Like any installation, automatic doors, and especially garage doors, must be maintained to maintain a good level of service and improve their longevity. However, by following some tips we can lengthen the useful life of the door and, above all, reduce possible breakdowns. Today we share some recommendations to take care of your garage door.
Do not use the garage door as a pedestrian crossing
One of the main problems is the overuse of these mechanisms to save meters walking, which means adding at least two movements (opening and closing) to each event, which multiplies the number of maneuvers of a door.
We cannot forget that a door is a machine in which different mechanical elements are in friction, generating wear. In the long term it is a sure source of problems, due to the increase in movement.
Clean the area around the door periodically
The door opening and the spaces around it are well cleaned to facilitate operation.
The reason for this is because the tendency to accumulate dust, leaves, bags or other objects causes jams.
Small animals or insects can also clog the system or accidentally damage its proper function.
Maintain proper equipment lubrication
The use of oil is essential for the elements in friction. With it, chafing systems such as the hinges, the lock, the latch or areas where the motor and the door rotate are not worn out or cause annoying noises.
This advice is also applicable to excess fat, something equally harmful to the durability of the elements. Over time and in contact with dirt or low temperatures, grease becomes caked, solidifying and causing recurrent breakdowns.
Keep the motor and wiring dry
Although most of the equipment is prepared to work outdoors, the cold and rainy seasons suppose an extra effort for the doors. Moisture affects motors and can lead to a breakdown.
Therefore, a correct waterproofing of any part of the system, to avoid leaks and to keep the joints and the control panels and photocells as dry as possible, because its electrical system could deteriorate and fail.
How to choose the motor for my sliding gate?
The aspects to take into account when choosing the sliding gate motor are the following.
1. Door weight
The weight of the door directly influences the power that the motor must have to drag it, in this way knowing the weight we can choose one motor or another. Comment that the weight of an average door of about 4 meters is usually between 100 and 400 kg, depending on the material it is made of. If it is solid or not, or if it has plates or tubes, a motor that drives doors of 400 kg should generally suffice. More important than the weight is that the door is well greased and the bearings are in good condition, otherwise the motor will surely not work. In the event that the door is very heavy, there are motors that drag 600 kg, or even much more. Check here for more details about Precise Garage Doors Services
2. Door length
The length influences the travel of the motor, in many cases having a limit of meters, in addition the length directly influences the weight of the door.
3. Type of installation
The usual thing in an electrical installation is that it works with energy from 110 to 220v, however there are motors that have the possibility of working at 24v, which allows them to be connected directly to batteries for their operation. This is very useful also when there is no possibility to bring electrical current to the motor.
4. Number of cycles or openings
An engine for private use is not the same as an engine for community use. An engine for private use is prepared to operate an average of 20-30 daily openings, however an engine for community use can multiply these cycles by 10, as its architecture is much more resistant and adequate.
In addition to these aspects, when choosing a door motor, the speed of opening, its noise during opening, also the possibility of programmable soft stop or the option of pedestrian opening are important.
