How to Lubricate Your Garage Door

Maintaining your garage door isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about ensuring smooth and efficient operation while maximizing its lifespan. One essential aspect of maintenance is proper lubrication, it helps to prevent unpleasant noises, friction, and other garage door issues. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to lubricate your door effectively, ensuring optimal performance for years to come.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, gather the necessary supplies:

  • Silicone-based garage door lubricant
  • Clean rag or cloth
  • Stepladder (if needed)

Preparation

Start by ensuring your door is closed and disconnected from the garage door opener to avoid any accidents. Disconnect the power source to the opener as an additional safety precaution.

Identify Lubrication Points

Inspect your garage door for key components that require regular lubrication, including:

  • Hinges: Locate the metal hinges connecting the door panels.
  • Rollers: These are the small wheels located on the edge of the door panels.
  • Springs: Look for the large springs above the door or on the sides.
  • Tracks: Check the metal tracks on either side of the door.

Application

Apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to each lubrication point. Be sure to use a high-quality garage door lubricant specifically designed for this purpose. Avoid using WD-40 or similar products, as they can attract dirt and grime, leading to more issues down the line.

Hinges and Rollers

Start by applying lubricant to the hinges, focusing on the pivot points where metal meets metal. Next, move on to the rollers, applying lubricant to the garage door rollers themselves, the ball bearings, and the shafts they rotate on. Depending on your door, you may also need to lubricate the bearing plates.

Springs and Tracks

Spray lubricant on the garage door springs, coating them evenly for smooth operation. Be cautious when lubricating springs, as they are under tension and can be dangerous if mishandled. Finally, lubricate the garage door tracks by applying a thin layer of lubricant along the entire length, ensuring smooth movement of the rollers.

Clean Up

Once you’ve applied lubricant to all the necessary parts, use a clean rag or cloth to wipe away any excess lubricant. This helps prevent buildup and ensures a clean finish.

Test the Door

After lubricating each spot, manually open and close the door a few times to distribute the lubricant evenly and ensure smooth operation. If you notice any areas that still feel sticky or noisy, apply additional lubricant as needed. If you still notice any issues, check out this article on proper maintenance. (LINK)

Contact 4 Sons Garage Door for Expert Assistance

If you encounter any difficulties following these steps or prefer to leave the maintenance to the professionals, don’t hesitate to contact 4 Sons. Our team of experts is ready to assist with all your needs, from routine maintenance to repairs and installations. With our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction, we’ll ensure your door operates flawlessly for years to come.