Most garage doors are designed to last at least 10 to 20 years, but as with any major investment that you make around your home, it is important to make sure that you maintain your garage door.

Depending on what time of year it is, your garage door will require different maintenance. The weather outside has a big impact on your garage door, and causes a variety of wear and tear.

With the summer months just around the corner, now is the time to plan out your summertime garage door maintenance and make sure that you have all of the parts and pieces that you will need.

The summer weather is extremely hot and will cause the elements of your garage door to swell and expand. Also, the heat can cause elements of your garage door to dry out and make it open and close with a lot more effort.

For all of these reasons, it is important to follow these maintenance tips for your garage door:

Take some time to visually inspect the various parts of hardware and look for signs of rust or wear and tear. Things like bent wheels, or worn out rollers should be addressed and inspected by a professional. If your garage door is quite old, you should consider having it professionally inspected on a regular basis. When your garage door opens, it should do so smoothly and without much groaning or creaking. If your garage door is noisy, call a professional and schedule an inspection.

Check the track to make sure it is clean and free from buildup and corrosion. Use a clean, dry cloth to clean out the track and get any obstructions or buildup removed. Then, use a lubricating product that is approved for garage doors to lubricate the hinges, metal rollers, and track. Do not lubricate any plastic or nylon parts and pieces.

Use a sponge and some soapy water to wash the outside of the door and get the road dirt off of it. When the tires on your car spin, they spray road grease, dirt, and water onto the garage door – which, can cause rust and corrosion.