5 Tips For Inspecting Your Garage Door
Inspecting your garage door is a vital part of maintaining your home’s security and comfort. Follow these 5 tips to make sure everything is working properly and well maintained.
The Photosensors
Photo sensors are located on either side of your garage door. They are designed to stop the garage door from closing if something is in the way. One sensor sends an infrared beam across your garage, while the other detects that beam and determines whether there is anything in the way. If the beam remains uninterrupted between the two sensors, the garage door will close. If the beam is interrupted, however, it will not close and instead open.
The Rollers
The rollers on your garage door help connect each of the panels to the track while the garage door is open and closed. Steel rollers are durable and last for many years if they are properly lubricated. If you are experiencing noisy doors, worn or crooked panels or a door that doesn’t open or close at all, the rollers need to be inspected and replaced. Aside from the rollers, you should also check for any dents or bends that might be impacting the door’s performance. Sometimes, these are not noticeable and they can be fixed with a little bit of pressure, but most of the time, the dents will need to be replaced.
The Torsion Springs
Torsion Springs are a great way to keep your garage door looking and functioning well. They also last longer than extension springs, and they are less likely to damage your garage door or garage contents if they break. Inspect the Torsion Springs by locating the winding cone and stationary cones on both sides of the spring. If you can’t see these, you may need a flashlight. Then, measure the length of each coil on both sides of the spring. Do not include the end cones in this measurement but do include the coils on the cones. Finally, you should also check the wire size on each coil. This is easy to do. To do it, place a penny between two coils. Then count to 20.
The Pulleys
Pulleys are a simple machine that redirects force. They are often used to lift heavy objects by looping a rope over a wheel that has an axle. A garage door uses several pulleys to guide the torsion springs and lifting ropes. If the pulleys are not working properly, your garage door might not open or close properly.
The Hardware
It’s essential that you regularly inspect your garage door to ensure it’s in top working condition. Keeping a close eye on it can help you catch small problems before they become larger ones that can cost you a fortune in repairs. One way to do this is by looking at the more general hardware on your door: hinges, handles, ring pulls, etc.
Categorised in: Garage Door Inspection, Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Doors