Garage Door Maintenance: Know When to Call the Pros
Regular garage door maintenance can save you a lot of time and money in the long run and there are several tasks that can be performed easily by owners. However, other maintenance tasks can be specialised or even dangerous and in these cases it is best to call in the professionals. Here are some examples of garage door maintenance tasks when it is best to call in the pros.
Checking and Replacing Garage Door Springs
Your garage door is likely to have either torsion or extension springs to aid the smooth opening and closing of the door. If the springs are not working properly, it is essential to call in a professional to check them, as doing this yourself can be very dangerous. If this is not done correctly the door can suddenly slam shut, which could mean that you are trapped inside the garage with no way out. It takes a lot of tension to make the springs work correctly and if they suddenly break during incorrect maintenance they could inflict a lot of pain and damage.Testing Garage Door Sensors
The safety reversing mechanism on the garage door needs regular checking and this should also be done by a professional to avoid injury. The sensors need to be mounted no higher than six inches off the ground on the bottom of the garage door and if you discover that they have been mounted higher than this you should call in a professional to lower them. Although it is possible to visually check the garage door sensors by yourself, it is a good idea to get a second opinion from a professional and avoid any type of maintenance unless you are absolutely certain that you know what you are doing.Lubricating Rollers and Springs
This task should never be performed alone and in fact, it is best to avoid touching these parts of the garage door altogether. The springs, rollers, and hinges of the garage door need lubricating from time to time when they become squeaky or start to stick. This can be done by using a spray bottle of white lithium grease and should be done under supervision to avoid accidents. Although it may seem like this task is very quick and easy, enlisting the help of a professional is the best way to make sure that to lubrication process is safe and smooth and no unnecessary accidents occur.
