The most crucial components to be lubricated include the torsion spring, rollers and tracks.
Garage door lubrication starts at cleaning the tracks and ends with the actual lubrication.
Close the door to gain access to the tracks and remove the power plug. Turn off the power from the circuit box if the power plug is hard to reach. Use a damp rag cloth for wiping the tracks to remove dust, dirt and debris. Spray cleaner on the tracks and rub with a rag to wash away grime. Wiping the tracks will make debris fall and collect at the corners. Attach a hose extension to the vacuum cleaner to clean the corners and higher areas difficult to reach by hands.
Lubricate every moving part in a garage door with lithium based grease. Manually lift the door gradually to gain access to all the hinges on the door and spray the grease twice on each of them once they bend on the track curve. Spray once on the rollers that run on the tracks. Then, open and shut the door manually and spray on the rollers once again. Attach a fine hose on the spray can and lubricate the bearing plates located on both ends on the top, including torsion spring in the centre, lock and armbar in the middle of the door. Remember to lubricate the rails on the ceiling.
Lithium grease reduces friction drastically and is preferred for metal-to-metal contact areas such as rails and rollers. These lubricants stay in place and do not spread unevenly on the surface. Lithium grease can resist weather but it is not waterproof.
Silicone-based lubricants are long-lasting and resistant to moisture. Use them to lubricate tight hinges, torsion springs, and other parts that are hard to penetrate. In addition, such lubricants offer excellent weather resistance.
Some examples of both lubricants are below.
This long-lasting silicone paste can severely reduce friction and preferred for all weather conditions. The jar comes with a brush attached to the lid for easy lubrication.
Spray lubricant is often a petroleum oil-based lubricant (different from oil) best suited for cold weather conditions as it is capable of handling extremely low temperatures. Each application can last 6 to 12 months.
Lubricants ensure a smoother movement of all the moving parts and protect metallic elements from rusting. Lubricants also and reduce noises arising due to excess friction, ensuring the garage door's longevity.
A well-lubed automatic garage doors will take less time to open after pressing the remote button. A well-functioning garage door should not take more than three seconds to respond to the remote control signals.Correct garage door lubricant can resist dirt and debris to considerable amounts and ensure efficient functioning of the door. Smooth movements reduce the chances of malfunctioning.
Regular maintenance ensures the garage door functions well in the long term, eliminating the need for significant repairs or replacements. Most garage door manufacturers recommend lubricating the door once or twice a year.
Apply lubricants on all the moving parts in the garage door for best results. The most crucial components to be lubricated include the torsion spring, rollers and tracks. Hinges on the door are essential but have less priority than these parts. Parts such as the torsion springs and hinges are highly compact, making it challenging to lubricate appropriately, so it is best to use a spray can. Brushes can be less effective than spray cans. The torsion spring bears the most weight of the door when open. A jammed, rusty or tight functioning spring will make a noise and fail sooner. Close the door and open it to even the lubricant on the torsion spring. Repeat this step multiple times. Tracks and rollers/axle can be lubricated with a cloth or brush. The rails on the ceilings also need lubrication - this will reduce the time required for the door to open or shut. Any rusty or worn out parts should be replaced instead of lubricating. The bearing plates on both the ends of the torsion spring can be lubricated with a brush. Finally, grease the rollers that connect the torsion spring and the bearing plates.
Silicon lubricants are highly effective in waterproofing and protecting garage doors from extreme temperature and weather conditions. They give a thick coating that lasts longer, hence ensures durability and longevity. Silicon dries to become a rigid coating upon application that reduces the chances of debris, dust and dirt sticking to the surface. These lubricants are best suited for using on metal tracks with rubber rollers. Any silicone lubricant is effective in reducing the noise produced due to friction. Some silicone lubricants come in a gel form instead of spray, making it convenient to apply on hinges and other small parts. A variety of silicone lubricants are meant for a garage door only. Some silicon features a quick-drying and stain-resistant formula that helps retain appearance. Some experts suggest that using some silicon sprays can cause rusting in the long run. Silicon lubricants can make soft rollers such as nylon rollers work inefficiently.