Just as your car needs periodic oil changes, your garage door can benefit from occasional lubrication. Lubricating your garage door will improve its performance, extend its lifespan and reduce those “creaking” and “grinding” sounds it makes when it opens and closes.
In Minnesota, rainy springs and harsh winters can lead to more corrosion in garage door components; lubricating helps protect them. To help make the process quick and simple, we’ve created this short guide that includes what type of lubricant to use and which parts of your garage door need regular attention. We’ll also point out when it may be time to call in a professional garage door technician.
Why Garage Door Lubrication is Important
Garage doors have many moving parts that can wear down over time. Regular lubrication helps to:
Reduce noise: Lubricating moving parts keeps your garage door operating smoothly and quietly. This is especially helpful if you’re tired of loud, screeching garage doors.
Prevent wear and tear: Lubrication minimizes friction and reduces strain on garage door components that rub like your springs.
Improve functionality: A well-lubricated garage door operates more efficiently so that your door opens and closes easily.
Prevent costly repairs: Regular lubrication can help prevent minor issues from becoming major, expensive repairs.
Keeping your garage door in top shape is essential for both safety and convenience. It’s one of the simplest tasks you can do to avoid common garage door problems.
What is the Best Garage Door Lubricant?
Not all lubricants are created equal. When it comes to garage doors, it's important to use a product that is specifically designed for this type of machinery.
Silicone sprays are the top choice for lubricating garage doors. They penetrate deep into moving parts, offer long-lasting lubrication, and don’t attract dirt and debris.
Lithium grease is another option for garage doors, particularly for metal parts like roller stems.
Avoid using WD-40 or similar products. While WD-40 is great for cleaning rust and dirt, it’s not a true lubricant. It can leave behind a sticky residue that attracts dust and grime, ultimately making things worse.
What Parts of My Garage Door Need Lubrication?
Here are the components of your garage door that will benefit from periodic lubrication and how to properly apply lubricant to them:
Before applying any lubricant, clean the hinges, tracks, and rollers to remove any dust or debris. Use a damp cloth or a vacuum to clear away dirt and buildup.
As you work, keep a rag or towel handy to wipe up excess lubricant that might drip.
Hinges: Apply lubricant to the pivot portion of each of your garage door's metal
hinges. Avoid plastic hinges, as they do not need lubrication.
Hinge Sleeves: The hinges on the left and right sides of your door will contain “sleeves” that the rollers fit into. Lubricate the area where the roller enters the hinge sleeve.
Springs: The torsion spring above your garage door’s opening helps with the door's balance. Lubricating it reduces the friction that is created when the spring contracts and expands. Spray the spring generously from the top but don’t overdo it.
Rollers: Focus on the ball bearings inside metal rollers. If you have nylon rollers, be careful to lubricate only the bearings, not the roller itself. Avoid getting lubrication in the track the rollers travel on; this can lead to unwanted buildup. Use lithium grease to lubricate the stem of the rollers.
Drums: The drums are the wheels at either end of your torsion spring. These spin to wind your cables when your garage door opens. Apply a generous amount of lubricant to the area where the cable nests.
Locks and latches: Lubricate the locking mechanism to prevent it from sticking. This is the bar that connects the door to the pull chain.
Be sure to wipe away excess lubricant to avoid dripping on your car or attracting dirt. Once you’ve applied the garage door lubricant spray to all crucial components, open and close your garage door several times to distribute the lubricant and ensure everything is moving properly.
Repeat this process every six months. In Minnesota, spring and fall are good times to perform your garage door maintenance.
When to Call a Professional
While lubrication is a simple DIY task, it’s also a good time to examine your garage door’s components and identify any potential problems. If you notice any of the following, it may be time to call in a professional garage door technician:
Worn or damaged parts: If you notice worn or broken components such as frayed cables, loose rollers or cracked panels, give us a call for a full inspection and repairs.
Persistent noise: If your garage door is making noise even after lubrication, there could be underlying issues, such as misaligned tracks or damaged springs, that require expert attention.
Springs or cables: If you suspect a problem with your torsion springs or cables, leave these high-tension components to the pros. Attempting to repair or replace them yourself can be dangerous.
Routine maintenance: Even with regular lubrication, it’s a good idea to have your garage door professionally inspected and serviced once a year to catch any potential issues early. This holds especially true for businesses that rely on a properly functioning garage door for their livelihood.
Keep Your Garage Door Moving
Lubricating your garage door is a simple yet highly effective way to maintain its performance and avoid costly repairs. Hopefully this guide provides the information you need to find the right lubricant, identify the key parts, and follow the proper steps.
If you encounter any issues or prefer to leave garage door maintenance to the professionals, don't hesitate to contact Metro Garage Door. We offer expert installation, repair, and maintenance services for both residential and commercial garage doors.