subject: Monthly Garage Door Maintenance Is Important [print this page] Garage doors are arguably the largest moving feature in most any home. In addition to vehicle storage, garages provide extra space for tools, seasonal items, and workshop areas for many homes. In this, they provide added value and security, but they can present dangers if their mechanics are not inspected and maintained on a regular basis.
Though the door should be inspected by a professional yearly to make sure that it is working properly, the home's resident should also do routine monthly inspections to keep an eye out for problems that could emerge. Quickly discovering a small problem can save money and prevent potential injury in the long run. When doing the monthly inspection of a garage door, a good starting place is by checking the functioning of the opener.
Since 1982, mandatory guidelines have been in place requiring that the garage door openers will cause the door to reverse if it comes in contact with an object. This auto-reverse feature was added largely to keep children and pets safe from the heavy door. To check the auto-reverse on the door, place an object such as a 2x4 wooden board across the garage door threshold and press the button to close the door. If the door does not reverse when it touches the board, a garage door service should be called to fix this problem.
Assuming that the garage door opening mechanism is working properly, the next check should be of the door itself. The movable parts that make a garage door function as it should can wear out over time, creating potentials for damage to property as well as personal injury. A door that jerks, stops, or falls quickly at certain sections needs to be professionally inspected and repaired.
The bottom brackets of the garage door are typically made to be resistant to tampering, and this should be respected. If they do not look as they are supposed to, it is worthwhile to call in a professional. If the springs need to be replaced, they should be replaced at the same time to be sure they continue to wear evenly. Also look over the cable and see if there are any fraying or worn out sections. Spring and cable replacements should always be done by a professional.
Having a garage adds value, security, and privacy. With proper maintenance and inspections, garage doors can be a long-lasting feature to a home.
