Maintenance is key to ensuring that a sectional door serves for years into the future and works efficiently. Such regular maintenance will avoid expensive repairs and extend its life cycle, which can be served for 15 to 20 years with good care. The cost of maintaining a sectional door will depend on the nature of the problem, but the simple tasks like lubrication and track adjustments cost less than $100 if professionally done.
The first thing one can do in sectional door maintenance is checking the tracks. After a period of time, these tracks tend to gather dust and other debris that can alter the movement of your door. Cleaning off tracks is relatively easy: wet a cloth and clean the dirt and debris off them. Professionals, however, recommend looking out for any misalignment-even the least ones-because they also can be among the causes of your sectional door malfunctioning. In case misalignment is observed, the tracks should be adjusted to facilitate smooth operation.
Another important aspect of sectional door maintenance is lubrication of the moving parts. The International Door Association-IDASays that lubricant should be applied to the rollers, springs, and hinges every 6 to 12 months to facilitate smooth operation. Ideally, a silicone-based lubricant should be used, as it reduces dirt and grime buildup. This helps prevent rust, which can prolong the life of the components. Also, lubrication with grease-based lubricants should not be used, as these may attract dirt and do more harm than good.
The other area of concern is that of the springs. Most sectional doors possess torsion springs that may wear out or even break due to the tension they always undergo. The springs should be checked for wear regularly, including rust and stretching. A broken spring may hinder the door from opening, and it costs between $100 and $300, depending on the size and type of spring.
Also, the cables that move the door up and down should be checked. Cables may fray or come loose, which can result in safety hazards. If the cables look damaged, they should be replaced right away. This requires professional help to prevent injury or further damage.
The weatherstripping around the door should be checked, too. Weatherstripping helps prevent drafts, moisture, and debris from entering. This saves energy; after some time, however, it may get brittle or cracked, which reduces the performance of the door. Replacing weatherstripping is a simple procedure that can help your home be more energy-efficient and save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs.
A general look at the general appearance of the door will also fall under the category of maintenance. Whatever damage you find on the panels, try to repair it as soon as possible because this can affect the integrity and safety of the door. Cracks or dents in the body of the door weaken it and make it prone to further damage.
The frequency of maintenance depends on the usage of the door. While a typical residential sectional door may require maintenance twice a year, high-traffic doors in commercial settings may need monthly inspections. As HomeAdvisor says, “Regular maintenance of sectional doors is an investment in the longevity of the system.”
To learn more about maintaining your sectional door, you can check out sectional door.