After months of battling freezing Central PA temperatures, road salt, and heavy snow, your garage door has likely taken a beating. Spring is the perfect time to give this hardworking part of your home some much-needed attention to ensure it stays safe, quiet, and reliable throughout the warmer months.
At Glicks.com, we recommend a quick “Spring Refresh” to catch minor wear and tear before it turns into a costly emergency. According to the International Door Association, a garage door is often the largest moving object in a home, making regular safety checks essential for every household from Shamokin Dam to State College.
Here is your essential spring maintenance checklist:
1. The “Salt Scrub” for Your Tracks
During winter, cars track in road salt and grime that can settle into your garage door tracks. This buildup creates friction, making your opener work harder and causing premature wear on your rollers.
- The Fix: Use a damp cloth to wipe out the inside of the tracks. Industry experts at Clopay recommend keeping tracks free of heavy grease, which can actually attract more dirt; a clean, dry track is best for smooth operation.
2. Check the “Muscle” (Your Springs)
Cold weather makes metal brittle, which is why garage door springs often snap during or just after winter. Look for visible gaps in the coils or signs of rust.
- The Test: With the door closed, pull the red emergency release cord and try to lift the door manually. A properly balanced door should move easily and stay in place halfway up. If it feels heavy or slams down, your springs are likely fatigued and need a professional adjustment.
3. Inspect the Weather Seals
The rubber seal at the bottom of your door often freezes to the driveway in the winter. When the door opens, that seal can crack or tear, leaving your garage vulnerable to spring rain and pests.
- The Fix: Check for brittleness or gaps. Replacing a worn seal is a simple way to improve your home’s energy efficiency—a small fix that makes a big difference during those unpredictable Central PA spring storms.
Get Your Spring Tune-Up
Don’t wait for a “bang” in the middle of the night to realize your garage door needs help. A professional tune-up can extend the life of your system and give you peace of mind.
While you’re checking off your spring home maintenance list, don’t forget to check back at our website, Glicks.com to see how we can help keep your home running smoothly. Whether you want to stop by our State College showroom on Rolling Ridge Drive or need service near our Shamokin Dam headquarters, the team at Glicks.com is here to help our neighbors in Milton, Lewisburg, and beyond.