Step outside and take a deep breath. Smell that? No, not your weird neighbour’s experimental cooking. That, my friend, is spring! Spring is a beautiful thing on these great Canadian prairies; take a moment to enjoy it.
Okay, moment’s over. We’ve got work to do!
If you’re reading this, you probably have a garage door or a commercial door of some sort. If not, then… thanks for the views, I guess? But assuming you do have a garage door, spring means more than just fresh air, sunshine, and flowers. Spring means it’s time to give your doors some much-needed TLC after a long Alberta winter.
Medicine Hat, in particular, can have some darn unpredictable weather. Spring storms, temperatures swinging harder than Bob Probert—that’s why it's essential to make sure your garage door is in tip-top shape to handle whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
How do you do that? Keep reading and find out!
Spring Door Maintenance Tips
Springs and Cables
The first thing you should be checking come springtime are your springs! And cables too, but there’s no season called “cable,” so. These are the backbone of your garage door's operation, and they need to be in good condition. Take a close look at the torsion or extension springs for any signs of wear, rust, or damage. If you spot any frayed or broken cables, it's time to replace them. This simple step can prevent a lot of headaches down the road.
Tracks and Rollers
You know how you’ve been meaning to clean out your eavestroughs forever, and now they’re so packed with leaves and junk that your roof turns into Niagara Falls every time it rains? Just me? Okay. Well, something similar can happen with your garage door’s tracks.
Over time, debris and dirt can accumulate in the tracks, causing your garage door to operate less smoothly. Grab a damp cloth and wipe down the tracks, ensuring they're free of any obstructions. While you’re at it, check the rollers to make sure they move freely and aren't worn or damaged. This will help maintain the functionality of your garage door opener.
Lubrication
Friction is the bane of any door—just think of all the horror movies that would have gone very differently without a squeaky hinge. Repeated use will wear away lubricants, so this needs to be reapplied regularly.
Use a silicone-based lubricant on the springs, rollers, hinges, and tracks. Your door will thank you, your spouse will thank you, and you’ll thank you, too. Avoid using grease, as it can attract dirt and cause more problems than it solves. A little bit of lubrication goes a long way in keeping your garage door running smoothly.
Balance
Another crucial step is checking your door's balance; an unbalanced door will not operate safely or efficiently. Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it doesn't stay in place, the springs may need adjustment by a professional.
Auto-Reverse
Finally, test the auto-reverse feature. Place an object under the door and try to close it. If the door doesn't reverse upon contact, the sensors may need cleaning or realignment.
This feature is vital for preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of your family and your property. Ever had your car’s rear window smashed by a garage door because the auto-reverse wasn’t working? Make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
Closing Thoughts
By following these simple maintenance tips, you can keep your garage door in peak condition throughout the spring and beyond. Medicine Hat's weather may be unpredictable, but with a little care and attention, your garage door will be ready for anything.
We are the Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan door service expert. If you need any help, don't hesitate to call Align Doors at 403-952-6127.
Happy spring cleaning!
.webp)
