Many factors are involved when it comes to the lifespan of your roller garage door. It is essential to make visual inspections and make any repairs right away if you see anything such as frayed wires, loose screws, or bent or warped tracks. Here are some suggestions of what to do and what not to do to keep your door functioning properly for many years.

Monthly Inspections

Inspections should be made monthly to ensure all of the door's parts are functioning as they should be. You should check the cables, springs, rollers, and all of the mounting hardware including the hinges for any signs of damage. If any of the parts are showing signs of wear and tear it is advisable to have them checked and replaced by a professional garage door worker.

How About the Rollers?

The life of a roller is measured in cycles. Purchasing a black nylon roller that doesn't have a bearing is the least expensive and will last approximately 10,000 cycles. However, purchasing a unit with bearings will provide you with a quieter and smoother garage door. If you have a high-quality set of rollers, they will usually outlast the door.

It is advisable to call a professional if you have a broken door roller because the process is more complicated than it seems. You would have to know how to properly remove the broken hinge because it has to be unbolted to uncouple the roller from the track. It can be unsafe unless you have the right tools and knowledge to replace it.

The Tracks

It is essential to replace the rollers immediately if the tracks on the unit are damaged. This takes a bit of skill and knowledge as well. WD-40 and brake fluid are good products to use for cleaning the tracks to the garage door. They will remove any debris or grease that has accumulated.

Lubricate the Rollers

One of the best things to do to extend the life of your garage door is to keep the rollers clean and fully lubricated. A petroleum lubricant is advisable, but you should get an expert's opinion for the specific type needed for your rollers. Unlike the tracks, you should never use WD-40 for the job because it will strip the metal components and remove its lubrication. The WD-40 will make the door louder as time passes.

By following these guidelines and having the door cleaned annually, especially the moving parts, you should have a garage door that works well and compliments your home. You won't need to worry about it breaking down when you need it the most. It will stay rolled up nice and neat and save space for other garage items.

Talk to professionals, such as Duncan Door Service Inc, for more information.