The garage is a vital part of many residential properties. As you likely know from experience, they're not just for storing your cars. Garages have other uses, like personal workshop spaces and additional storage facilities. They also can protect against theft as well as the outside elements. Whether you've just installed a new garage door or you're trying to get the most out of an older one, it's important to treat it well. Here are some tips for ensuring your garage door lasts long past its average expected lifespan.

1. Keep It Well-Oiled

As you might imagine, a garage door can't function well without the proper amount of oil applied. That said, it may need to be treated more frequently than you think. One of the worst things you can do to wear out your garage door is force it to work against friction. Over time, there's a high chance your rails will accumulate dust and debris as well, so be sure to reach out for regular maintenance. Your local garage door services will be able to estimate how often your door needs oiling based on the model and how often it's used.

2. Ensure the Alignment Is Right

Just like any machine, a garage door can experience uneven wear and tear without the right alignment. Unfortunately, it can be all too easy for some mechanisms to become unbalanced. Debris on the rail or a hard impact could knock the door off its path. What's worse is this imbalance can easily go unnoticed for a long time before the issues become apparent. On the bright side, a professional can check the balance of your door by manually operating it themselves. Fixing the alignment is remarkably easy compared to how difficult it can be to deal with the consequences of one left unchecked, so make sure to reach out for help if you suspect your door might need help getting back on track.

3. Replace the Weather Seal as Needed

Some argue that the primary job of your garage door is to keep the elements at bay. One of the primary ways it accomplishes this job is through weatherstripping. If you're aiming to keep the snow, rain, and rats out of your garage, it's important to keep an eye on the weatherstripping. If you haven't had to replace it in over a year, it'll be worth keeping an extra close eye on this component. Don't let the size and weight of your garage door lull you into a false sense of security. Without adequate weatherstripping to seal your garage completely, your property is exposed to weathering of all kinds. Keep your garage door working as long as possible by ensuring it's completing that job to the fullest.

4. Get the Hardware Screwed Down Tight Again

This one, unfortunately, gets overlooked by plenty of property owners. According to a Chamberlain Group study, at least 55% of homeowners use the garage door as their home's main entryway. When you open and close the door several times per day, it only makes sense that the parts might become loose. The mechanisms raising and lowering the door cause a lot of rattling and vibrations, and that can lead to less tight screws and bolts over time. If the looseness escalates enough, this can even contribute to alignment issues and the wear and tear associated with a door off its tracks.

5. Keep the Surface Clean

This is something that can often be accomplished without the help of an expert, which is great news considering how frequently it can be needed depending on your climate. If you find that your garage door often gets dirty, then using a gentle cleanser can do a lot to combat rust and grime from storms, exhaust, and more. As you might imagine, rust is one of the main enemies of garage door longevity and it should be avoided at any cost. If you've noticed rust appearing on your garage door, reach out for an inspection with your local garage door services.

6. Test the Auto-Reverse Function Regularly

As you might imagine, it can be catastrophic to close your garage door on an immovable object. The feature is there to protect the door itself as much as it's there to protect us and our vehicles. Fortunately, it's not too difficult to test this function without putting your garage door at risk. Simply put something like a piece of wood under the door and let it attempt to close. The system should recognize the resistance of the foreign object and reverse its course. If it doesn't, that'll be a job for your local expert. For your safety as well as the longevity of your garage door, be sure to get help as soon as you notice the issue. Don't wait for tragedy to strike!

7. Look for Regular Maintenance Deals

As we always say, there's nothing wrong with seeking out a discount. Keep in mind that many garage door contractors are often looking for new work and want to bring on as many clients as possible. There may also be discounts for certain affiliations that you're a member of or that you benefit from due to your age. Always check around your local area to see if new deals have popped up over time.

8. Replaced Damaged Parts Quickly

At the end of the day, accidents have a tendency to happen. Even if they don't, time has a way of wearing parts down regardless. There will come a day when parts of your garage door need to be replaced, though it may not happen all at once. When something in your garage door system isn't working as intended, it's best to get it replaced before the lackluster performance has an effect on the rest. Like with uneven alignment issues, broken parts have a way of throwing everything out of balance. If you're unsure whether a part needs repairs or replacement, it's best to reach out for a consultation. With regular garage door services, however, your technician is likely to catch any serious issues before they become a big issue.

9. Hire Only Experienced Professionals

This may seem obvious, but it's important enough to be worth repeating. Don't attempt to save money upfront by hiring somebody who doesn't know what they're doing! In other words, don't bring on a contractor who doesn't have the knowledge and experience to do good work on your garage. Doing subpar contracting work on your property could possibly affect your home insurance, especially if something goes wrong. By only working with companies who have an established track record within your community, you'll have a much better chance of keeping your garage door working longer. It's also a good idea to check that they work nearby.

Having a well-cared-for garage door for your property is the best way to ensure a space you can use for years to come. By following the steps above, you'll be able to keep your garage door working like new for years to come. Are you looking for expert garage door services in your neighborhood? If so, we'd be more than happy to help. Contact our team at A1 Garage Doors today to get started.