Understanding One Piece Garage Doors
What kind of maintenance can I do myself on my one piece garage door to make sure that it is always working properly?
One piece solid garage doors tend to require less maintenance compared to conventional sectional roll-up garage doors. The main reason for this is the simplicity in their design; there are fewer moving parts involved. Essentially, it consists of just the door itself, two hinges—one on each side—and springs for each hinge.
Yearly Inspections of Tie Rods
The first maintenance task you should attend to is inspecting the tie rods, which help prevent warping and bending of a wooden garage door. You can find these rods at the very top and bottom, and each end typically has a nut that can be tightened with a wrench. It’s crucial to ensure these rods are snug but not overly tight; overtightening can either pull them from the door or make the door bow inward.
Checking the Opener Bracket
Another critical area to examine is the opener bracket, located near the top middle of the garage door. This bracket attaches the opener’s arm to the door. Ensure that it is tightly secured; if it’s merely screwed into wood, look for any stripped holes. If you discover any, consider drilling through the wooden door and using through bolts secured with a nut and washer for maximum strength.
Lubrication of Moving Parts
In terms of maintenance for the moving parts of your one piece garage door, be sure to inspect the hinges and lubricate them about two to three times yearly. Use a spray lubricant specifically designed for hinges and springs, focusing on the moving parts to ensure smooth operation. While lubrication of the springs is not absolutely necessary unless they are noisy, it can certainly enhance functionality.
Identifying Common Hinge Malfunctions
A common issue with one piece garage door hinges is the bearings attached to them. These are typically square plates through which the hinge screws into the wall. When bearings wear out, you may observe metal rubbing around the area, or even see daylight through the bearing. If this is the case, the hinge likely needs to be replaced.
Inspecting the Extension Springs
Since your one piece garage door likely employs extension springs, inspect them regularly. As they age, they may become stretched out, causing slack in the chain attached to the bottom of the springs. This slack is most noticeable when the door is fully open, indicating that you may need to replace the springs or check the screw at the bottom of the door for tightness.
Advantages of Steel One Piece Garage Doors
If your one piece garage door is made of steel and resembles a sectional roll-up door, you may experience fewer deterioration issues compared to a solid wood door. Steel doors resist moisture and are generally less susceptible to the elements. These doors come with a strut system on the top and bottom edges, similar to those found on sectional doors.
Professional Assistance for Peace of Mind
While regular maintenance can significantly improve your garage door’s performance, you may also want to consider hiring a garage door company for professional maintenance. A tune-up and spring change can help ensure everything is functioning correctly, granting you better peace of mind regarding your garage door’s reliability.
By following these tips and performing regular inspections, you can prolong the lifespan of your one piece garage door, ensuring it operates smoothly for years to come.