Two tips for keeping your automatic garage door in good condition
If you have just had an automatic garage door installed in your garage, here are some things you can do to ensure that it stays in good condition for as long as possible.
Keep the floor area below the door free from debris
One very simple step you can take to prevent the premature demise of your new garage door is to ensure that the floor area below it is kept free from debris; this includes things like stones, branches and any tools or gardening equipment that you keep lying around in this part of your home.
The reason for this is as follows: if there is a piece of debris left in this area when you are closing the door with the remote, and you fail to notice and remove the debris, this object may damage your new door.
In the case of an automatic roller door or retractable door (i.e. a door which moves in a straight vertical line, rather than swinging outwards), the object could dent or crack the door as the door presses down on it.
This type of damage could affect the appearance of the door, as well as its functionality (as the dent or crack may mean that the door can no longer act as a barrier that prevents rainwater and rodents from getting into the garage).
As such, it is a good idea to get into the habit of keeping this area of your garage free from debris and doing a quick check of the floor every time you need to close the door.
Check for dampness in your garage on a regular basis
If you want to keep your new garage door in good condition, you should watch out for signs that your garage may have a dampness problem.
The reason for this is as follows; most automatic garage doors are controlled by an electric motor, which is usually located at the top of the door, close to the roof or the ceiling of the garage.
If a garage becomes damp, condensation may form on the roof or ceiling and may start to drip into the motor.
The presence of water inside an electric motor could not only destroy the electrical wiring inside of it but could also put you or one of your family members at risk of being electrocuted when you touch the door (particularly if the door is made from a material which is a good conductor of electricity, such as metal).
As such, it's important to inspect your garage regularly and to call a damp-proofer if you discover any telltale signs of dampness (like black mould on the walls, peeling paint or the aforementioned condensation).
