Caring for Your Home

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Garage Overhead Door

Since the garage door is a large, moving object, periodic maintenance is necessary.

Every six months, apply a 30-weight automobile oil or similar lubricant to all moving parts: track, rollers, hinges, pulleys, and springs. At the same time, check to see that all hardware is tight and operating as intended without binding or scraping. Avoid overlubricating to prevent drips on vehicles or the concrete floor.

If the lock becomes stiff, apply a silicone or graphite lubricant. Do not use oil on a lock, as it will stiffen in winter and make the lock difficult to operate.

To prevent damage to a garage door opener, be sure the door is completely unlocked and the rope-pull has been removed before using the operator. If you have an opener installed after closing on your home, we suggest that you order it from the company that provided and installed the garage door to assure uninterrupted warranty coverage. Be familiar with the steps for manual operation of the door in the event of a power failure.

If Oliver Homes installed a door opener as one of your selections, during orientation we demonstrate the electric eye that provides a safety stop in the event someone crosses through the opening while the overhead door is in motion. Use care not to place tools or other stored items where they interfere with the function of the electric eye.

Repaint the garage door when you repaint your home, or more often if needed to maintain a satisfactory appearance.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe and reliable operation. Do not allow anyone except the operator near the door when it is in motion. Keep hands and fingers away from all parts of the door except the handle. Do not allow children to play with or around the door.

For your safety, after the expiration of the one-year warranty, have any needed adjustments made by a qualified specialist. The door springs are under a considerable amount of tension and require special tools and knowledge for accurate and safe servicing. Have the door inspected by a professional garage door technician after any significant impact to the door.

The garage door may sag slightly due to its weight and span. This will stabilize after the panels have dried if they are wood panels.

The garage door should operate smoothly and with reasonable ease. The door can become misaligned and require adjustment, which Oliver Homes will provide unless the problem is caused by the installation of a garage door opener subsequent to closing on the home.

Garage overhead doors cannot be air tight. Some light will be visible around the edges and across the top of the door. Severe weather conditions may result in some precipitation entering around the door.