If you live in Michigan, you understand the importance of good weather sealing. From double-pane windows in your home to quality insulation in the attic, you work hard to keep your home energy efficient and at a comfortable temperature. But what about your garage?
At M&M Garage Doors, we specialize in assisting Michiganders with the unique weather challenges that come from living in the Great Lake State. We provide comprehensive care for a variety of garage door materials and styles, ensuring the performance and aesthetics of the doors are preserved. This includes:
- Carriage doors
- Copper finishes
- Custom wood and steel
With our expertise in seasonal garage door maintenance services and weather seal replacement services, your home and your belongings will stay protected from harsh winter weather and humid summers.
Why Regular Garage Door Maintenance is Essential for Michigan Homes
Michigan experiences winter chills that frequently drop below 18°F, and summer highs that reach into the mid-80s. Keeping your garage door maintained is essential to preventing the elements from entering your home. Some of the benefits of a well-sealed, properly functioning garage door are:
- Improved energy efficiency.
- Less strain on your HVAC system.
- Fewer repairs.
- Better home security.
Extending the Lifespan of Your Garage Door with Preventive Care
One of the best garage door maintenance tips we can give is to book at least one preventive garage door tune-up per year. With regular alignment checks, lubrication, and the chance to address minor issues, you’ll avoid catastrophic problems and premature door replacement.
Improving Safety Through Routine Garage Door Service
Routine garage door maintenance service and professional repairs will keep you safer than waiting until a problem arises. An M&M Garage Doors technician will make sure your safety sensors and auto-reverse functions work. They’ll check for worn components and other potential safety hazards.
Energy Efficiency and Weather Seal Advantages in Michigan’s Climate
The US Department of Energy recommends air sealing with weatherstripping to prevent heated or conditioned air leakage from your home or garage. By installing appropriate weather sealing, you’ll use less power to heat and cool your home, lower your energy bills, and maintain a consistently comfortable home.
Signs It’s Time for Professional Garage Door Maintenance
The following are some common signs it’s time to book garage door maintenance near you:
- The garage door won’t close or open fully
- Unusual noises (grinding, squeaking, etc.)
- It’s sagging, off balance, or off its tracks
- There is visible damage or rust
Tips for Maintaining Garage Door Springs, Tracks, and Openers
The following are some garage door maintenance tips.
Inspection
- Visual inspection: Do you see any obvious signs of wear, like cracks or loose parts?
- Listen: Is your door louder than usual? Do you hear grinding, banging, or screeching?
- Operation: Is it opening and closing smoothly? Does your garage door opener work every time?
- Safety: Does the garage door automatically stop and reverse when there’s an obstruction?
Garage door track, opener, and garage door spring maintenance
- Step 1: Turn the power off or unplug the door opener, and close the door.
- Step 2: Use a soft cloth to wipe debris from the track and spring gently.
- Step 3: Apply silicone-based lubricant or white lithium spray lubricant to the spring, rollers (unless they’re nylon), and hinges, wiping away drips or excess. (Avoid lubricating the tracks.)
- Step 4: Plug the door opener back in.
- Step 5: Open and close the garage door a few times to ensure the lubricant is evenly distributed.
Stay safe! If your torsion spring is snapped, broken, stretched out, or cracked, do not attempt to fix it on your own. Garage door springs are under immense amounts of tension and may cause serious injury or death if mishandled.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Michigan Winters and Summers
As a homeowner, there are several ways you can keep your garage door working well. The following is a simple garage door maintenance checklist you can use to make sure that the door’s ready for the changing seasons ahead.
- Clean to remove salt and dirt.
- Lubricate the door.
- Inspect the weatherstripping for damage.
- Tighten loose hardware.
- Refinish your garage door if necessary.
If it’s been a while since you’ve had a professional look at your garage door, or if you’ve noticed any signs your door needs maintenance, call M&M Garage Doors and schedule service.
Custom Garage Door Materials and Their Care Needs
Along with regular maintenance, some garage door materials require extra care.
Copper Garage Doors
We recommend washing your copper garage doors often, with a soft cloth or sponge, a mild soap, and warm water. Salt is a corrosive substance that may eat away at your garage doors if unprotected. You may want to protect the copper with a car wax or use a door cover.
Wood Garage Doors
Real wood garage doors require a fresh application of sealant, stain, or paint at least every 5 years to protect them from the elements. Wood is also vulnerable to cracking, chipping, rot, and insect damage, so be sure to give frequent visual inspections and keep the area around the door clear of dirt, leaves, and other debris.
Steel Garage Doors
Steel doors are rust-prone, so it’s important to clean them with soap and water, then thoroughly dry the door to prevent corrosion. Like copper doors, steel doors will also benefit from a layer of car wax for protection against UV rays, salt, and water damage.
Aluminum Garage Doors
Aluminum doors are rust-resistant, but may scratch easily. Be sure to avoid abrasive cleaners or sponges, which will damage the finish.
How Professional Tune Ups Prevent Costly Garage Door Repairs
Scheduling professional garage door maintenance with the local experts at M&M will prevent costly repairs, because we’ll thoroughly inspect your garage doors for signs of wear, cracks, and safety concerns, while tightening hardware, lubricating moving parts, and testing for proper operation.
With timely garage door service and repair, benefits include:
- Early detection: Regular tune-ups will allow us to find potential future issues and solve them before they become a real problem for you.
- Extended lifespan: By keeping your garage door in optimal condition, it’ll have reduced wear and tear, helping it last longer.
- Safety: We’ll be able to catch any potential dangers and ensure the door’s components are connected securely and working properly.
- Smoother operation: When all parts are tightened and lubricated, the garage door will operate smoothly, with reduced noise.
Why Choose M&M Garage Doors for Michigan Garage Door Maintenance
When you choose M&M Garage Doors, you can trust our garage door repair and maintenance solutions, as well as our garage door installation, spring repairs, and garage door opener services. We combine local expertise with preventive maintenance plans that help Michigan homeowners like you avoid expensive repairs, extend the life of your garage doors, and maintain curb appeal with attractive solutions.
Not sure if you need your weatherstripping replaced or garage door opener maintenance? Contact M&M Garage Doors to schedule a garage door inspection today!
