Summer is the perfect time of year to handle some of those home improvement tasks that you have yet to be able to get done, such as landscaping and HVAC maintenance. Another task that you may want to tackle is garage door maintenance. After all, the garage door is responsible for protecting the home and adding the overall value of the property. Performing routine maintenance tasks to the garage door will help extend its longevity.

Conduct a Visual Inspection

Grab a flashlight and start looking for any signs of damage like missing bolts, loose hinges, worn cables, or misaligned tracks. If the garage door is equipped with photoelectric eyes, make sure to perform a test on the automatic reverse feature. This can be done by closing the garage door and waving an object in front of the door sensor while the garage door is closing. If the sensor fails, use a clean rag to wipe the sensor. You should then get in touch with a garage door repair professional to conduct a thorough inspection.

Apply Lubrication

When the garage door is not lubricated properly, it may make a loud screeching sound and be more likely to break down. Lubrication can help, but make sure that you do not use oil because it can create a buildup of dust, dirt, and debris. You should use a lithium-based grease and spray it on all of the moving garage door parts like the hinges, rollers, springs, and rail, which will help ensure the door continues to operate smoothly.

Wash the Door

Over a period of time, a buildup of dirt and grime can collect on the door. So, get a sponge or cloth and clean the surface of the door and windows with a mild soap and water. You can then use a garden hose to rinse it off. If you are dealing with a stubborn stain on the garage door, you can use a water and bleach mixture to spot clean it.

Reinforce the Door

Reinforcement of the door is particularly important for properties that go through severe storms. For instance, if you have a garage door that automatically opens, you may want to consider a reinforcement bracket that is designed to endure strong, excessive winds for the opener. In addition, it may be a good idea to consider installing steel reinforcement struts, particularly on wider garage doors that have increased surface area than the traditional door.

For more information, contact a garage door service near you.