Understanding How Garage Doors Are Professionally Serviced

If your garage door has started to squeak or screech when you open and close it, then it probably needs some lubrication. While you could hire a garage door service company to do this for you, it's actually a pretty easy task to tackle on your own. Just follow these steps.

1. Buy your lubricant.

Visit a local home improvement store and look for a dedicated garage door lubricant. These are generally lithium-based, and they will last longer than an all-purpose, silicon-based lubricant. You can use a silicon-based lubricant if you're in a pinch, but do not use an oil-based lubricant, as this will make a big mess. 

2. Close and disconnect the door.

Close the door, as this will allow you to more easily access the parts that require lubrication. Also, disconnect the garage door from the opener so it does not accidentally pinch you while you're working.

3. Lubricate the pivot points and stems.

Start along the outside of the garage door and apply some lubricant to any pivot point you see. (The pivot points are metal-backed plates that bend and move as the garage door opens and folds.) Be generous in your application of lubricant. You can always wipe up drips later on.

4. Lubricate the rollers.

The rollers are located towards the top of the door. They are large, round structures. Apply some lubricant to them if they are made from metal. If you have plastic rollers, which are common on newer garage doors, you can skip this step. 

5. Lubricate the torsion springs.

The coils within your springs rub against one another as the door opens and closes. If you lubricate the whole spring, this will decease that friction.

6. Open and close the door.

Opening and closing the door will work the grease into the components, helping them to slide past one another more readily. Open and close the door five or ten times. You should notice that the squeaking becomes less and less apparent each time you do so.

There is no need to lubricate the tracks that the garage door slides up and down on. However, giving them a good wipe-down after you're done lubricating the other door components will help keep the door moving freely. 

Even if your door does not start squeaking again, try to lubricate it every 6 - 12 months. This will prevent components from wearing out prematurely. But if you continue to have squeaking problems or other persistent issues with your garage, it is best to contact a professional repair service, like Pro Overhead Door.