Having access to an automatic garage door can make it a lot easier to get into and out of your garage each day. In order to ensure that your garage door continues to function properly, regular maintenance is essential.

Here are three simple things that you can do to prepare your garage door for the coming summer months.

1. Clean the door.

All you have to do is take a look at the layer of dust covering any belongings stored in your garage to know that just because your garage is enclosed doesn't mean that it remains clean. Allowing your garage door to remain dirty over a long period of time could compromise the safety and functionality of the door.

Dirt and debris that becomes lodged in the door's track could cause it to lower suddenly, resulting in serious injury. Use a wire-bristle brush to clean any loose debris from your garage door's tracks, then use some soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks and the surface of the garage door.

2. Lubricate the moving parts of your door.

An automatic garage door features many moving parts. These parts must remain properly lubricated in order to prevent friction and damage from compromising their functionality. Over the winter it's possible for existing lubricant to become brittle and wear away.

Once you have finished cleaning your garage door, you should take the time to apply a lithium grease lubricant specifically designed for use on garage doors to the hinges, latches, and opener chains. It can also be beneficial to add a drop of engine oil to each garage door roller as summer approaches.

3. Replace worn weather stripping.

Your garage serves as a source of both heating and cooling loss. If you want to maintain a cooler temperature within your home during the summer months (without increasing the amount of energy used by your HVAC unit to do so), then ensuring your garage is properly insulated is essential.

Inspect your door for any worn weather stripping that could be allowing cooled air to leak out, and replace this weather stripping. If you notice any damaged panels on your garage door you may want to contact a repair professional to examine the insulation contained within your garage door itself to ensure it is still intact.

Conducting some routine maintenance on your garage door before summer arrives can help you ensure your door will function properly in the future. Take the time to clean, lubricate, and insulate your garage door as you prepare for summer. For more information, talk to a professional like Overhead Door Co. of Everett Inc.

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