Is your commercial garage door making strange noises or moving slower than usual? Regular lubrication keeps your garage door running smooth and helps avoid costly repairs. This guide will show you the steps for routine commercial garage door lubrication that you can do on your own.
Get ready to learn the simple tricks that will make your door work like new again.
Key Takeaways
- Regular lubrication every 6 months keeps commercial garage doors working smoothly and prevents costly repairs.
- White lithium grease works best for metal hinges and rollers, while silicone spray suits tight spots around bearing plates. Door tracks need cleaning but no lubricant.
- Clean all parts with automotive brake cleaner first, then apply lubricant sparingly to avoid dirt buildup. Too much grease attracts dust and makes doors work harder.
- Springs need special care with lithium-based grease and should be checked for wear every 3-6 months. Only certified techs should adjust or replace springs.
- Keep a maintenance log to track when you last greased door parts. Cold weather affects how lubricants work, so doors may need extra care in winter.
Identifying Key Garage Door Components for Lubrication
Your garage door has many parts that need regular care to work well. A good start is to check the spots where metal touches metal, such as hinges and rollers, as these areas need the most attention during maintenance.
Hinges, rollers, and bearing plates
Garage door hinges need care every six months to work well. These metal parts move the door up and down many times each day. White lithium grease works best on metal hinges and keeps them from making noise.
Metal rollers also need this grease to roll smoothly in the tracks. Clean parts first with a cloth to remove dirt before adding any grease.
Bearing plates sit at the top of commercial garage doors and carry heavy loads. These parts need proper lubrication to prevent wear on the door system. Silicone spray works great for tight spots around the bearing plates.
Metal rollers need grease, but nylon rollers should stay dry. A clean surface helps the lubricant stick better to all these parts. Next, we’ll explore how to keep the springs and door tracks in top shape through proper care.
Springs and door tracks
Springs play a vital role in your door system’s smooth operation. Your torsion and extension springs need lubrication every six months to stay flexible and strong. A good lithium-based grease works best for these parts.
The springs and bearing plates at the top of your door need special care to avoid wear and tear.
Door tracks need a different kind of care than springs. These metal guides don’t need any lubricant at all. Instead, clean them with a damp cloth or automotive brake cleaner to remove dirt and dust buildup.
Clean tracks help rollers move freely and reduce strain on your opener. Your local climate affects how often you’ll need to maintain these parts. Let’s move on to the proper steps for lubricating your commercial garage door components.
Step-by-Step Guide to Proper Lubrication
A well-oiled garage door needs the right steps and tools for smooth operation. We’ll show you the exact spots to clean, the perfect amount of lubricant to use, and how to make your commercial garage door glide like new.
Cleaning and preparing parts
Clean garage door parts need proper care before adding any lubricant. Your commercial garage door parts must stay free from dirt and grime to work smoothly.
- Spray automotive brake cleaner on hinges, rollers, and springs to remove built-up dirt. Let each part dry fully before moving forward.
- Clear tracks with a damp rag to remove debris that could stop smooth door movement. Use soap and water for stubborn spots.
- Check all screws, nuts, and bolts for tightness using a wrench. Replace any loose or rusty hardware right away.
- Test the door balance by lifting it halfway. The door should stay in place without moving up or down.
- Remove old grease and oil from the bearings with a clean cloth. Make sure no residue stays behind.
- Look for worn parts that need replacement before adding new lubricant. Bad parts can damage your door system.
- Clean the opener chain or belt with a dry cloth to remove dust and old lubricant. This helps the opener work better.
- Dry all parts completely with clean rags. Moisture trapped under new lubricant can cause rust.
- Inspect door seals to ensure they touch the ground evenly. Clean seals help keep dirt out of moving parts.
Applying the right lubricant effectively
Now that your garage door parts are clean, you’ll need the right lubricant for smooth operation. Proper lubrication keeps your commercial garage door running smoothly and extends its lifespan.
- Apply silicone spray or white lithium grease to each hinge point using short bursts
- Spray lubricant directly into the bearings within the rollers while rotating them by hand
- Target the torsion springs with lubricant, coating them from end to end
- Put lubricant on all bearing plates where metal parts meet and move against each other
- Spray a small amount into the door track, focusing on areas where rollers touch
- Use the straw attachment to reach tight spots and keep the spray contained
- Operate the door manually several times to spread the lubricant evenly
- Remove excess lubricant with a clean cloth to prevent dirt buildup
- Focus extra attention on parts that show signs of rust or make noise
- Apply lubricant to the opener chain if your system uses one
- Spray door cables lightly from top to bottom
- Test the door’s movement after lubrication to ensure smooth operation
- Schedule your next lubrication in 3-6 months based on usage and weather conditions
Adjusting Commercial Garage Door Springs
Commercial garage door springs need careful handling for safe operation. Regular spring adjustments help prevent accidents and extend the life of your garage door system.
- Check the door’s balance by disconnecting the opener and lifting the door halfway. A balanced door stays in place without support.
- Look for signs of wear on torsion springs, including rust spots or gaps between coils.
- Test the spring tension using the proper tools. The door should lift smoothly without sticking or jerking.
- Inspect cables for fraying or damage during cold weather, as low temperatures can make springs brittle.
- Clean the springs with automotive brake cleaner to remove dirt and grime buildup.
- Apply a light coat of lithium-based lubricant to the springs and bearing plates.
- Ensure proper cable alignment on both sides of the door before making any adjustments.
- Keep track of maintenance dates and schedule professional inspections once a year.
- Stop using the door if you hear unusual noises from the springs during operation.
- Call a certified technician for spring replacements or major tension adjustments.
- Mark the spring position before making small adjustments to maintain proper balance.
- Test the door’s movement after each adjustment by manually opening and closing it.
Troubleshooting Common Lubrication and Installation Issues
Garage door problems often start with poor lubrication habits. Noisy doors, sticky movements, or hard-to-open gates signal the need for quick maintenance fixes. Dirt and debris build-up makes rollers work harder, causing strain on your garage door opener.
Most issues clear up with a good cleaning and proper lubrication schedule. Your door may need extra care during cold weather since low temperatures affect how lubricants work.
Regular checks help catch problems before they get worse. Start by cleaning parts with automotive brake cleaner to remove old grease and grime. Apply fresh lubricant to hinges, rollers, and bearing plates every six months.
Older doors need more frequent care to stay in top shape. Keep a maintenance log to track when you last greased your door parts. This simple step helps prevent costly repairs and keeps your garage door running smoothly and quietly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Lubrication
Knowing the common mistakes in garage door lubrication can save you from costly repairs, and you’ll want to read more about the right ways to grease your commercial garage door parts.
Over-lubrication or using the wrong products
Too much grease creates a sticky mess on your garage door parts. Excess lubricant attracts dirt and dust, making your door’s moving parts work harder than needed. Oil-based products like WD-40 seem like a good choice, but they cause more problems by collecting grime over time.
Smart garage door maintenance needs the right amount of silicone-based lubricants for smooth operation.
Your garage door needs proper care with the correct products to stay in top shape. White lithium grease works great but must be applied sparingly to avoid buildup. Cold weather needs special low-temperature lubricants to keep parts moving freely.
Regular garage door maintenance with the right products stops noise and cuts down on friction. Next, we’ll explore other key mistakes that can harm your commercial garage door system.
Neglecting critical components
Many garage owners skip vital parts during maintenance checks. Critical spots like springs, rollers, and bearing plates need regular care every 3-6 months. Dirt builds up fast on these moving parts, making your door work harder than needed.
Your garage door opener strains more with dirty or dry components. This leads to costly repairs and early part replacements.
Your garage door’s lock mechanisms and keyholes need proper lubrication to stay smooth. Strange noises from your door signal trouble spots that need quick attention. Clean each part before adding new lubricant to remove old grease and grime.
A balanced door puts less stress on all parts, helping them last longer. Smart maintenance starts with knowing what parts need care and how often to check them. Let’s explore the most common mistakes people make during garage door lubrication.
Conclusion
Regular garage door lubrication keeps your business running smoothly. Your door will last longer and work better with proper care and maintenance. Smart business owners know that a well-oiled door means fewer repairs and happy customers.
Set up a maintenance schedule today, and watch your commercial garage door work like new for years to come. Your door deserves the best care possible to keep serving your business needs.
FAQs
1. How often should I lubricate my commercial garage door?
For reliable garage door operation, lubricate your garage door every six months. In areas with lots of dirt and dust, you may need to lubricate the door more frequently.
2. What parts of the garage door need lubrication?
Focus on lubricating the rollers, springs and bearings, garage door track, and the opener chain. The moving parts of your garage door need special attention, including the top of the door and any ball bearings.
3. What’s the best lubricant to use on commercial garage doors?
Use a lubricant made of soap and oil, like lithium-based grease. Aerosol spray lubricants are ideal for garage doors because they can reach small spaces. Avoid using motor oil, as it can attract dirt.
4. How do I properly lubricate a garage door?
First, clean the parts with an automotive brake cleaner. Then, apply the lubricant along the track, spread the grease around evenly, and wipe away any excess lubricant. Use an attachment to keep the spray focused on specific areas.
5. Why is garage door lubrication important?
Regular lubrication is an important maintenance task that keeps your door working smoothly. Without it, parts become harder for the rollers to move, causing the opener to work harder, especially in low temperatures.
6. Should I lubricate the lock and key mechanism?
Yes, the lock and key need lubrication at least once a year. This helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to manually open the door when needed. Use a dry lubricant to avoid attracting dirt.