Critical for protection and security, your garage door is something that requires occasional maintenance. Like everything else in your house, daily use can wear on the components. Thankfully, there isn't too much to do on your end. If you're wondering what this entails, keep an eye on the following parts.

What Are the Important Garage Door Components? 

1. Panels

When you look at the front of any garage door, you're looking at the panels. They can vary in material and insulation, but regardless of how they're made or what they look like, all you need to worry about is keeping the surface clean. 

Too much dirt can scuff up the exterior surface finish, which will ultimately affect your home's overall curb appeal. Mild soap and water will suffice; you only need to wipe the surface down with a soft cloth or brush and then rinse it with water.

2. Panel Hinges

The panels of a garage door are held together with hinges. Located on the interior side, these allow the panels to curve as the door rolls. Most garage doors use steel hinges, and these need to be lubricated about every three months. 

However, if they start to squeak earlier, then apply a lubricant. If your door uses plastic hinges, do not lubricate them; the chemical reaction between the plastic and the lubricant will break down the material over time. 

3. Door Tracks

At the sides of your garage door are the tracks. These keep the door in place and guide it to move smoothly and safely up and down when it's opening and closing. They only need to be lubricated once a year. However, they need to be cleaned if any dirt accumulates. The same mild mixture of soap and water used for the exterior of the panels will work. 

If your garage door needs more than maintenance, get in touch with Pioneer Overhead Door 3G LLC. Located in Lincoln, NE, this family-owned company has served residents and businesses for more than 50 years. They can repair or replace everything from the tracks to the opener mechanism. You can see examples of their previous projects on their website but if you have questions, call (402) 476-6539 today.