3 Preventive Maintenance Tips for Commercial Garage Doors

As a business owner, keeping costs low is an important part of building a foundation of success. To accomplish this goal, it's wise to look for savings in every area of your operation, including the garage door. There are several preventative maintenance tasks that can help minimize unexpected malfunctions and extend the door's lifespan, both of which can help you save money. Make sure you know what to do.

Keep the Tracks Clean

Get in the habit of keeping the door tracks clean. Over time, dust, dirt, leaves, and other debris can settle along the tracks. In excess, these objects can create a slight resistance when the door is moving along the track. This resistance can put excess wear on both the springs that help support the door and the motor if you have an automatic opener.

Cleaning the tracks is as simple as removing these objects and wiping the tracks down with a mild detergent and water mixture. To stay on track, make it a habit to perform this task at the start of each season.

Perform a Balance Test

It's also a good idea to periodically perform a balance test on the door. To perform this test, you will need an extra set of hands to ensure your safety. The purpose of a balance test is to ensure that the door springs are functioning and balancing the door's weight properly.

If the springs fail, the door could slam closed unexpectedly. To perform the balance test, power the automatic door opener off. Open the door and hold it along with one other person, then both of you can let it go. Quickly stand back outside the path of the door. If the door remains open, the springs are in good shape; however, if it closes, the springs have failed and need to be replaced.

Keep Everything Lubricated

Make certain you are keeping all your moving parts lubricated. By far, this is one of the best ways to keep the components of the door in good condition, for a longer period. Lubrication helps minimize friction, which can lead to accelerated wear and failure. Ideally, you want to use a lubricant that is safe for garage doors, such as a white lithium grease.

Apply the grease to the screws, springs, and opener chain that support the door. Always apply the grease in moderation to prevent residue buildup.

The more effort you put into maintaining your commercial garage door, the better. In the event of a malfunction, ensure you're relying on a trusted professional.

About Me

Where to Find Used Car Parts

Do you like to play with cars? Do you save money by doing your own repairs? My name is Janie, and I love cars. In fact, I work as an auto mechanic. One thing I have learned in my job is how to find the best parts for a great price. Sometimes you can even get car parts for free if you know where to look. I'll let you in on all my secrets for finding used car parts at a low cost, so you can have the fun of finding and using those parts yourself. Enjoy your hobby for less when you find great car parts cheap.