Skip to What You Need
- Start with an Inspection of Your Garage Door
- How to Inspect your garage door
- Check the Exterior for any Warping, Dents, or Cracks
- Check the Interior Door
- Inspect the Photo Eye Sensors
- Check your Remotes and Wall Buttons
- Inspect the Track and Rollers for Foreign Objects and Dirt
- Test Your Garage Door in Manual Mode
- Inspect the Springs
- Inspect the Weatherstripping
- What to Look Out for During the Inspection
- Supplies You Need to Maintain Your Garage Door
- The Impact of South Africa’s Climate on Your Garage Door’s Health
- Why Maintaining Your Garage Door Saves You Money
Introduction
Your garage is more than just a place for your car to sleep at night. For many it serves as a convenient (and sometimes over-utilised) storage space.
It is the face of your home and one of the main security features used to protect you and your belongings. Therefore, maintaining them from both an aesthetic and security perspective is essential.
According to the Centre for Affordable Housing Finance in Africa, there are approximately 6.74 million residential properties in South Africa. This means that there are over 6 million houses with a garage door that needs to be looked after and maintained.
While wood is more visually appealing, it takes a little more love and care to combat the inevitable wear caused by South Africa’s diverse climate.
Start With an Inspection of Your Garage Door
You can’t fix what you don’t know is broken. We recommend setting a date and conducting routine maintenance checks at least once a year. While your door may last upwards of 15 years, the motor, springs, and lights will require more frequent attention.
Some of the key areas you should focus on when inspecting your wood garage door are the tracks, screws, bolts, wooden panelling, and any sensors.
How to Inspect Your Wood Garage Door
Many components of your garage door are getting used at least twice a day. This level of wear and tear means that spotting potential issues before they rise can save you a considerable number of headaches and money. Here are 8 steps you can take towards maintaining your wooden garage door:
Check the Exterior for any Warping, Dents, or Cracks
Prolonged exposure to water, sunlight, or humidity can lead to the wood on your garage door warping or cracking. Not only does this compromise the climate in your garage, but it also poses a security risk.
Check the Interior Door
Although less likely due to the lack of weather exposure, you should also make sure there is no damage on the inside of your wood garage door.
Inspect the Photo Eye Sensors
Should your garage door have photo eye sensors, these are a good place to start since they prevent your door from closing on cars or even people. They are often found on the floor near the garage door.
Check your Remotes and Wall Buttons
Often overlooked due to the existence of each other, checking that all your remotes work and that the push buttons inside your garage are also functional is essential.
Inspect the Track and Rollers for Foreign Objects and Dirt
One of the most common reasons for garage doors breaking is foreign objects getting stuck in the track. This puts additional strain on the motor and can damage the roller wheels.
Test Your Garage Door in Manual Mode
South African’s are no stranger to switching their garage to manual mode. The last thing you want is to get locked in because you forgot to replace the manual hook. Ensure it both opens and closes smoothly in this mode.
Inspect the Springs
Whether your wood garage door has torsion or extension springs, check them for signs of rust, general wear, or breakage. You should also ensure that they are adequately lubricated.
Inspect the Weatherstripping
The rubber tread on the bottom and sides of your garage door is called weatherstripping. In South Africa’s climate it is an integral part of maintaining your wood garage door. Check it for any signs of wear such as warping or cracking.
What to Look Out for During the Inspection
Other than the climate, important things to look out for while inspecting your door include termites, rust, wood rot, paint condition, loose screws, and bolts.
Supplies You Need to Maintain Your Garage Door
Looking after your wood garage door is easier than you might think. 5 main supplies you might need include:
- A lubricant or graphite powder
- A step ladder,
- A torch,
- Sandpaper
- Solvent-based oil
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is using varnish on their wood garage door. Our doors are made from Meranti wood which changes based on the environment.
Varnish is rigid when it dries which can lead to cracking and the exposure of your door to the elements. By making use of a solvent-based, deep-penetrating oil you can maximise the lifespan of your treatment, and in turn, the door itself.
The Impact of South Africa’s Climate on Your Garage Door’s Health
For those living in Cape Town where the climate is Mediterranean, the end is not quite in sight for rainy season. Despite this, South Africa’s climate has a significant impact on your garage door, especially if it is made from wood.
Prolonged exposure to water can lead to warping and cracking. Extensive heat waves can also damage your door which is why we recommend regular solvent-based oil treatments.
Why Maintaining Your Garage Door Saves You Money
As the old saying goes: “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” Investing in quality oils and cleaning your tracks will always be cheaper than having to replace an entire panel or garage door.
A wood garage door is more than an entryway, it is an investment in your home’s safety and beauty. If you are interested in a reliable and efficient garage door provider in South Africa, reach out to Roos Garage Doors.
