How Often Should You Grease Your Garage Door?

A garage door is one of the essential components of a home. It provides safety for your family and security for your cherished vehicles and other belongings. To keep your garage door working in its best condition, you must maintain it regularly. One essential maintenance practice is greasing the door’s moving parts. In this blog, we will discuss how often you should grease your garage door and the benefits of doing so.

What is a Garage Door Grease?

A garage door grease is a lubricant applied to the garage door’s moving parts. It is a thick, sticky substance designed to withstand high temperatures and pressure. Garage door grease is typically made of lithium or silicone and can be applied using a grease gun or spray can.

Why is Greasing Your Garage Door Important?

Greasing your garage door is an essential maintenance practice that can help extend your door’s lifespan and prevent costly repairs. Here are three reasons why greasing your garage door is important:

Reduces Friction and Wear

One of the most important reasons to grease your garage door is to reduce friction and wear on the door’s moving parts. This maintenance procedure helps the components move smoothly against each other, reducing the force required to operate the door. In addition, by reducing friction and wear, you can prevent damage to the door components, extending your garage door’s lifespan.

Prevents Rust and Corrosion

Greasing your garage door can also help prevent rust and corrosion from forming on the metal part of the door. Rust and corrosion can cause great damage to your garage door, making it difficult to open and close. By applying grease to the metal components, you can protect them from the moisture and humidity that can lead to rust and corrosion.

Reduces Noise

Another benefit of greasing your garage door is that it can help to reduce noise. For example, if your garage door is making squeaking or grinding noises when it opens and closes, it is likely due to friction between the components. You can reduce friction and eliminate noise by applying grease to the door’s moving parts.

How Often Should You Grease Your Garage Door?

The frequency you should grease your garage door depends on several factors. However, here are a few common guidelines to follow:

Manufacturer Recommendations

The manufacturer’s instructions are the first place to look for guidance on how often to grease your garage door. In addition, the manufacturer will often provide guidelines on the recommended maintenance schedule for a specific garage door model.

Frequency of Use

If you use your garage door frequently, you must grease it more often. A good rule of thumb is to grease your garage door once every three months if you use it regularly. However, if you only use your garage door occasionally, you can reduce the greasing frequency to once or twice a year.

Climate

Your climate can also affect how often you must grease your garage door. For instance, if you live in an area with high humidity or salty air, you may need to grease your garage door more frequently to prevent rust formation.

Take a look at these two examples to catch a glimpse of what you should do:

Example 1: A family in Florida lives in an area with high humidity and uses their garage door multiple times daily. The manufacturer recommends greasing the garage door every three months, but the family decided to grease it every two months due to the climate. Following this schedule prevents rust formation and ensures that their garage door operates smoothly and efficiently.

Example 2: A couple in Arizona only uses their garage door once a week to store their car. The manufacturer recommends greasing the garage door once a year, but since the couple uses it infrequently and lives in a dry climate, they decide to grease it once every two years. By doing so, they extend the lifespan of their garage door and prevent costly repairs.

Noise

If your garage door starts to make squeaking or grinding noises when it opens and closes, it is a sign that you need to grease it. Do not wait until the noise becomes unbearable before greasing your garage door.

Why Should You Hire Professionals to Grease Your Garage Door?

Your garage door is essential to your home, providing security and protection for your vehicles and belongings. That is why regularly greasing the moving components is crucial to keep your garage door in optimal condition. 

Garage door technicians are well-versed in inspecting and greasing all moving parts of your garage door system. This process involves cleaning and removing any debris that may have accumulated on the tracks, hinges, rollers, and springs. Then, the technician will apply a high-quality lubricant to ensure smooth operation and prevent rust and corrosion.

Having a professional perform this service ensures that all parts are inspected and lubricated properly and that any potential issues are detected and addressed promptly. Furthermore, a professional technician will have the knowledge and tools necessary to provide more thorough and effective lubrication than you could achieve on your own.

While it may be tempting to grease your garage door, hiring professionals can provide several benefits.

Expertise and Experience

Professional garage door technicians have the expertise and experience to identify potential issues with your garage door and provide the best solutions. They understand the components of your garage door and can determine the type of lubrication required for each one. They also have the right tools to get the job done correctly.

Save Time and Effort

Greasing your garage door can be time-consuming and challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process. Hiring professionals can save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on other essential tasks. In addition, they can perform the job quickly and efficiently without compromising the quality of the work.

Extend the Lifespan of Your Garage Door

Regularly greasing your garage door can extend its lifespan and prevent costly repairs. In addition, professional garage door technicians can ensure that your garage door operates smoothly and efficiently, reducing the risk of damage to the components.

The Bottom Line

Greasing your garage door is an essential maintenance practice that can significantly extend its lifespan and prevent costly repairs. How often you should grease your garage door depends on several factors, including the manufacturer’s recommendations, frequency of use, climate, and noise. By following these guidelines and greasing your garage door regularly, you can ensure that it operates smoothly and efficiently for years to come.