Garage doors provide more than functionality in your home. They make up part of your property’s security and curb appeal. Unfortunately, the maintenance needs of these doors often get ignored. Most homeowners rely on assumptions about garage door maintenance that aren’t entirely accurate. These myths lead to improper maintenance and costly repairs.
Proper maintenance is critical to the durability of these doors. Similarly, ignoring this maintenance needs shortens its lifespan. You should be wary of the following garage door maintenance myths:
They Don’t Need Regular Maintenance
Most homeowners ignore garage door maintenance requirements. Unfortunately, these doors cannot function perfectly for years without any upkeep, and ignoring servicing leads to costly repairs. Garage doors require regular maintenance for efficient functioning.
Typical doors open and close multiple times a day. This amounts to thousands of cycles every year. Repeated use affects the door’s components, especially the rollers and tracks. These parts wear out or become misaligned, leading to inconvenient breakdowns. Regular maintenance prevents these issues from escalating.
Lubrication is a key maintenance element for these doors, as they have several moving parts. Lubricating these parts reduces friction and eliminates noise during operation. Skipping this simple step results in loud and unpleasant sounds.
You Can Handle the Repairs Yourself
The popularity of DIY culture has encouraged most homeowners to handle basic tasks. Unfortunately, you can DIY all garage door issues. You can’t possibly fix your garage door issues without professional help. Attempting can result in costly damages and serious injuries.
For starters, you should avoid DIY repairs because of the high tension in the door’s components, like torsion springs. These parts balance the heavy weight of the door and allow smooth opening and closing. A broken spring or cable releases tremendous force that can cause severe injuries and fatalities. You should not attempt repairs on these components without the proper tools and expertise.
Misdiagnosing the problem is the other reason you shouldn’t attempt DIY repairs. For instance, garage doors may fail to close because of several issues. You may think it’s a faulty opener, while sensors, springs, or tracks might be faulty. Addressing the primary issue incorrectly won’t solve the problem. It may also exacerbate it, necessitating extensive and expensive repairs. You should engage experts like Columbus Overhead Door Company for professional repair and advice.
All Garage Doors Are the Same
The other myth about garage doors is that they are all alike and require identical maintenance. Garage doors are available in different types, each with unique features and maintenance needs. Ignoring these differences during maintenance can lead to avoidable damage and costly repairs.
For instance, garage doors are made from different materials. This means wooden door maintenance involves regular sealing and painting to protect them from moisture damage and warping. On the other hand, steel doors have low maintenance requirements but are susceptible to rust, and they require regular cleaning and rust-resistant coating.
Endnote
Homeowners shouldn’t ignore their garage doors when conducting routine home maintenance. Keeping these doors in perfect shape ensures long-term performance and safe operation. Debunking these myths can help homeowners approach garage door care better and avoid unnecessary mistakes.