Prevent Future Hinge Problems

Door hinges are often overlooked on a garage door until something goes wrong. A noisy or broken hinge may seem like a minor problem, but left unchecked, it could lead to more significant damage to your garage door. The good news is that preventing these issues is easier than you think. By understanding the common causes of hinge failure and following a handful of garage door maintenance tips, you can keep your garage door running smoothly and avoid costly repairs down the line. A1A Overhead Door Company offers tips to help prevent garage door hinge issues.

The Top Causes of Garage Door Hinge Failure

To prevent garage door hinge failure, it’s essential to understand the causes of this issue. Here are the most common culprits behind hinge damage and wear and tear:

• Lack of Lubrication: Without proper lubrication, garage hinges experience excessive friction every time the door opens or closes. Over time, this leads to grinding, wear, and even noisy garage door hinges that can signal trouble.
• Rust and Corrosion: Moisture and humidity can wreak havoc on metal components, including your garage door hinges. Rust weakens the hinge’s structure, making it prone to breakage under the weight of the garage door.
• Excessive Weight or Imbalance: If your garage door isn’t balanced correctly, the extra strain on the hinges can cause them to wear out quickly. A heavy door with worn-out springs can also add stress to the hinges over time.
• Lack of Regular Inspections: Tiny cracks, loose screws, and other minor issues with your garage door hinges can escalate if left unaddressed. Without regular inspections, you might be unaware of these problems until it’s too late.
• Normal Wear and Tear: Like any mechanical part, garage door hinges are subject to wear and tear from repeated use. If your garage door sees a lot of daily operation, the hinges may wear out faster than expected.

How to Prevent Garage Door Hinge Issues

Prevention is key to keeping your garage door working smoothly. Below, we explain some of the best ways to stay ahead of garage door wear and tear and avoid the need for garage door hinge replacement.

Regular Lubrication

One of the simplest and most effective steps for preventing hinge issues is regular lubrication of garage hinges. Use a silicone-based or lithium-based lubricant to coat the hinges, rollers, and other moving parts. Doing this every 3-6 months will reduce friction and prevent squeaking.

Inspect Your Hinges

Take a few minutes every couple of months to inspect your garage door hinges. Look for visible cracks, rust, or loose screws. Tighten any loose hardware and address small issues before they turn into bigger problems.

Balance Your Garage Door

If your garage door feels heavy or isn’t opening and closing evenly, it could be unbalanced. An unbalanced door puts added pressure on the hinges and other components. Contact a garage door service professional to have the springs adjusted and ensure the door is properly balanced.

Protect Against Rust

If you live in a humid area or your garage is prone to moisture, take extra steps to protect your hinges from rust. Wipe them down regularly, and apply a rust inhibitor or lubricant to create a barrier against moisture.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Not all problems can be identified or resolved independently. Hiring a garage door service technician for annual maintenance ensures your entire system, including the hinges, is inspected and serviced properly.

When to Replace a Garage Door Hinge

Despite your best efforts, there may come a time when garage door hinge repair isn’t enough, and replacement becomes necessary. Signs that it’s time to replace your hinges include visible cracks, hinges that no longer move smoothly even after lubrication, or hinges that feel loose despite tightening the screws. Reach out to us for a professional option on a garage door hinge replacement.

Protect Your Garage Door for the Long Haul

A1A Overhead Door Company is here for all your garage door needs. Your garage door hinges do a big job, but with a little attention and regular maintenance, you can ensure they function properly for years to come. Contact us today to schedule garage door maintenance.