Garage Door Lubrication is essential for smooth operation, reduced noise, and extending the lifespan of your door. But where do you even start? Don’t worry, Motion Garage Doors got you covered. We’ll break down everything you need to know about how to lubricate a garage door, from the right products to the proper application process. Stay tuned, and get ready to silence that squeaky door for good!
Why lubricate your garage door?
Lubricating your garage door is a simple yet crucial task that keeps everything running smoothly. Regular lubrication will prevent rust and excessive wear and tear between moving parts. Learning how to lubricate your garage door will also reduce the noise, and ensure proper functionality, extending your system’s lifespan, including the opener.
How often should I lubricate my garage doors?
It is recommended 2 to 3 times a year. Regular maintenance like this can save you from costly repairs down the road and keep your garage door operating efficiently. So, mark your calendar and make it a part of your routine!
How to lubricate your garage door?
You can apply a generous amount of lubricant on the hinges, rollers, cables, bearing plates, springs, and drums. DO NOT lubricate the stationary parts, like the track, as it will increase the possibility of the door slipping. After the application, just remove the excess with a rag or paper towel. You can also lubricate the opener chain and the gears, and remember to remove the excess. The most important part to lubricate is the roller area. If you have a belt-drive opener, you can skip this step as these openers don’t require lubrication.
Which lubricant is better for a garage door?
The best option for that is to use a petroleum-based lubricant that preserves the integrity of garage door components and has weather-resistance capabilities. In colder climates like Canada, a petroleum-based lubricant is especially recommended. Unlike regular lubricants that can become thick and viscous in low temperatures, this option remains effective. It’s also crucial to lubricate your garage door’s spring in cold weather, as the spring can become brittle and more likely to break.
Petroleum spray lubricant for garage doors can be found at your local hardware store.
WD-40 is not recommended for garage doors. It will probably come to mind for this, however, as it is a penetrating oil, it might clean and remove some rust, but will not provide effective lubrication. For instance, WD40 can soften and deform nylon rollers.
It is very common to find people suggesting the use of a silicone-based lubricant, however, experienced garage door technicians will not use these products, as they will create a film and make it susceptible to dirt and dust accumulation. Greases are also not good to lubricate your garage doors, and will ultimately make the situation worse and cause excessive wear to the moving parts, especially rollers.
** Additional tips **
Garage door lubrication is essential but can be messy: use cardboard as a barrier, to protect your surroundings and prevent any lubricant from getting on the walls.
Aerosol sprays are the best option to inject lubricant into small spaces and moving parts.
People living in harsh environments or near the coast should lubricate the garage door more frequently, to keep the system functional.
Use a stepladder to apply the lubricant safely to those parts that are difficult to reach, such as the top rail and the springs.
If you feel more comfortable, you can apply light coats and add more if necessary – it will avoid drips and excess lubricant.
Be careful around springs: the springs are under a large amount of tension and should only be touched by a garage door technician.
Following these steps and keeping your garage door lubricated, should help your system move smoothly and quietly. However, if your garage door isn’t working properly and still makes weird noises, it’s time to call a technician to inspect and see if any part needs replacement. If you still have some doubts about how to lubricate a garage door, don’t hesitate to contact Motion Garage Doors, we have a team of specialists ready to assist you with any question that may arise.
Should I Lubricate My Garage Door Opener?
Proper lubrication of your garage door opener is crucial for its longevity and smooth operation. If your opener has a chain drive, it’s essential to lubricate it regularly to prevent rust and ensure smooth performance. The best time to apply the lubricant is while the motor is running, as this allows the product to be evenly distributed along the chain.
However, if your garage door opener has a belt drive, you should avoid lubricating the belt. Lubrication can cause the belt to slip, reducing its effectiveness and potentially leading to premature wear and tear. Instead, focus on keeping the belt clean and free of debris.
Liftmaster Garage Door Lubrication
For Liftmaster garage door opener models it is recommended to use the same lubricant petroleum-based lubricant that preserves the integrity of garage door components and has weather-resistance capabilities. It is recommended for chain-drive models. You don’t have to lubricate belt-drive garage door openers.
Chamberlain Garage Door Lubrication
For Chamberlain garage door opener models it is recommended to use the same lubricant petroleum-based lubricant for chain drive models.
Genie Garage Door Lubrication
For Genie garage door opener models it is recommended to use the same lubricant petroleum-based lubricant that preserves the integrity of garage door components and has weather-resistance capabilities. It is recommended for chain-drive and screwdriver models. You don’t have to lubricate belt-drive garage door openers.
Craftsman Garage Door Lubrication
For Craftsman garage door opener models it is recommended to use the same lubricant petroleum-based lubricant that preserves the integrity of garage door components and has weather-resistance capabilities. It is recommended for chain-drive. You don’t have to lubricate belt-drive garage door openers.
Maintaining your garage door opener with proper lubrication will save you time and money in the long run. Regular care can prevent rust, reduce noise, and extend the life of your garage door system. So, keep your garage door opener in tip-top shape by following these simple lubrication guidelines.
