Helpful Garage Door Supplies To Keep Around

Having several garage door supplies on hand will prevent a homeowner from many garage door catastrophes or late-night trips to the hardware store.

Basic Tools
A toolbox filled with several basic tools will be useful not only for garage door repairs, but for many other repairs around the house. These tools should include Phillips and flat head screwdrivers, a wrench, pliers, a level, a utility knife, and safety glasses, among other things.

Contact Information of a Qualified Repair Professional
Garage door springs are under extreme tension because of the load they must lift, and because of that they are extremely dangerous to adjust. If the door is well lubricated and the tracks are aligned, but the door still gives you trouble, there is a good chance that the problem is your door's springs. Even the most qualified home repairman cannot safely adjust these springs. Improperly adjusted springs can snap and take a head off. If you suspect there is a problem with your door's springs, you need to contact a qualified repair professional to fix them.

Stain or Paint for a Wooden Door
If your garage door is made of wood, you will need to keep it properly painted or stained, both inside and outside. If you only finish the outside of the door, the door may warp, and moisture may cause the paint to peel. The exterior will only need to be refinished once every year or two, but it is bound to get chips and cracks in the paint. Keeping a small amount of matching paint will be useful for touching up small areas.

Oil
Many problems arise from a garage door that is not properly lubricated. Read your owner's manual to find what kind of oil is recommended by the manufacturer, and always keep some of that oil on hand. All rollers and hinges need to be oiled once a year. This is also a good time to inspect your door for any loose screws, bolts, or nuts and tighten those so that the door won't fall out of adjustment.

Cleaning Products
Your door should be cleaned periodically with a mild detergent and brush. Though most manufacturers only recommend cleaning your door a minimum of once a year, the exterior of the door is bound to get dirty from its exposure to the elements. Usually ordinary dish soap and a garden hose will be sufficient. A brush can be used to remove any stubborn stains.