Your garage doors are one of the hardest-working parts of your home, and you use them every day. But how often do you think about them, except when they start to squeak and whine? The answer, of course, is “not very often!” But the fact is, proper lubrication can extend the life of your garage door, and keep it running smoothly. In this article, we will discuss the different types of garage door lubricants, how to use them, and the common mistakes people make in the process.
Before we get into the details, if you are looking for the very best in garage door lubricant, check out the Twin Garage Door, as the products have been chosen for longevity and performance.
Why Lubrication Is Important
Your garage doors have many different parts, and all of them need to be well-lubricated in order to work smoothly and quietly. In fact, without proper lubrication, the following can and will happen:
- Parts will wear out more quickly.
- Your garage door will get noisy.
- Your opener will work harder, and thus use more energy.
- You will hear squeaks, groans, and rattles from the door as it opens and closes.
Lubrication will also help to keep the different parts from corroding, and will reduce heat buildup between different parts of the door, as well as between the door and the opener.
What to Look for in a Garage Door Lubricant
Not all garage door lubricants are the same, and the very best ones will have the following characteristics:
Water Resistance: The garage environment can be quite humid, and the lubricant you use should be able to stand up to this. It should also be one that will not wash away easily under these conditions.
Temperature Stability: The garage environment can get quite cold in the winter, and quite hot in the summer, and the very best lubricants will work well in all these temperatures.
Cling. It should stay on the parts and not run off right away, so you get the benefit of the lubrication.
Non-Gumming. Some of these products have a tendency to pick up dirt and then leave a sticky residue. That causes buildup on the tracks and rollers, and in the end, it can cause more harm than good.
Types of Lubricants and How They Compare
Here are the different types of garage door lubricants you will encounter:
Silicone Spray
Silicone sprays are one of the more common types of garage door lubricants. They are excellent at repelling water and do not pick up much dirt. They work well on all types of materials, including metal, plastic, and rubber. Plus, they are usually colorless and will not stain.
Lithium Grease
Lithium grease is another common garage door lubricant. It comes in a variety of forms, including a spray and a tube. It sticks well to the parts and provides excellent lubrication. The bad news is that it tends to pick up dust and dirt, so use it sparingly.
Teflon (PTFE) Spray
Teflon sprays have tiny particles in the can that reduce friction between parts. These sprays are excellent at providing the kind of lubrication you need, and they do not pick up much dirt. Plus, they are an all-purpose product, so you can use them on all the moving parts on the garage door.
White Lithium Grease
White lithium grease is similar to lithium grease, except it has a white, visible coating. That makes it much easier to see exactly where you have applied the grease, so you can target the problem more effectively. It is a bit thicker and provides more lasting lubrication, but it tends to pick up more dirt and dust.
What to Avoid
- Motor oil and WD-40 are two of the more common types of oil used to grease the garage door, but they are not recommended. The oil will wash right off the parts and can pick up dirt and dust.
- Heavy automotive grease. This is too thick for garage door parts and may cause them to gum up.
Top Recommended Garage Door Lubricants
Some of the best garage door lubricants recommended by professionals include:
Silicone-based lubricating spray: Make sure you choose one that is labeled “silicone lubricant.” This works for all parts of garage doors.
Teflon (PTFE) lubricating spray: This is great for garage doors because it offers strong lubricating properties with minimal build-up.
White lithium grease: This is best used for lubricating metal parts that need a thick coating.
Professional garage door technicians use special garage door lubricating products that are designed for garage doors. This works best for garage doors because it offers the best balance between stickiness, water resistance, and cleanliness.
Step-by-Step: How to Lubricate Your Garage Door
Maintaining a garage door doesn’t require any special skills or training. Here is a step-by-step guide for garage door lubrication:
Clean the garage door. Before you begin lubricating different parts of the garage door, clean them first. This means you need to wipe them clean and remove any dirt or debris that may be present. However, you don’t need to lubricate the tracks.
Spray hinges. This is one of the parts that need lubricating. Make sure you spray them evenly.
Lubricate rollers. This means you need to spray lubricant on the bearings but not the wheel that touches the track.
Coat springs and bearings. This is one part that may be noisy when you don’t lubricate it. A light coating of lithium or Teflon lubricant works best.
Coat bearing plates. This is one part that you may not be familiar with. This is the circular piece that is attached to the end of the springs.
Open and close the garage door. This will ensure that all parts that you lubricated work smoothly.
How Often Should You Lubricate Your Garage Door?
A good practice is to lubricate the garage door’s moving parts at least once every six months. If your garage door operates frequently or is exposed to the elements, lubricating the parts quarterly may be a good idea.
When lubricating the garage door, be aware of the seasons. Some lubricants may become thicker in the winter and thinner in the summer. If you reside in an area with drastic temperature changes, use a lubricant with a wide temperature rating.
Signs Your Garage Door Needs Lubrication
Look out for the following signs:
- Squeaking or grinding noises.
- Slow or jerky movements.
- Rust formation.
- Dust accumulation.
If you see any of these signs, a lubrication session may be the solution to your problems. However, unusual noises or problems may also be a sign of other issues, such as improper alignment or worn-out parts.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Common garage door lubrication mistakes include:
Using too much lubricant. Too much lubricant may attract more dust.
Lubricating the tracks. The tracks must be kept dry and clean.
Using the wrong lubricant. Using household oil or WD-40 does not cut the cake.
Safety Tips
When lubricating your garage door, disconnect the opener. This will prevent the garage door from opening accidentally while lubricating. If your garage door operates with torsion springs, consider leaving the lubrication to a professional. These springs are under a lot of stress.
Final Thoughts
To select the most suitable lubricant for garage doors, one must choose a lubricant that will repel moisture, will not attract dirt, and will remain consistent in all temperature conditions. Silicone and Teflon sprays are the most versatile lubricants and are safe to use with all parts. Lithium-based greases are the most suitable lubricants when more lubrication is required. Lubricating garage doors regularly, at least once every six months, will keep your garage door quiet and smooth.
Garage door maintenance not only helps to minimize the level of noise but also maximizes the overall performance of your garage door. With the correct lubricant and maintenance routine, you will be able to keep your garage door in the best possible condition throughout the year. If you are not sure about the correct lubricant to use or want to select professional-grade lubricants, then you may want to consider garage door lubricant as a starting point.
