HOW TO LUBRICATE GARAGE DOOR
Every garage door is different, but it certainly needs lubrication every three months to once a year.
Once the garage door is squeaking, it’s a tell-tale sign that the components need lubrication. After all, garage doors consist of different parts that work together. They could end up grinding to one another with constant use, resulting in friction. This friction could lead to a noisy garage door.
Applying a garage door lube is the key to preventing shearing and grating. Thus, we will teach you how to lubricate garage doors and choose the best garage door lubricants.
Step-by-Step Guide on How To Lubricate Your Garage Door
STEP 1: Clean All Non-Moving Parts
STEP 2: Lubricate the Rollers
After drying everything, we head on to the first component that is responsible for smooth movement – the garage door rollers.
Rollers are located on both sides along the tracks. If your rollers are metal-made, apply lithium grease liberally from the inner bearings, shaft, wheels to the outer surface. For nylon and plastic rollers, avoid greasing on the wheels. Only focus on applying garage door lube to the shafts. Now we head on to our step-by-step guide in lubricating garage doors. The entire process is easy but requires careful attention to ensure the work is done safely. Here are the steps to follow:
STEP 3: Lubricate the Hinges
STEP 4: Lubricate the Springs
STEP 5: Lubricate the Shafts, Rails and Bearings
STEP 6: Test your Garage Door
Choose the Best Lubricant for Your Garage Door
Silicone-Based Lubricants
Silicone-based lubricants provides moisture to any metal surface to prevent wear, tear, and corrosion. Because a silicone-based lubricant has an attached straw-like nozzle spray, it’s easy to penetrate tight areas. The areas it can cover are hinges, springs, and locking mechanisms. It’s also long-lasting due to being resistant to weather and temperature changes. Hence, it’s best to use it no matter the season.
Lithium-Based Lubricants
Choose a Lubricant According to Its Intended Use
Before you decide on buying the best garage door lubricant, know how you want to use it. Some products are better suited to specific parts. However, it’s best to buy two products for ideal grease for garage doors.
A silicone-based lubricant is suitable for use for lubricating hinges, wheels, and springs. It allows precision to target small areas to provide moisture to the metal surfaces.
On the other hand, a lithium grease product is suitable for rollers and rails. It may have a messy application, but it lasts a long time for these specific uses. Make sure to keep a towel in hand to remove the excess drippings.
Avoid These Parts When Lubricating The Garage Door
Not all moving components need lubrication. There are parts such as cables, pulleys, and tracks that should be lubricant-free. The reason is they won’t function properly.
Another reason to avoid these parts is the lubricant might lead to build-up. It can attract dust and debris, leading to corrosion, friction, and loss of movement.
For this reason, when greasing garage door parts, concentrate on the metal components with pivotal points such as hinges and rollers.
Also, avoid greasing nylon and rubber materials since lubricants don’t absorb into these parts.
In short, you don’t need to lubricate the entire garage door. Only focus on the moving parts. After all, lubrication is used for the parts to glide smoothly.
How Often Should I Lubricate the Garage Door Parts?
