A garage door features mechanical and electrical components that you should inspect to ensure they work correctly. These components contribute to the door's functions and safety and will be essential to ensure your door remains operational.
Their condition can also affect the door's lifespan and maintenance costs. Thus, it would help if you understood the technician's inspection criteria for these components. Here is an overview of a garage door inspection checklist.
Garage Door Opener
The garage door activation system features a manual button inside the garage and a remote control. The technician should ensure that the door opens smoothly without delay or issues. Also, the remote should function within its range and activate the door with minimal issues.
If an installation team positions the button too low, children and pets that can reach the buttons may activate it. Also, the button should be in view of the garage door, not away from it. A technician can refit it much higher, preferably above five feet from the ground and much closer, where it is accessible to household members that can use it.
Sensors and Auto-reversal
The photo eye sensors and the auto-reversal are safety features incorporated into your garage door's operation system to prevent accidents and injuries.
Photo eye sensors are usually near the floor of your garage door on both opposite sides of the frame. The best position is six inches above the ground, with no obstructions between sensors. A technician will evaluate if both sensors align with each other. A proper alignment will make them light up. If not, the technician will have to reposition them.
Next, the technician will assess if the photo-eye sensors reverse the door's motion. A simple obstruction test can evaluate this criterion. The technician can place an object over six inches high and see if the door reverses. If it does not, the sensors might need replacement to ensure they do not faultily disregard persons or objects underneath the door that might get injured or hurt.
Tracks and Rollers
The tracks and rollers offer the pathway and mechanism to open and close your door. The door must operate with minimal resistance, stress, or noise. A technician will evaluate the tracks' and rollers' operating conditions by switching the door to manual mode and checking different positions on the track.
During the inspection, the technician will assess if the following:
- The door remains on track
- The door remains open in different positions
- The rollers and track have any damage
- The door strains to open or close
Your garage door passes this inspection criterion if it does not highlight mechanical issues when it opens or closes.
Panels
A visual inspection will ne adequate to check the condition of the door panels. Any visible damage on the paint, like peels, blisters, cracks, and faded color, will require a fresh coat to protect the panels from elemental damage.
Also, signs of rust and corrosion indicate that the panels have experienced water damage. Dents, scratches, and dings indicate structural damage. These issues are usually aesthetic but may also affect the door's operation if they are severe.
Springs
The torsion and extension springs should extend and contract without noise or stress. The technician will check for damage. If they have no visible damage, they will need some lubricant. Also, they should check the cables attached to the extension springs. These cables should be in good condition to clear this checklist.
Weatherstripping
Finally, the weatherstripping that seals your garage door should have no visible damage or wear and tear. This component ensures that your home remains energy efficient with minimal air and moisture seepage into the garage. Signs of light passing through the stripping or damaged sections will necessitate a fresh install.
Contact us at Edgemont Garage Doors for garage inspection and maintenance services.
