expenses by signing up today. Enrollment is free and easy. Simply complete our online form or click here for more details.
Don’t let winter weather take you by surprise. Prep your garage door now to keep the cold air out, and the warm air in, and ensure a door that opens and closes perfectly all season long.
