One of the most commonly used garage door opener drive types in both commercial and residential homes is chain drive garage door openers. A chain drive opener uses a chain to assist in the opening and closing mechanism of the garage door. Chain drive garage door openers are notable for their strength, longevity, and inexpensiveness. However, these openers are only able to achieve their maximum strength and longevity through regular maintenance. Here are some chain drive garage door opener maintenance tips that will help you get the most out of your opener.
1. Lubricate Your Chain Drive Garage Door Opener Regularly
In order for your chain drive garage door opener to work properly, make sure to lubricate it periodically. A chain drive that doesn’t get lubricated as needed will rust severely and make the garage door more difficult to operate. It is recommended that you lubricate your chain drive garage door opener at least twice a year. Successfully lubricating this garage door opener requires the following two steps:
1. Clean Out Any Dirt and Debris
Before completing any lubrication, use a damp cloth to clean out any accumulated dirt, dust, or debris on the chain drive. Lubricating without cleaning first will get those particles stuck and lead to potential future problems. Make sure the chain drive is nice and dry before the next step.
2. Apply Silicone Spray Lubricant
Once your chain drive is dry, use a silicone spray lubricant for your chain drive garage door opener. Silicone spray is recommended because of its moisture resistance, which makes it ideal for keeping from attracting particles. Silicone spray is also easy to use and tends to leave little to no mess.
2. Check The Chain Drive Garage Door Opener For Tension
When performing maintenance on your chain drive garage door opener, one of the main things you want to look out for is tension. If your garage door is experiencing difficulty with opening completely, you need to see if there is tension in the chain drive. Checking for tension involves ensuring that the chain is only tightened with one-half or one-quarter inch of room between the chain, the drive, and the rail; overtightening can cause the drive to malfunction.
3. Make Sure The Sensors Are Aligned
Chain drive garage door opener sensor alignment literally makes or breaks its operability. These sensors ensure that the garage door doesn’t close on any obstruction in its path, including pets and children. Checking that your sensors are aligned will ensure high functionality for your garage door opener.
4. Optional: Reduce Noise
The primary drawback of chain drive garage door openers is the amount of noise they produce. If you don’t want to change the hardware of your garage door opener mechanisms completely, there are still ways to soundproof your chain drive garage door opener without needing to replace it. One possible solution is to invest in garage door insulation. Garage door insulation not only provides soundproofing. It also increases its durability and helps keep the inside of your home warm during cold winters and cool during hot summers. Another solution is to stay on top of regular garage door maintenance routines. This includes lubrication, tightening screws, and making sure the tightness of the chain is just right.
Our Garage Door Technicians Are Ready To Help!
If your garage door opener runs on a chain drive, we hope this blog was extra helpful in answering any of your questions about its maintenance. If you need the chain replaced, require maintenance, or need any other services for your garage door opener, our garage door technicians are ready to help at a moment’s notice. Contact us today for the best garage door service in the Baytown area.
