Angie's List: Garage Door Maintenance
By Jim Donovan
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- How often do think about your garage door? Probably not often but that could actually put you at risk. In this week's Angie's List, Jim Donovan explains why it's not a good idea to ignore your garage door.
Garage doors are pretty boring and don't usually do much to grab our attention.
"Until they don't open and you're late for work. A lot of times consumers forget to take regular care of their garage door which could leave them in a pinch and it also can be dangerous," said Angie's List founder, Angie Hicks.
Garage doors can weigh hundreds of pounds and daily use means parts eventually wear out and need to be replaced. So in order to keep it moving smoothly and safely, you should get a regular inspection.
"It will include things like checking the springs, lubricating the door, and also checking the little sensors that send the door back up if something is in the way. This is really important if you have children or pets," said Hicks.
You may be able to do some of the maintenance, but know your limits.
"Some people are able to do a little bit of work on the garage themselves such as lubricating the door, but since a door is so heavy, it should be left up to professionals because it can quickly turn dangerous," said Hicks.
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What's included in an inspection? Typically for around $80-$100, a garage door professional will do an inspection and tune-up, which should include adjusting springs and cables, lubricating moving parts, tightening all hardware tracks and hinges, inspecting the safety sensors and opener gears, as well as troubleshooting other issues. By staying on top of needed maintenance, you'll protect yourself from potentially expensive repairs down the road.
Common problems: One frequent problem with garage doors is a broken spring. Springs generally last anywhere from 5 to 7 years before needing replaced. Living in a cold-weather climate can cause springs to wear out even faster. Other common issues include squeaky hinges, stripped gears, and liquid or debris covering the photo sensors, which can keep the garage door from shutting.
DIY maintenance: You can keep your garage door operating smoothly on your own in between inspections by lubricating the tracks with a small amount a silicone spray. Adding a lubricant like petroleum jelly to the bottom of the rubber door seal can help keep it from sticking to the ground when the temperatures drop below freezing. Avoid contact with springs and cables and never take bolts out or hardware off your door. Because of the high tension involved with garage doors, serious injuries can occur if handled improperly. When in doubt, call out a qualified professional.
Testing your garage door: You can also test the functionality of your garage door on your own in manual mode. Disconnect the opener by pulling on the release cord or lever. The door should lift up easily. If it is difficult to lift, there could be a problem with the spring tension and you should contact a professional.
Is it safe? One important safety feature on most garage doors is the reversing action they take if there is something blocking the door as it closes. You can test the reversing feature by placing a small piece of wood on the floor in the center of the door and pushing the button to close the door. When the door comes in contact with the wood, it should immediately reverse back to the open position. If it doesn't, contact a qualified service provider for repair.
Don't forget curb appeal: Your garage door is exposed to the elements the same way the exterior of your home is, but it has the added challenge of also moving and vibrating several times a day. If the paint is flaking off, this added movement will accelerate your need to paint. Make sure that you prepare the door for paint before you start the process.
Time to replace? Sometimes garage doors are beyond repair. Signs that you need to replace your garage door include cracking and warping. Some garage door brands come with varying degrees of insulation which could lower your heating and cooling costs.
