How Often Should You Schedule Garage Door Inspections? Expert Recommendations
For many homeowners, the garage door is one of the most used parts of their home that doesn’t get enough attention. A garage door problem is more than just an inconvenience since it can also pose safety issues and become a high-dollar repair or security risk. Regular maintenance checks are essential to help prevent things like this from happening.
At Affordable Garage Door Repair, we also advocate for preventative maintenance to keep your garage door moving like a charm all year long. Related: How Often Should You Schedule Garage Door Inspections – Guide & Recommendations and Everything You Need to Know about Garage Doors and Openers.
The Importance of Routine Garage Door Inspections
Many parts are moving with garage doors, including the springs, cables, rollers, tracks, and opener system. These components will eventually wear, loosen, or break causing some big problems if they go un-noticed. Small repairs are easier to tackle but can turn into a much bigger problem — not to mention more costly fixes, or the doors might stop working completely.
Advantages Of Frequent Garage Door Inspections
Avoid breakdowns
Detecting problems early can prevent unexpected garage door malfunctions, which are risky and disruptive.
Get More Life out of Your Garage Door
Regular maintenance and inspections of a garage door will help the life span of your garage door as well as hinges, rollers, and more.
Ensures safety
Inspections check that all functionalities are working properly including the auto-reverse and photo-eye sensors.
Lower repair costs
Trying to fix small problems in the early stages means that you will not need any of the expensive repairs or replacements of parts in the future.
How frequently to set your Garage Door for an Inspection
By manual | Others Expert recommends that you have a professional garage door safety inspection at least once a year. The more you use your garage door and the harsher the weather is in your area, however, the sooner you will have to set up inspections. Here are some general points to set a schedule for the inspection of your garage door.
For Homes with Standard Usage
you open and close your garage door half a dozen times each day, In this case then, a yearly inspection should be just enough to keep it in great working order. This inspection process involves a technician assessing the condition of the door in general, examining important components such as springs and rollers, and rectifying whatever needs fixing.
Once a year for standard use in homes.
For High-Traffic Garages
If your garage is in frequent use, due to a multi-vehicle household, or you utilize it for storage/workshops/business applications more than other buildings on your property, it will likely depreciate faster. The garage doors in high -traffic garages need to be checked more often since parts such as springs, rollers, and openers are under a lot of tension.
Once a year with high-traffic garages at least twice a year for proper operation and safety.
For Homes in Harsh Climates
If you are in a location, such as increased humidity, heavy rains, or freeze conditions that experience severe weather, your garage door can be more susceptible to damage. In some regions, metal parts can develop rust and spring tension may weaken in freezing temperatures. And if you live in one of those conditions, these inspections need to happen even more frequently to avoid weather-related least and damage.
In extreme climates, we recommend twice a year (right after and before the winter season)
Garage Door Inspection Look Like?
This professional inspection is a complete look at all of the major parts of your garage door system. The whole purpose is to discover any wear, damage, or misalignment that may cause the door to function improperly or be unsafe.
Steps in a Garage Door Inspection Key
Inspect the Parts visually
Garage door inspection because I am a professional garage door technician will look at the structure of the garage door including panels, springs, cables, rollers, and tracks to see any wear and tear or rust or corrosion damage if they exist. They will also test for dents and cracks on the panels that would hinder how the door operates.
Lubricating Moving Parts
The technician will also lubricate vital moving parts like the rollers, hinges, and springs (friction between these components speeds up their wear). Good lubrication improves the life of these and makes their operation smooth and silent.
Test the Balance of Your Garage Door
A garage door needs to be balanced correctly so that it runs smoothly. The technician will have to manually lift the door and it should stay in place at various levels of height. If the door will not stay in place, this could be an issue with its springs or other components that keep it balanced.
Verifying the Garage Door Opener
They will also test the opener system to ensure that it is working properly. This means examining the motor, gears, and belt or chain drive for wear. The technician will also adjust your opener to close the door with the correct amount of speed and force so that children are safe from slamming the garage door.
Inspecting Safety Features
Safety Features of Modern Garage Doors These include testing the automatic reversing feature when an object blocks the door, and confirming that sensors comply with obstruction detection requirements.
Tightening Loose Hardware
The movement of the door can shake bolts, screws, and brackets loose over time. The technician will check and tighten all hardware to be sure the door is stable and smooth while opening / closing.
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Garage door technicians discovered many small issues during routine inspections that, if not resolved, could compound into more complicated problems. Catching these early can prevent you from needing major repairs down the line and extend the life of your garage door.
Problems discovered in Home Inspections
Worn springs
Your garage door springs are the only method of lifting your heavy garage door and as such, they tend to become worn out over time. A professional is really the only one who can examine your coiler for these types of warning signs: wear and rust, as well as make a suggestion, when necessary to replace it.
Garage door cables
Garage door cables have a role in supporting the weight of the door while it lifts and lowers. Should they fray or break the door will not behave properly.
Worn rollers or misaligned tracks
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Defective sensors
The auto-reverse function could not work if the photo-eye sensors are out of alignment or breaking down completely leading to a safety issue.
Warning Signs You Require an Emergency Garage Door Examination
Of course, most homes must be inspected annually but there may be times when you need to schedule an immediate inspection due to malfunctioning. If you experience any of the following symptoms, be sure to reach out for professional assistance right away!
When the door is opening and closing, if you notice grinding, squeaking, or rattling sounds there may be something wrong with the rollers, hinges, or tracks.
The door might become jerky and move slowly because of the worn-out parts.
A door that looks crooked in its tracks or that is only partially open probably needs new springs or cables.
When a residential garage door doesn’t operate, it’s because of an issue using the opener which is common.
Dents, cracks, or rust spots on the door panels or hardware are clear indications that repairs or replacements may need to be made as soon as possible.
Maintenance Tips Between Professional Inspections
Needless to mention, professional inspections are inevitable but in between those regular checkups, any homeowner can perform some basic maintenance chores for a garage door.
DIY Maintenance Tips
Lube the parts that move
Use a silicone-based lubricant to make sure all of those rollers, springs, and hinges run smoothly.
Wash the door
Regularly cleaning your garage door will remove dirt debris, and corrosive substances like salt or moisture.
Test the security
Test the safety functions of your door by making use of two techniques; initially, place an obstacle in the course of the garage door and open it, as well as secondly put an object under the outside garage door while carrying out a close. Be sure the door immediately reverses on contact with it.
Weather stripping
To check the weather stripping, look at the rubber gasket along the bottom of the door to make sure it is creating a proper seal and is not cracked or otherwise damaged.
Conclusion
One of the most important aspects of maintaining the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your garage door is to regularly have it inspected. Regular inspections can prevent repairs and keep your door operating efficiently, regardless of whether you have a regular garage or just use it for occasional storage. With regular attention and the occasional readjustment or repair to minor issues, you will be able to enjoy the reliable performance of your garage door for years.
Here at Affordable Garage Door Repair, we deliver complete garage door inspection and maintenance. Whether your need is an annual check-up or an emergency, our seasoned service techs can get you back to life again. Call us now to book your next garage door maintenance and protect your home.
