Whether you live in Virginia Beach or anywhere else, a garage door opener that gets stuck is one of the most frustrating home issues to deal with. Not being able to open or close the garage easily can really put a damper on your day. Luckily, many times a sticky garage door opener can be fixed with some simple lubrication. Here are some lubrication hacks to try before calling a professional for garage door opener repair.
Check the Tracks First
One of the main causes of a garage door getting stuck is a buildup of dirt and grime on the tracks that the door rolls along. Take a look at the tracks on both sides of the door and see if they look dusty or gritty. Use a rag to wipe away any debris you see. This alone may be enough to get the door moving smoothly again. Pay special attention to any areas where the tracks make turns.
Lubricate the Tracks
Once the tracks are cleaned, it’s time to apply some lubricant. Garage door tracks are designed to slide easily, so keeping them lubricated is key. Look for a lubricant specifically made for garage doors, which will be thicker than regular oils and won’t drip down. Spray or wipe the lubricant along the top and sides of both tracks. Move the door up and down a few times to work the lubricant in.
Check the Wheels and Rollers
Examine the wheels or rollers on the bottom of the garage door. Like the tracks, they can accumulate dirt and grime over time. Spin each wheel or roller by hand – they should turn smoothly with little resistance. If one feels gritty or stuck, it’s likely causing friction that’s making the door hard to operate. Clean the wheels/rollers with a rag and apply fresh lubricant.
Lubricate the Springs
On many garage door opener models, the door is balanced by extension springs along each side. Over time, these springs can become corroded or rusty. Locate the springs and lubricate them by spraying or wiping on a silicone-based lubricant. Be very careful handling garage door springs – they are under high tension and can cause injury if they snap. Only lubricate springs if you feel comfortable doing so.
Check the Opener Mechanism
The garage door opener itself has moving parts that also need lubrication periodically. Look for any grease fittings and lubricate them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Spray or wipe lubricant on the chain or screw drive that connects to the door as well. Check that the opener runs smoothly without any binding. This will reduce wear and prolong the life of the unit.
Try a Dry Graphite Lubricant
For really stubborn sticky spots, a dry graphite lubricant can work wonders. Graphite leaves behind a micro-thin, dry film that reduces friction extremely well without collecting dirt. Spray or rub graphite lubricant onto problem areas like tracks, wheels, rollers, springs, and moving parts of the opener. Let it work its magic for a day before testing the door.
When to Call a Pro
If lubricating all moving parts and cleaning the tracks doesn’t solve the sticking issue, it may be time to contact a garage door repair professional in Virginia Beach or your local area. A pro can further inspect for problems like worn or broken parts, misaligned tracks, or issues with the opener that require repair or replacement of components. They have the special tools and expertise to get your garage door opening and closing smoothly again.
With some regular lubrication and cleaning, many sticky garage door problems can be avoided. But when friction and sticking start to occur, don’t get frustrated – reach for a lubricant first before calling a technician. These simple hacks may be all that’s needed to restore easy operation and save you from potential repair costs down the road. Keep your garage door tracks and moving parts lubricated, and your opener will run dependably for years to come.
