In the comings and goings of life, a garage door gets a regular workout. Most of us take its dependability for granted, but it’s one of the home’s hardest working parts and needs regular attention.
Owner Mike Charboneau of Stateline Garage Door Repair says a garage door can last up to 30 years if regularly checked and maintained.
Homeowners can extend the life by lubricating all moving parts and springs several times a year to keep them from rusting, but for anything else, leave it to the professionals, he says.
“People have been hurt and killed trying to fix garage door springs, which are under constant tension to lift and lower a door that can weigh hundreds of pounds. A sudden break, especially in older doors, can cause a violent reaction leading to damage to people or property,” he says.
Springs typically last seven to 10 years with average use, so they don’t need to be replaced often, but when they do need work, it’s a home project do-it-yourselfers should leave to skilled technicians who have the tools and knowledge to get the job done safely, he warns.
Signs your garage door is in need of attention include unusual sounds like grinding, squealing or a popping noise. If a door looks warped, is sagging or doesn’t close evenly, it means something is out of balance and causing stress to the springs and motor. If for any reason the door isn’t opening and closing smoothly and steadily, that’s an indication of a problem.
When replacing a garage door, there are a variety of materials to choose from, many of which are lighter and more durable than the old-fashioned wood doors, and the newer doors have safety features.
Stateline Garage Door Repair, with offices in Beloit and Rockford, has 27 years of experience in the repair and maintenance of industrial, commercial and residential garage doors.
Charboneau recommends homeowners get a yearly inspection of their garage door to keep it running smoothly and to prevent problems.
For more information, contact Charboneau at [email protected] or call (815) 509-4070. ❚