Your overhead garage door plays a key role in protecting your home and belongings. So it's important to keep it working properly. There are some easy maintenance items that homeowners can do to ensure their garage doors continue to function as designed.

Lubrication

Much like all other mechanical devices, it's important to lubricate the working parts regularly. For your door, once a year should do the trick. Be sure to grease or lubricate the tracks, springs, and hinges. This will keep the operation effortless. If you have an automatic opener, lubrication of the door parts will increase the longevity of the opener.

Tighten Fasteners

Overhead garage doors have quite a few moving parts that create vibrations when operated. These vibrations can loosen fasteners over time. So once a year, it's a good idea to tighten all nuts, bolts, and hinges. However, never touch the spring mechanism for the door. Leave the maintenance and adjustment of the spring to qualified installers. They have the proper training and tools to deal with this very dangerous part.

Opener Adjustment

As time goes by, the electronic eyes on automatic openers can be moved out of place. A simple bump from a bike tire or a leg can affect the operation of your opener. Periodically check the sensors to make sure they are pointed directly at each other.

Check your owner's manual for details on how to adjust the motion of the door opener. It's very important the opener is set properly for the door size and shape as well as the floor surface.

Cleaning

If you live in an environment where salt or deicers exist, be sure to clean your door regularly. Homes near the ocean are subjected to salt air. Cold climates also require deicers for driveways that an really eat away at garage door parts. So whenever possible, be sure to rinse down your door with a mild soap and water.

Protection

Children love to play out on the front driveway and unfortunately, your garage door is in close proximity. Be sure to let your kids know the garage door is off limits for tennis, hockey, or dodge ball. As tempting as the door can be for sports, it's important to remember the damage that can be done by an innocent game or two.

Replacement

When it comes time to replace your overhead garage door, be sure to check out all of the design options available. From glass panels to trim details to color, the design options in new doors are endless. You may also want to consider an insulated door if you plan on heating your garage in the future. Insulated panels can really make a difference when it comes to energy costs.

With some regular maintenance and a little luck, your overhead garage door will last for years.