Fall Garage Maintenance Checklist for the Home

Winter is coming. 

Typically, fall is a time for preventive maintenance.  Prairie winters are harsh, and it’s best to ensure that anything around your home that needs repair get it now, before the blistering cold begins.  While you’re dealing with your routine autumn maintenance (downspouts, hoses, etc.), take a few minutes to ensure that your residential garage door is in top operating conditions.  After all, it’s going to protect you and your car from the elements this winter.

Now that the kids are back in school, it is the perfect time to conduct a maintenance check on your garage. Here are some things to look for:

1)      Seal – The rubber strip at the bottom can degrade, or be damaged by improper door adjustment or even be eaten away by rodents trying to gain access to shelter in your garage.  If it’s damaged, replace it.

2)      Visual Inspection of the Hardware – look at the springs, rollers, and cables inside the garage door for signs of damage or wear.  If you see anything that looks out of sorts, refer service to a professional.  Garage door springs are under very high tension, and service by unqualified persons can lead to severe injury.

3)      Lubricate – use the recommended oil or grease to lubricate moving parts.  Consult the owner’s manual for the appropriate lubricants and instructions.  Make sure you don’t get oil or grease on plastic components.

4)      Safety tests – test the reverse mode of your garage door opener by placing a 1 ½” board (a 2×4 laid on its side) under the middle of the door and close it.  The door should reverse when it strikes it, and open all the way.  Check the force setting of the door by pushing upward on the bottom while it’s closing (being careful not to get caught). It should reverse relatively easily.  If your door fails either of these tests, consult your owner’s manual for the adjustment procedure, or contact a qualified repair shop.

5)      Door balance.  Open the door manually (disconnect your garage door opener if necessary).  The door should open relatively easily, and stay up 3 to 4 feet above the floor.  If it doesn’t, it’s out of adjustment and should be serviced.

For service of your residential garage door, contact Overhead Door of Winnipeg online, or by telephone at (204) 233-7167.