Is your garage door making too much noise when it opens?
Sounds like it’s due for some care!
Like every other mechanical component in your home, your garage door needs regular maintenance to function at its best. A great way to keep it running quietly and efficiently is to lubricate the moving parts at least twice a year.
Whether your garage door is manual or electric, a good oiling now and then can help it last longer. Regular lubrication frees up your door’s range of motion and makes it easier for the opener to do its job.
Here at Thompson Garage Door, we’re all about keeping your garage door in good shape. We also have our very own brand of garage door lubricant. Our goal is to offer simple solutions to keep your garage door running smoothly and quietly- just like it should.
So, if you’re wondering how to lubricate a garage door, we have the answers you need.
But before we dive into the heart of this post, let’s explore a few benefits of lubricating your garage door.
Benefits of Lubricating a Garage Door
Here’s why you should keep your garage door parts well-lubricated:
- Reduces Noises: Regular lubrication helps keep those grinding and squeaking noises at bay, making your door whisper quiet.
- Increases Lifespan: Lubrication reduces friction on the moving parts and extends your garage door’s lifespan.
- Preserve the Opener: When you lubricate your garage door hinges, you take the pressure off your opener, which can stop it from wearing out too soon.
- Prevents Rust: Garage door lube helps protect metal parts from rust and corrosion.
Additionally, garage door lubrication is an essential safety measure. Without proper greasing, the door might slam shut instead of closing gently. This could be dangerous for pets, children, or your car if they happen to be under the door.
Things to Do Before Lubricating Your Garage Door
Before you lubricate your garage door components, it’s important to take care of some key steps. Here’s a simple pre-lubrication checklist to follow:
- Secure all garage door components. Make sure all the nuts and bolts are tight, but be careful not to overdo it. Also, look for any worn parts and replace them as needed.
- Examine the rollers. Most rollers have unsealed bearings that collect dirt and break down over time.
- Inspect the hinges. Old or worn hinges can cause noise and make the door stick when opening.
- Tighten the chain on the garage door opener. A loose chain can cause loud slapping noises and uneven movement of the door.
Once you’ve ticked off these tasks, your garage door will be ready for lubrication.
Garage Door Maintenance: Lubrication
Not sure how to lubricate a garage door? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out:
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Step One: Safety First!
The first step is to make sure your garage door is closed, and the power is cut. Either unplug the garage door opener or switch off the breaker. This way, no one will accidentally open the door while you’re working on it.
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Step Two: Clean the Tracks
Clean the garage door parts to prep them for lubrication. Use a damp cloth to wipe off dust, cobwebs, and grime. Although you don’t need to lubricate the garage door tracks, they should be clean for the door to move smoothly. For stubborn dirt and debris, a vacuum can come in handy.
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Step Three: Purchase Thompson Garage Door’s Lubricant
Next, stop by our showroom for the perfect garage door lubricant! There are many lubricants out there, but ours is specifically designed for garage doors. Our silicone-free formula is ideal for areas where metal rubs on metal, like garage door chains. Visit us at 171 S. 18th Street, Sparks, NV 89431 to get yours.
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Step Four: Apply Garage Door Lubricant on the Brackets
Spray garage door lube on each hinge inside the door. Manually open the door to reach every bracket on each section. Doing this will make opening and closing the door easier.
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Step Five: Apply Lubricant on the Garage Door Rollers
Apply lubricant on the door’s side rollers. The inner ball bearings need greasing to keep moving smoothly.
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Step Six: Apply Lubricant on Garage Door Springs and Bearings
Grease the springs above the door, as well as the bearing plates at the top corners. You’ll need to use a stepladder for this, so be careful!
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Step Seven: Lubricate the Rail
Finally, apply garage door lubricant along the rail attached to the garage ceiling. Since this rail guides the garage door chain and involves metal-to-metal contact, you must keep it lubed up to avoid a noisy door.
That’s it! You have successfully lubricated your garage door for optimal performance.
General Garage Door Lubrication Tips
Now that you’ve got the basics of garage door lubrication down, here are some expert tips to enhance your maintenance routine.
- Do not lubricate the stationary parts of your garage door, like the track. This can increase the chances of the door slipping.
- Use a piece of cardboard to prevent the lubricant from spreading. Place it behind the area you’re working on.
- Be sure to lubricate your door’s springs in cold weather. Worn-out garage door springs can break or snap at low temperatures, which is both expensive and dangerous.
- Always test the door after lubrication to see if it’s operating quietly.
Lubricating a garage door is quite straightforward, especially when you follow the steps outlined above. However, if you notice any signs of damage, do get in touch with a professional as quickly as possible.
Thompson Garage Doors: Your Garage Door Maintenance Experts
You can absolutely grease your garage door yourself- and you should a few times a year. But remember, lubrication is just one of the many maintenance tasks your door needs.
Consider booking a yearly visit with Thompson Garage Doors to make sure everything is working well. As the go-to for garage door repairs in Sparks, NV, we’re here to help your door maintain smooth operation, year after year.
Our safety checks for residential garage doors in your area include:
- Spring tension and adjustment
- Lock adjustments
- Moving parts lubrication
We can also:
- Check for frayed cables
- Inspect the rollers, hinges, and all moving parts
- Check weatherstripping and weather seals
- Inspect operators and wall button functions, transmitters, limit switches, and sensitivity
- Provide a safety check test
- Lubricate your door
Thompson Garage Doors is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If your garage door is broken, we will fix it ASAP! Your home and business will always stay secure, even if something is wrong.
Whatever your garage door needs, we are here to help. Reach out to schedule a maintenance call today!
