Although it is designed to operate continuously, an automatic garage-door opener requires periodic checks and maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Your automatic garage door opener is designed to endure a lifetime of use. However, even the toughest machines need occasional attention to function properly. Not only can wear and tear break down an important feature in your home, but hardware-related problems with your garage door can also lead to severe injuries.
By caring for your garage door springs, cables, rollers, and other hardware that can make or mar its performance, you can ensure your automatic garage door can function safely.
What to Consider When Maintaining Your Automatic Garage-Door Opener
Tip #1: Test the Garage Door Balance
A common problem with automatic garage door openers is their tendency to drift from their original position, resulting in a permanently tilted door. This problem can be prevented and corrected by re-balancing the door.
Always test your garage door balance with the door fully closed. This will determine if there is any tension created within the door. If the door is not balanced, you may need to adjust the spring to achieve a balanced door.
Tip #2: Tighten Up Loose Hardware
Another common problem that plagues automatic garage-door openers is their tendency to move around on their tracks. If the garage door is moving from side to side or even shaking, you may need to tighten the hardware.
Check the joints and connectors. If you notice any looseness, it is best to tighten the connections immediately. You should also check the rollers, springs, cables, and hinges. If any hardware components are loose, tighten them up immediately.
Tip #3: Inspect and Replace Old, or Damaged Rollers
Rollers are a vital component in an automatic garage door opener. They are responsible for the smooth operation of your door. Failure to replace old rollers or replacing rollers that have been damaged can lead to unbalanced doors and, eventually, failure of the entire opener.
With that in mind, a good rule of thumb is to inspect your roller twice a year and replace it every seven years.
Tip #4: Lubricate All the Moving Parts
Lubricating your automatic garage-door opener can improve its lifespan and decrease the sound of gears grinding against each other. Oil also helps to minimize wear and tear on the motor and all the gear-train components. Ultimately, this will prevent your door from failing to come up or down.
Tip #5: Test and Check the Auto-Reverse Safety Features
When replacing springs, check to ensure the auto-reverse feature is working properly. An automatic garage door opener has one or two sensors that monitor door position. If they detect an object in their path, the door will reverse, preventing an accident from occurring.
Be sure to double-check these sensors to make sure they are appropriately aligned. Also, remember to test the safety features on your opener to ensure these sensors are functioning correctly.
The Bottom Line: Why Your Automatic Garage-Door Opener Needs TLC
An automatic garage door opener is a heavy-duty, robust machine that can last many years with proper care and maintenance. If you follow the tips above, you can keep your automatic garage door opener running smoothly for many years.
Do You Need Automatic Garage Door Repairs?
If you’re having problems with your automatic garage doors, Angel Garage Door Repair Pasadena Ca can solve your issues and provide one of the best Pasadena garage door repair.
Get in touch with us today and see how our team of experts can help!
