Man fixing garage doorUtah winters are harsh on garage doors — they cold weather can wear out the springs, freeze the lubricant, and strain the motor.  This spring, give your garage door a special tune-up to help it work better and last longer.  Below are six DIY garage tune up projects that you can do without any special training or skills.  If your garage needs more attention, be sure to give us a call!

Safety First

Make sure that you protect yourself while working on your garage.  Do not attempt to do more than you feel comfortable with, or have the skills to do.  Never remove lift cables while the door is under tension, unplug any garage door openers so that they cannot be activated while you are working on the door, and don’t try to adjust the springs, as that is best left for the professionals.  

Test the Door

Make sure that your garage door is working properly.  Test all openers to make sure they properly open and close the door.  If your garage door has sensors (as it should!) test them to make sure that they will lift the door back up if the infrared sensor is blocked.  If you don’t have sensors, you should purchase a kit and install it as soon as possible to keep you and your family safe.

Tighten Nuts and Bolts

As your garage door moves, the hardware can loosen and sometimes slip out of place.  Check the roller brackets and bolts for any loose parts and tighten them if necessary.  Check the rollers and lift cables for unusual wear and tear.  If they are worn or broken, do not attempt these repairs yourself, as these areas are under high tension and can cause serious damage to you or your garage door if done incorrectly.  

Inspect Chains and Springs

Annually, you should lubricate the chains and springs on your garage to make it smoother and quieter.  However, before lubricating your garage door, be sure to read the Owner’s Manual to make sure that you use the right kind of lubricant and the right amount.  Keeping your springs and chains lubricated will help your garage door last longer.  Do not replace any springs or chains if they are worn or broken, contact a professional to do it safely.  

Check the Weather Seal

Salt can corrode the weather seal on your garage door.  Every year, check your weather stripping and see if it needs replacing.  Depending on the damage, you may be able to do this yourself.  

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