Maintaining Different Materials
Whether you have wooden or metal garage doors, correct garage roller door maintenance is needed to keep the doors in perfect working condition. The difference between maintaining the material comes down to the material’s vulnerability to outside elements and wear and tear. Here are some top tips to maintain your garage doors:
Wooden/Timber Garage Doors
Wooden and timber garage doors should be carefully maintained to ensure the material remains in good condition. Regular cleaning every few months will prevent dirt buildup, just make sure you avoid harsh chemicals and power washers as this can damage the surface. Here’s the process of cleaning wooden garage doors:
- Begin with removing any dust, dirt or cobwebs from the door’s surface. This will make your garage doors easier to clean
- Mix mild soap or detergent with warm water – be sure to avoid harsh chemicals like bleach
- Gently scrub the door with a soft cloth or sponge and the cleaning solution, in the direction of the wood grain
- Once the outside of the garage door has been cleaned, don’t forget to clean the inside using the same method
Correct garage roller door maintenance is to regularly check rollers to clear any debris, as this may affect the function of the door. Aside from cleaning, also make sure the wood is treated properly to prevent splitting, and any gaps are filled after exposure to sunlight.
Metal Garage Doors
Aluminium and steel are also common materials for garage doors, but don’t usually need as much maintenance compared to wooden doors as they’re not as prone to rotting, swelling or cracking. Garage door maintenance tips for metal garage doors follow the same cleaning process as wooden doors to prevent dirt buildup.
Extra maintenance measures can be taken to prevent rust, including touch-up paint or anti-rust treatment if necessary. Other garage door maintenance for metal doors includes lubricating hinges, springs and tracks as well as taking extra care during use to prevent dents (especially with aluminium doors). Finally, check the hinges and rollers to ensure a higher lifespan of the door.
Different Types of Garage Doors
Whether you have roller or up-and-over doors, here’s some garage door maintenance best practices that will help to preserve their quality and performance.
Maintaining Roller Garage Doors
It’s usually more difficult to clean roller garage doors, as only part of the door is visible when closed – the rest is rolled up in a casing. To get around this, simply clean the slats while the door is partially open, working section by section. Warm soapy water is enough to clean the slats, just be sure to avoid contact with the roll housing as this can damage internal parts or electronics.
Maintaining Up-and-Over Garage Doors
Up-and-over garage doors can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a non-abrasive cloth. If the door features windows, a standard glass cleaner or vinegar solution is enough to clean streaks.
Electric garage door maintenance for roller and up-and-over doors includes regular tests on the door’s balance and movement, which will keep it in good condition.
Servicing a Garage Door
As well as cleaning, regular electric garage door maintenance should be carried out for roller and up-and-over doors to ensure there are no obstructions that affect movement, and that the motors are working as they should. Opening and closing limits can be checked and any loose fittings like bots or screws tightened, as this could cause health and safety hazards.
Replace Your Garage Doors Today
With years of experience helping customers transform their homes, we offer garage door solutions for diverse property types, tailored to fit your home and preferences. To find out more about the best garage door maintenance, or if it’s time to upgrade your existing garage doors, contact our team to arrange a replacement.
