Preventing Damages Caused By Friction: 3 Tips For Lubricating Overhead Doors

Posted on: 5 January 2016

If you ever hear an annoying squeaking sound coming from the overhead doors, it's a sign that they need to be lubricated. The fact that you can hear squeaking indicates that the lifespan of the overhead door is being shortened. The pressure and friction are quickly wearing down the parts. Don't wait until you hear sounds coming from the overhead door before you lubricate it. Be proactive and lubricate the door at least once a year. Don't just slather on any type of lubricant you can find. Here are 3 tips you'll need to know.

Choose the Right Type of Lubricant

Many homeowners are not aware that there are different types of lubricant. They will reach for and slather on just about any lubricant they can find at home; however, the truth is that the type of lubricant you use can actually have a profound impact on the overhead door. Most contractors will recommend that you avoid using standard WD-40 lubricants, as they are not actually that effective and will not penetrate deep into the metal.

The best type of lubricant for metals is lithium grease. This type of lubricant can withstand and tolerate heavy loads, resist water, inhibit corrosion and tolerate temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit

Clean the Garage Door Parts First

Before you slather or spray on the lubricant, you definitely need to clean the garage door part first. While you do not want to wipe or attempt to clean the overhead door springs and cables, you definitely want to clean and clear away debris on the rollers, hinges and locks. You don't need to use any special cleaning solution. Simply wipe away dirt and debris particles with a cloth or a sponge soaked in a solution of mild detergent and water. 

If you fail to clean the garage door parts first, the lubricant may end up covering the dirt and dust particles. As the lubricant can be rather sticky, these particles may start to ball up and become a nuisance or an obstruction that interferes with the regular function and operation of the overhead door.

Make Sure to Avoid Plastic Parts

While you may be under the assumption that all of the overhead door parts are made from metal, this may not be necessarily true. You should be particularly careful when lubricating the hinges because they contain plastic parts. Avoid lubricating the plastic parts, as the lubricant may seep into the plastic and contaminate it. This will only negatively impact the structural integrity of the plastic, and may end up causing it to degrade much more rapidly.

Conclusion

Making sure that the overhead doors are always lubricated will help prevent damages that are caused by friction. Once you have applied the lubricant everywhere, you should raise and lower the overhead door a few times in order to make sure that the lubricant is indeed evenly distributed everywhere.

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