Modern machinery has made life much easier. The tasks that required loads of labor can now be accomplished with a few buttons. One of these marvels is the garage door.
Did you know that the garage door can be one of the heaviest moving objects in your home? Plus, it doesn’t just move once in a while. It can move approximately 1500 times a year. That’s mind-boggling!
Of course, it also means that the garage door is likely to wear down and get squeaky pretty quickly. The friction and stress produced by the constant opening and closing of the door can damage the beams, supporting tracks, and other parts of the door.
A squeaky garage door is bound to earn you complaints from your neighbors. It is not a pleasant sound, and even your household can be disturbed by the noise. You can try to ignore this horrible groaning, but it becomes tough to entertain guests or even merely relax in your basement with the constant squeaking.
However, calling your local garage company for help or attempting to fix it yourself isn’t the first step you should take. Try lubricating your garage door first. A lubrication every six months is more than enough to keep your garage door running smoothly. It may be all the door needs, and you can save yourself a lot of trouble and money.
Table of Contents
HOW TO LUBRICATE A NOISY GARAGE DOOR
The following are the steps you should follow while lubricating your garage door.
1. Clean all immovable parts
It would help if you were very cautious while working on the door. Never try operating on it while it is moving. It is hazardous to lean over the track with the door moving. If the sensors fail, the door could end up crushing you. What’s worse, if the cables or springs break for any reason, the door could come crashing down onto you.
Clean All Immovable Parts
Perhaps the best time to lubricate your garage door is in the morning when it is cold. Plus, clean the door thoroughly before moving to lubrication. Inspect it superficially to check for any cracks or anomalies that may be visible to the naked eye.
If you notice any debris, remove it with a broom handle or dry brush. If you find any dust or water droplets, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe them off.
Lubricate The Moving Parts
2. Lubricate the moving parts
Usually, door manufacturers apply lubricant when they install your garage door. However, it is bound to dry out over time. When that happens, its noise-reducing effect will wear off, and your garage door will start squeaking.
Choosing the correct type of lubricant for your garage door is essential. Most market products do not have the necessary chemicals to help them protect the door against the elements for long. On the other hand, some might lack the lubricating qualities needed to keep your door’s movements smooth.
Therefore, you must be alert when choosing your local hardware store’s lubricant.
- Keep an eye out for products marked with silicone or garage door lubricant written in their description.
- Petroleum-based lubricants like WD-40 are not preferable for this matter. They tend to trap dust and debris, which then causes more friction among the door’s moving parts. Such lubricants can end up dripping onto your garage floor or your vehicles. If the surrounding temperature drops below freezing, the door can get stuck to its frame.
Once you have cleared the tracks of dirt and debris, proceed to lubricate the mobile parts. Parts like hinges, rollers, springs, etc., should be paid particular attention. You can skip the tracks since they do not require lubrication.
3. Test your garage door
Once you’ve followed all the steps, move your garage door up and down a few times. It will ensure that the lubricant gets distributed over all the bearing surfaces. Now, you should not hear any more squeaking! If that is the case, congratulations. Your issue has been resolved without needing to get a technician involved.
Test Your Garage Door
If you are considering Selling Your Garage any time soon, your curb appeal needs to be perfect. Having a well-maintained garage door does the job quite well. If a creaky garage door is left unattended, it will become a bigger nuisance. Why let it happen then? Lubricate your garage door daily, and it will last several years without any issues.
Warning: Never adjust the door springs yourself. They are under high tension and can break if not handled properly, causing the door to come crashing down. Plus, make sure to disconnect the opener while working around your garage door so that it doesn’t get triggered by someone accidentally.
Bottom Line
Has your garage door been squeaking a lot lately? Perhaps it needs a new coat of lubricant. Go through the article to find out how to safely lubricate your garage door.
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