Garage Maintenance For Hassel Free Living.

Whether you’re considering a new garage door replacement in Ann Arbor MI or a simple garage door opener installation in Canton MI, springtime has always been the best season to make such garage improvements. For most homeowners, springtime means cleaning, but not many of them remember to check the condition of their garage door. Seasonally speaking, it’s much more convenient to make major repairs on your garage door when there is less tension on the moving parts, and when the weather is well-balanced. During the unforgiving winter months, the garage is used to shelter vehicles while the hot summer weather comes with its own set of challenges. Having said that, let’s take a quick look at some simple but effective springtime garage improvements that can make your life much easier.

1- Clean and organize your garage

Keeping items in your garage organized makes it easy to locate and enjoyable to use. Try and group similar items such as automotive supplies and sports equipment in one area. You can use plastic beans to group some of the items –the idea is to keep as many items off the floor as possible. Vertical cabinets can also make a good alternative –they are widely available and relatively cheap. Most garages keep things that are primarily used outdoors, and you should probably not expect it to be 100% dust-free and immaculately clean. However, with a good cleaning, you can still make it a relatively clean space that feels good to use. The easiest way to achieve this state is by mopping or where possible, hosing the floor. Additionally, you should wipe down large surface areas using water and a clean rag to eliminate dust.

2- Lubricate Moving Parts

It’s important to keep moving parts lubricated in order to reduce wear and tear, and extend their usefulness. Apply lubricants such as WD-40 on the hinges and rollers. If the hinges or rollers seem stuck, soak them with kerosene, remove rust using steel wool and wipe all the parts clean before applying a lubricant. In addition, lubricate bearings and pulleys on torsion-spring openers and extension-spring openers respectively.

3- Listen to the Door in Operation

If your garage door has problems, they will almost always be expressed through scrapping sounds and jerky movements. A well-tuned, well-maintained garage door should move up and down relatively quiet, without any jerkiness in its movement. As you listen to the door in operation, take a look at all major parts –including pulleys, cables, and springs –and make sure they are symmetrical. If anything is a mess, call a professional garage door repair technician to have a look at it.

4- Install a Smart Opener

If your garage door is the traditional manual type, you should consider upgrading it via a smart garage door opener installation. Smart garage door openers are now becoming mainstream thanks to their convenience of allowing you to remotely operate, and monitor the status of your garage door. Many smart garage door openers come with free apps that allow you to operate your garage door from your smartphone. Smart garage door installation is not just cool and convenient, but it will also keep you and your family safer by preventing invasions.

5- Replace Your Garage Door

The garage door is probably the most important part of your garage. If your garage door isn’t functioning correctly, getting in and out of your garage can be quite a hassle, and even dangerous. Of course, before replacing your garage door, you should consider calling a garage door repair expert to see if they can try and salvage it by carrying out the necessary repairs. However, if your garage door is a dilapidated physical condition, breaks down frequently or simply too outdated, you should consider a new garage door installation. Other than normal daily usage, Michigan harsh winters, summers and general weather can be quite unforgiving to your garage door. A new strong door will be able to take a great deal of abuse, improve the curb appeal and make it easy for you to access, use and secure your garage.

Additional Tips:

• Your garage door parts can get loose from all the movement over time. Use a screwdriver or wrench to tighten any loose screws, nuts, or bolts on the door and its tracks.
• Turn off the automatic opener by pulling the red cord. Try lifting the door halfway by hand. If it stays in place, it’s balanced. If it falls or shoots up, it might need adjusting by a professional.
• Dirt and small objects can get stuck in the door tracks. Wipe the inside of the tracks with a clean cloth so the door can move easily. Don’t use oil or grease here, just keep it clean and dry.
• Put something small (like a piece of wood or roll of paper towel) under the garage door and press the close button. If the door doesn’t stop and go back up, it needs fixing right away. This feature is important for safety.
• Look at the rubber seal at the bottom of your garage door. If it’s cracked or letting in water, cold air, or bugs, it’s time to replace it.
• A well-lit garage is safer and easier to use. Replace old bulbs with LED lights. You can even install motion-sensor lights that turn on when you walk in.
• To save space, hang shelves or hooks on the walls. You can also get ceiling racks for items you don’t use often. This keeps the floor clear and makes your garage look neat.

Bottom line

The above five springtime garage door improvement tips might seem simple but they’re extremely important for your convenience and safety when utilizing your garage space. This, however, is not an exhaustive list, you should also consider clearing and repairing the door tracks, tightening hardware, testing the auto-reverse feature and door balance, among others. When resolving technical garage door issues, always consult the help of a garage door repair company with a trained and experienced crew such as Garage Door Repair Pros of Novi. This is important not only for the quality and durability of the work but for your safety as well.