You have a lot vested in your garage door. No one knows that better than Neighborhood Garage Door Service of San Diego, CA. That’s why we suggest creating a habit of regular maintenance for your garage door. A few minutes once a month can help you spot problems before they get out of control requiring more expensive repairs.
Check for proper operation
Part of regular maintenance for your garage door includes making sure that all the operating features are working properly. Starting in the beginning of 1993, federal law has mandated certain safety features in garage door openers. These features are outlined in the UL325 standards as established by the Underwriters Laboratories.
The codes require reversal features that prevent the door from closing on people or pets. Because so much time has passed since these laws have come into effect, many manufacturers no longer make repair parts for openers that don’t feature these safety feature. If you encounter problems with one of these openers, it is better to go ahead and replace the opener rather than try to repair it.
Start with checking the infrared sensors that prevent the door from closing on any object under the door. Push the closure button to start closing the door. Then slide an object across the threshold on the ground to break the infrared beam. This should cause the door to stop and reverse.
Next, place an object like a 2×4 on the ground in the path of the door, but not the path of the infrared sensor. Push the closure button again and allow the door to close until it touches the object. Once it bumps the object, it should immediately stop and reverse. If it pushes down on the object at all, you may need to have the reversal function checked.
Finally, check the overall balance. Your overhead door is set up in such a way that the springs both assist in lifting, and keep the door in the up position. To check this feature, pull the release mechanism to enable manual operation. Lift the garage door. If you encounter any resistance on the way up, you have a problem that needs to be addressed. When you release the door, it should stay up at least three to four feet above the floor. If not, you will need a trained technician to perform repairs.
Parts
After checking the overall operation, you’ll also want to check the various parts of your garage door. Perform a simple visual check on all the hardware on your garage door. Check the hinges, tracks, rollers, springs, pulleys, bottom brackets, and cables. Check for rust, cracks, and other indicators of wear and tear.
Some parts can be easily replaced. However, because of the high tension that the springs, brackets, and cables are under, you should not attempt repairs or adjustments to these parts. Call a professional repair technician to perform these repairs.
While inspecting these parts, it is a good idea to go ahead and lubricate them as well. Use a simple lubricant, not a heavy grease. These heavy greases can cause excess build up and cause problems down the road. As you lubricate the tracks, you should check for buildup of dust or other debris.
If you encounter any problems that that you’re not sure about repairing on your own, call us right away. Neighborhood Garage Door Service of San Diego, CA has professional customer service representative ready to take your call. Our trained repair technicians are nearby and can often be on site the same day to help diagnose your problems and begin repairs.
