| Your garage door has to endure a lot of use over | | | | simple upkeep. Every 6 months or so, oil the torsion |
| the years. Harsh conditions can also put wear and | | | | springs with a motor oil and lubricate the radius |
| tear on your doors if you live in a climate with | | | | section of the tracks. If there are signs of heavy dirt |
| dramatic changing seasons. In order to get the most | | | | and grime, wash the doors with soapy water to |
| out of its life, some simple maintenance and repairs | | | | prevent corrosion. Doing something as simple as this |
| should be made over time. Just doing a simple | | | | will extend the life of your garage door and save you |
| inspection once or twice a year yourself can make a | | | | time and money in the end. |
| difference. | | | | Another simple do-it-yourself repair for all types of |
| Wood | | | | garage doors is simply checking the adjustment. It is |
| If your entrance is made of wood, it will need more | | | | likely that it will fall out of adjustment at some point |
| upkeep than its other counterparts. Once the most | | | | in time. Some signs of this are if the door feels |
| popular material, wood has slowly been replaced by | | | | heavier than usual when lifting it. Look for worn |
| other materials requiring less maintenance and | | | | hinges, springs, nuts or screws. |
| upkeep. Initially, it is recommended to paint both the | | | | Tighten loose screws and nuts and oil the hinges. For |
| inside and outside of the door. | | | | these same parts, check them for rust. Replace |
| Also use a good sealant to help slow the rotting | | | | rusted pieces before they become a larger problem. |
| process which will naturally occur. If you are having a | | | | Most of these pieces are relatively inexpensive to |
| contractor install your wood entrance, make sure | | | | replace and can keep your door in good condition. |
| that they complete these tips. It will help to prevent | | | | Aesthetically, the best option for upkeep is always a |
| the wood from warping and distorting. Then every | | | | coat of paint. Even just painting it a different color |
| year or two, repaint the exterior as chipping may | | | | will instantly give the look of a completely new |
| occur, especially in climates that get a lot of rain, sun | | | | garage door. Or after repainting that white garage, it |
| and wind. | | | | will look like a brand new garage and make your |
| Steel | | | | home look nicer with minimal work, time and money. |
| Steel has become a widely used material for its | | | | |