02 December 2008

Fixing a Squeaky Garage Door

So, how do you fix a squeaky garage door...

  • Get a can of silicon lubricant, such as the one pictured here...
  • I know you will be tempted to grab a can of your all-purpose WD-40, but try to resist the urge. WD-40 attracts dust and over time, tends to "gunk-up" what you are trying to lubricate.
  • Spray the lubricant on the main spring (this is located in the middle, above the garage opening)
  • Spray lubricant on all wheels and hinges
  • If you have an automatic opener, pull the red cord to disconnect the door from the opener
  • manually open and close the garage door 4-5 times. This will allow the lubricant to penetrate and do that thing it does so well
  • If the squeaking still continues, you may need to re-apply in those areas
  • Reconnect the garage door to the automatic opener
  • At your favorite home improvement store, purchase the special lubricant that is applied to your opener's chain or screw
This is the type of product you will be looking for...
  • If you do this during the summer months, be advised that the lubricant has a tendency to liquefy when it gets hot (90+ degrees), which can cause it to drip onto your garage floor or even worse, your vehicle
  • Apply, as per manufacturer's instructions
  • Open and close the garage door 4-5 times to allow the lubricant to work its way into the chain or screw
  • This is also a good time to check and make sure that your tracks are level and plumb. Just grab your level, place it on the tracks, and adjust if necessary
This maintenance should be done at least twice a year. Please let me know if you have any questions and I will be more than happy to help.

3 comments:

  1. Always something to fuss with. I know it's time to oil our garage door--it kind of growls now at us when we open and close it. I keep meaning to do it, but I get so attached to this computer, I just haven't gotten to it yet.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Well at least you were able to fix yours and that is good. Ours was broken when we bought here and laid on the garage floor in the corner for a long time.

    I was afraid of the nasty little critters and even reptiles that might just love to crawl under there in the heat of the day.

    Finally last year when the cost of Aluminum went up we got it hauled off for free.

    Alas, no automatic door for me. Not even a door.

    Have a great day Tim and this was a great tip. Because I do always grab WD 40.:-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Karen & Gerard Zemek: I know exactly what you mean. I put off doing ours for over a year. Yes, it should be done twice a year, but I always forget about doing it:)

    Shinade: That's too bad about not having a door. Living where we do, it's almost a requirement (unless you want some unwanted guests). We have an automatic one, because I was able to purchase it during a sale, which included free installation. Have a great day:-)

    ReplyDelete

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