With all of the added summer activity, your garage door is going to get a workout. It is essential for the safety of you and your family to inspect the door, top to bottom. You need to be sure it doesn't have any worn out parts that might snap when the door is opened.

Clean the Door's Surface

Be sure you don't use a power washer on the door or harsh chemicals because you could damage the surface of the door as well as the seals. Use a mild soap, such as car-washing or dish-washing detergent and water. The interior and exterior should be washed using a soft brush, sponge, or cloth.

If you see any signs of rust on a steel door, you could have moisture damage. You will want to sand the rust and apply a primer rich in zinc. Follow up with a high-quality exterior paint. It is also advisable to wax the door every six months for added protection. You can use a high-quality car wax for the job.

Lubricate all Moving Parts

You can prevent a lot of the rattles and clanks during the summer if you lubricate all of the moving parts of the garage door. You will want to lubricate the screws, chain, hinges, and pulleys.

You should avoid WD40 oil for lubrication because if can damage the moving parts. Not only is WD40 a magnet for dust and dirt, it also removes any other garage door lubricant you may be using.

Diagnose Door for Loose Parts

Check the entire door for any loose nuts or screws. However, if you see one with a red head, use caution because these are under tension. You should have a professional check the red heads.

Diagnose the Springs

The springs should be kept rust-free to help prevent breakage. The springs have high tension, and some come in a protective tube so you won't need to worry about them. You can pull the emergency release on the door while it is closed to check the tension on the springs.

Raise the door to waist-high to see if it closes. If it does, you need more tension. However, if it flies up on its own, the springs are too tight. Your goal is to keep the door at your waist. It is advisable to contact the professionals for garage door service if you suspect a problem with the springs.

These are a few simple tips you should perform to get your summer off to a good start. After all, you don't want to be in a hurry and have a door land on your car.

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