subject: Introduction To Garage Door Maintenance [print this page] Introduction To Garage Door Maintenance Introduction To Garage Door Maintenance
Only with interference do automatic garage doors become a hazard. However, homeowners tend to be 'do it yourselfers' and prefer to save costs and learn maintenance on their own, which isn't a bad idea. You should remember, however, that a garage door is the largest, heaviest home appliance, and you should take caution.
Numerous mishaps have been borne of messing with springs, children getting a hold of remote control devices, and aging garage doors. Two regulations are strictly followed in garage door maintenance. Don't interfere with springs, and start repairs as soon as possible.
There are two types of springs used on doors. The spring that stretch upon closing the door to act as a cushion and tightens upon opening to lighten the load is called an extension spring. Other doors use torsion springs that wind up like the spring in a window shade to handle the weight of the door.
It is risky to tamper with either type. Torsion springs become a menace to homeowners who attempt to mount them without prior experience in using the special tool. Quite a dilemma is encountered upon attempting to use a proxy tool to increase tension on the springs.
Homeowners also don't realize that the spring bracket on the garage frame is also under pressure, and therefore meddling with it can be quite dangerous. The second rule states that needed repairs should never be shelved. It is strongly suggested that a professional undertake any repairs, instead of you doing them yourself.
Both danger and high costs are the fruit of faulty installation. This can be done by measuring the length of time the door takes to reverse when it hits the object. From bang to reversal, it should only take two seconds.
Beyond two seconds means a malfunctioning door and possible causes are worn tracks and broken springs. The track should not be bent or loose where it's attached to the garage, and all wheels should roll freely. Wheels that catch may need grease on their bearings.
A little grease goes a long way with rollers, springs, hardware pivot points, and openers. Leave the hardware out of the regular paint job for the door, needed for protection from exposure. Hardware is designed for motion, and paint only hinders movement.
Triggering devices for automatic door openers should not be kept anywhere children can reach. In addition, garage door buttons should similarly be mounted where children cannot get at them. An extended, more secure life awaits your door if you follow these guidelines.
