Why Lubrication is Important
Your garage door is one of the most frequently used moving parts in your home. Without proper lubrication, metal components like springs, hinges, and rollers can experience metal-on-metal friction, leading to:
- Squeaking and rattling noises
- Rust and corrosion
- Premature wear and tear of parts
- Binding and jamming
- Potential door failure
Regular lubrication helps to mitigate these issues, ensuring your garage door operates smoothly and quietly. Adding this task to your regular home maintenance routine can save you hundreds of dollars in potential repairs by protecting the door’s hardware from excessive wear and tear.
What Not to Use: Avoiding Common Mistakes
A common mistake homeowners make is using WD-40 to lubricate their garage door parts. While WD-40 is great for cleaning and removing rust, it is not a lubricant. In fact, it strips away existing lubrication, which can accelerate wear and tear on your garage door parts. Additionally, petroleum-based lubricants should be avoided as they can degrade plastic and rubber components, causing more harm than good in the long run.
Types of Garage Door Lubricants
Different types of lubricants serve specific purposes and have unique properties. Here’s a detailed look at some of the best options
PTFE Lubricant
Description: Also known as polytetrafluoroethylene lubricant, PTFE is a high-performance synthetic that reduces friction and wear.
Uses: Suitable for various applications, including lubricating rollers and hinges.
Properties: Prized for its non-stick properties and superior resistance to extreme temperatures and chemicals.
White Lithium Grease
Description: A thick, white grease that is resistant to water and dust.
Uses: Ideal for hinges, rollers, and springs.
Properties: Provides excellent protection against rust and corrosion and is particularly effective for metal-to-metal contact points.
Oil-Based Lubricants
Description: Typically formulated with mineral or petroleum-based oils, offering exceptional lubrication and protection for garage door components.
Uses: Perfect for springs, rollers, tracks, and hinges.
Properties: Can withstand temperature fluctuations and reduce friction, prolonging the life of garage door mechanisms.
Recommendation: Particularly recommended for high-temperature and heavy-load environments. They provide robust and durable lubrication, ensuring smooth and efficient operation under extreme stress, making them ideal for frequent use and harsh conditions.
Silicone Spray
Description: A thin, clear lubricant that is easy to apply and dries quickly.
Uses: Ideal for areas where a clean, non-greasy application is needed, such as plastic or rubber parts.
Properties: Leaves a protective film that reduces friction and prevents rust and corrosion.
Synthetic Lubricants
Description: Provide long-lasting, reliable lubrication for essential components.
Uses: Ensures smooth, noise-free operation and minimal wear and tear for garage door systems.
Properties: Particularly resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations.
Recommendation: Ideal for high-tension areas and extreme temperature conditions. Perfect for springs, bearing plates, and other critical parts of the garage door system.
Graphite Powder
Description: A dry lubricant often used on garage door tracks.
Uses: Effectively reduces friction and prevents squeaking.
Properties: Excellent for high-temperature environments where traditional lubricants might break down.
Recommendation: Can be messy to apply but is highly effective in reducing friction and preventing squeaking, especially in high-temperature conditions.
Forest Garage Doors Private Label Lubricant
Description: While there are many options available for overhead door lubrication, each with its own recommended uses and pros and cons, we offer an exclusively developed, green formula that meets all your garage door lubrication needs. Engineered with pharmaceutical-grade machine oils and the newest technology in high friction anti-wear and anti-corrosive additives to exceed garage door industry standards. Tested and approved by industry professionals.
Uses: While our versatile lubricant can be used throughout the house—on lawn equipment, fishing reels, bicycles, and motorcycles — it is powerful enough for industrial and even marine applications. It’s also safe to use around food!
Properties:
- Long-lasting – will not dry out, gum up, or turn gooey
- Non-toxic, non-halogenic, non-carcinogenic
- Non-staining, non-conductive, non-static
- Low VOC, No CFCs, and no residual petroleum odor
- Safe on plastics, metals, paints, enamels, and fiberglass
Recommendation: Use it early, use it often … on everything. We sell it in our showroom, come on in and grab a bottle.
How to Lubricate Garage Door Parts: A Step-by-Step Guide
This is a super-easy do-it-yourself task, especially if you choose a lubricant that comes in a spray can. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Disconnect the Power: Before you start, disconnect the garage door opener from the power source to ensure safety.
- Open the Door Manually: This gives you access to all the moving parts without the risk of the door operating unexpectedly.
- Clean the Tracks: Wipe the inside and outside of the tracks with a damp rag to remove dirt and debris. Never use lubricant on the tracks, as it can attract dirt and grime, increasing friction.
- Apply Lubricant to Hinges: Lubricate each hinge where it meets the bend of the track to ensure smooth movement.
- Lubricate the Rollers: Apply lubricant to the rollers, including the tiny ball bearings inside each roller. Be sure to wipe away any excess to prevent imbalance. Avoid lubricating nylon rollers, as this can damage them.
- Lubricate Springs and Bearing Plates: Lubricate the springs and bearing plates at the top of the garage door. Open and close the door a few times to distribute the lubricant evenly.
- Lubricate the Armbar and Lock: If your door has a manual lock, lubricate the keyhole and the large armbar at the top of the door to ensure smooth operation.
- Lubricate the Rail: Apply lubricant to the top of the rail (where the chain rides) and spread it around with a rag. Avoid greasing the chain itself, as it usually has its own built-in lubricant.
- Reconnect the Power: Once all parts are lubricated, reconnect the garage door opener to the power source.
General Garage Door Lubrication Tips
- Lubricate your garage door every six months, or more frequently if you live in a harsh environment.
- Use an all-weather product to prevent lubricants from becoming thick and viscous in low temperatures.
- Avoid over-lubricating, as excess lubricant can attract dirt and dust, leading to further maintenance issues.
- If you are unsure how to lubricate your garage door or prefer professional assistance, consult with a qualified garage door repair company.
Regular lubrication is a simple yet crucial aspect of garage door maintenance that can significantly extend the lifespan of your garage door components.
By choosing the right lubricants and following proper application techniques, you can ensure smooth, quiet, and efficient operation of your garage door for years to come. Remember, if in doubt, it’s always best to consult with a professional garage door technician to ensure your door receives the best possible care.
