Your home can showcase your style, and garage doors are one of the first impressions for anyone approaching your driveway. Garage doors also serve as a key security feature for your home, providing a barrier between you and the outside. Investing in quality garage door installation allows you to customize your doors to complement your home. Here are some factors that can help you determine how often your garage door should be serviced:
Climate and Usage
The climate you live in could contribute to the garage door’s lifetime. For people who live in extreme climates, including high temperatures or winter storms, you might want to service your garage door more often to keep gears and pulleys functioning. Garage doors with heavier usage tend to strain their components, like cables and springs, which also might need maintenance a bit more frequently.
Type of Garage Door Material
Garage doors made from a variety of different materials each require their own specific kind of maintenance. Wooden doors might eventually rot or warp due to contact with water, and steel doors may rust if not taken care of properly. Other garage door materials are aluminum, vinyl, and composite. You need to call a professional to assess what your garage door needs according to its type of material.
Age and Condition of Your Garage Door
The older your garage becomes, the more frequently it may need checkups and repairs to keep working correctly. If you hear any creaks or jerky opening and closing, those could be signs that your garage door is aging and needs a service. Garage door installation professionals can also provide guidance on how to maintain your door and extend its lifespan.
Safety Concerns
New garage doors may include photoelectric eyes and auto-reverse mechanisms. These mechanisms help to prevent accidents or injuries from people or things getting trapped under the door, but the hardware could require regular maintenance to work correctly. Routine services may identify any issues with these safety features and address them before they become a hazard. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for how often these components should be tested and serviced.
Signs You Should Get Your Garage Door Serviced
While you don’t have to wait to have your garage door serviced, there are signs that maintenance is needed. Loud grinding noises while opening and closing the door are one of these signs. Other signs may include uneven movement along the track and struggling to operate it. If your door sticks while trying to open or close, it may be symptomatic of dirty or misaligned tracks. Damaged springs may require urgent repair as their malfunction can render the entire door incapable of functioning. It is advisable to reach out and make an appointment to have your garage door serviced if you notice these signs to prevent any further damage.
Get Professional Garage Door Installation
Partnering with a professional garage door installation company could help you keep your garage door working. They have the expertise and knowledge to properly install your garage door and make sure all safety features function correctly. A professional installation can also help service your door if any future issues happen. Contact a reputable installation and maintenance company to get an estimate for your garage door repairs today.