Keeping your garage doors in good condition is essential if you want them to work efficiently and safely no matter the circumstances! Regular inspections of automated or manual garage doors save you from mechanical mishaps that could result in costly repairs or dangerous situations that could put you or your family at risk.
Using professionals for a garage door installation ensures they function optimally from the start. However, knowing how to inspect your garage door on a regular basis for damage, mechanical faults or safety means you can have peace of mind all is in good working order on a continual basis.
Here’s a checklist to help you inspect your garage door. Do it once a month and prevent nasty surprises from catching you off-guard when you least need them!
How to Inspect Your Garage Door
1. Inspect the Door Panels
Start by inspecting the door panels and make sure there aren’t any cracks, loose parts or dents that could hamper the overall functioning of the garage doors or affect its stability. Some specifics:
- If you have timber garage doors, inspect them for wood rot.
- Look for signs of rust as well as chipped paint.
Repair any damage as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration.
2. Check Rollers for Wear and Tear
Rollers are a key component of your garage door allowing them to open and close smoothly, quickly and safely. They handle the brunt of hard work and are prone to general wear and tear over time. Checking them regularly tells you when they need to be replaced. Replacing bent steel rollers or chipped or cracked nylon types should be done sooner rather than later, so your door doesn’t become a safety risk!
3. Inspect the Drums
Drums are sturdy and durable, so it takes a lot of wear and tear before showing signs of deterioration. However, checking them when doing your monthly inspection gives you a heads-up if there are any defects. Look for signs of cracking and warping.
4. Check the Cables
When inspecting the drums, give the cables a good look over. They play a vital role in the garage door system, lifting and lowering the doors safely.
If they show signs of damage such as fraying strips, breakage or kinks they need to be replaced. Another problem to look out for is loosening tension in the cables. These problems need to be fixed by a garage door professional.
5. Inspect the Tracks and Brackets
The tracks keep the garage door in place when it opens and closes but if they’re warped, cracked or dirty, the doors won’t operate properly and will become a hazard for users.
Inspecting the brackets that keep the tracks in place on the walls will warn you if there are any defects. Check the top brackets for damage or defects as well to ensure the rollers are held in place securely.
6. Check the Hinges and Struts
Struts play a key role in supporting the overall garage door structure and keeping them securely in place. If they show any signs of damage, replace them with new struts or add additional ones. The hinges experience a lot of friction, wear and tear, so should be inspected for damage regularly.
7. Inspect the Springs
The springs are essential components of your garage door system and if damaged, will result in serious mechanical failure. Looking for signs of rusting or deterioration will save you from costly repairs later on.
Lubricating squeaking springs can be a DIY task but professionals should perform replacement jobs.
8. Check the Photo Eyes Sensors
Photo eye sensors prevent the garage door from closing if you or an object is standing in the way. This safety feature prevents nasty accidents from happening.
You can test them by placing a tall object in such a way that it blocks the photo eye sensor. Press the button and if the door continues to close you know the sensors aren’t working. Repairs must be performed by a garage door expert.
9. Check the Garage Door’s Balance and Force Limits
Testing the garage door’s force limits ensures the right force is being applied when closing and opening. If the force limits aren’t correct or the door is out of balance, call a technician to perform repairs.
Open and close the garage doors by hand and check that they run smoothly on the tracks. If the door stays in place when you leave it half open, it’s in balance and in good working order.
Final Thoughts
Performing monthly inspections ensures your garage doors are safe to use. So, check the condition of your garage door system regularly so you can handle problems before they become crises or turn into expensive repair jobs.
Contact our friendly team of experts at Dandenong Garage Doors at 9791 4933 and let us help keep your property safe.
