Whether electrical or manual, the opening system for your garage door is so essential that it's usually taken for granted-until something fouls it up and the door won't open. Talk to garage-door installers in your area, and you'll learn that virtually all problems can be traced to a lack of lubrication. It's just one of those little chores we all overlook-even though replacing a garage-door system can be a major hassle and expense. (Could it be the prospect of profitable replacements that prompts most manufacturers of the systems and doors to omit lubrication tips from owner's manuals?)
Metal garage-door components are especially vulnerable, since they're exposed to both the grime and corrosiveness of car exhaust, in addition to weather and moisture. Happily, maintenance is simple. A light oil or other lubricant applied to springs, roller hinges, bearing units, and chain and trolley assemblies is usually all that's needed. Contacting parts will wear because of constant friction, but a film
of oil between surfaces keeps deterioration to a minimum. It's a classic case of preventive maintenance.
Don't expect a penetrant to do the lubricating, though. Such a product will cut through a buildup of dirt and grime, but it leaves only a negligible surface film. Following a penetrant coating with a lubricant coating can be effective, however. Better still, look for a combination penetrant/lubricant, and lubricants containing Teflon fluorocarbon resin. (Tri-Flow is one brand.) These products are cleaner to
work with than grease; they resist washing off, repel dirt, and leave a long-lasting protective coating.
Here are six easy steps to garage door maintenance:
1. With a light oil or aerosol spray tube, treat the springs over the top of the door. These springs are the quickest part of the system to wear out, and they cost up to $130 to replace. Since the springs rub against metal every time you move your door, proper lubrication is essential.
2. Lubricate the door hinges. This is where a penetrant/lubricant is ideal-it gets into hard-to-reach cracks.
3. Lubricate the chain. This is important because the chain travels along the trolley assembly each time
the garage door opens or closes. Teflon-based lubricants are best here; they're less likely to attract dirt and grime.
4. Lubricate the bearing assemblies inside the rollers. This simple operation may spare the $500 to $2,000 cost of a replacement door.
5. Lubricate the rollers themselves. On the average garage door they'll travel about three miles a year. Problems that often develop with garage-door rollers include closing at non-uniform speeds and sticking. Either problem could ruin a door system.
6. Finally, lubricate the trolley assembly, another part of the system where metals are in constant contact. A film of oil can reduce wear significantly and avoid the replacement cost of the trolley and automatic opener, at anywhere from $200 to $300. But remember, one treatment will not last forever. It's important to lubricate regularly as well as thoroughly. For a house near the ocean, once a month is not too often. For homes in drier climates, once every four months should keep your garage doors right on track.
Metal garage-door components are especially vulnerable, since they're exposed to both the grime and corrosiveness of car exhaust, in addition to weather and moisture. Happily, maintenance is simple. A light oil or other lubricant applied to springs, roller hinges, bearing units, and chain and trolley assemblies is usually all that's needed. Contacting parts will wear because of constant friction, but a film
of oil between surfaces keeps deterioration to a minimum. It's a classic case of preventive maintenance.
Don't expect a penetrant to do the lubricating, though. Such a product will cut through a buildup of dirt and grime, but it leaves only a negligible surface film. Following a penetrant coating with a lubricant coating can be effective, however. Better still, look for a combination penetrant/lubricant, and lubricants containing Teflon fluorocarbon resin. (Tri-Flow is one brand.) These products are cleaner to
work with than grease; they resist washing off, repel dirt, and leave a long-lasting protective coating.
Here are six easy steps to garage door maintenance:
1. With a light oil or aerosol spray tube, treat the springs over the top of the door. These springs are the quickest part of the system to wear out, and they cost up to $130 to replace. Since the springs rub against metal every time you move your door, proper lubrication is essential.
2. Lubricate the door hinges. This is where a penetrant/lubricant is ideal-it gets into hard-to-reach cracks.
3. Lubricate the chain. This is important because the chain travels along the trolley assembly each time
the garage door opens or closes. Teflon-based lubricants are best here; they're less likely to attract dirt and grime.
4. Lubricate the bearing assemblies inside the rollers. This simple operation may spare the $500 to $2,000 cost of a replacement door.
5. Lubricate the rollers themselves. On the average garage door they'll travel about three miles a year. Problems that often develop with garage-door rollers include closing at non-uniform speeds and sticking. Either problem could ruin a door system.
6. Finally, lubricate the trolley assembly, another part of the system where metals are in constant contact. A film of oil can reduce wear significantly and avoid the replacement cost of the trolley and automatic opener, at anywhere from $200 to $300. But remember, one treatment will not last forever. It's important to lubricate regularly as well as thoroughly. For a house near the ocean, once a month is not too often. For homes in drier climates, once every four months should keep your garage doors right on track.
