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The warmer spring and summer weather bring more outdoor activity. As you spend more time outdoors, you’re likely to use your garage more frequently. With increased usage, it is more important than ever to ensure your garage door safety features are functioning optimally. This goes a long way toward preventing accidents and injuries from your garage door.
Auto-Reverse Testing
One of the most critical safety features that your garage door has is auto-reverse. Whenever your garage door sensors detect an obstruction as the door closes, the door will automatically reverse and reopen. This is necessary to prevent your door from closing on your vehicle, items, pets, and even your children.
It’s easy to test your auto-reversing function. All you need to do is place an object beneath the area where your garage door closes. Hit the close button on your garage door while still standing close enough to remove the object in case your door doesn’t auto-reverse. Your door should open, then automatically reverse and close once it senses the object. If it doesn’t detect the object, your sensors are likely misaligned or faulty.
Inspecting Photo-Eye Sensors
There are two different photo-eye sensors located at the bottom of your garage door tracks. These are specifically designed to detect objects in the door’s path and to trigger the auto-reversing function. Over time, the sensors can get knocked and become misaligned. The sensor eye itself may become dirty and require cleaning. It’s a good rule of thumb to wipe off the sensor eye and make sure that the sensors on either side of your door are in alignment with one another.
Check Manual Release Mechanism
While you typically rely on the automatic features of your door for convenience, it’s also important to ensure that your manual controls still work in the event of an emergency. For example, you may experience a mechanical failure or power outage where you still need to operate your door. The manual release works when you pull the emergency release cord hanging from your door to disengage the door from the opener. This will allow you to open the door in an emergency. It can be helpful to disengage the door from the garage door opener and open and close it a couple of times to ensure that it’s operating smoothly.
Lubrication and Hardware Checks
After the long winter season, it’s a good idea to check the lubrication on your garage door to ensure that it’s adequate. Lubrication is necessary on your rollers, tracks, and hinges. Lubricating these parts reduces friction, ensures smooth operation, and helps prevent sudden failures. It’s best to ensure that all bolts and brackets are properly secured and that your tracks are clear of any debris.
Balance Testing
Every time your garage door opens or closes, it should do so evenly without any excess force. If your door becomes unbalanced, it can strain the opener and increase the risk of experiencing a malfunction. The easiest way to test your garage door balance is to disconnect the door from the opener by manually releasing it. You should lift the door halfway, and it should remain in place without falling or rising. If your garage door is out of balance, it’s important to have a professional repair it to prevent further damage to your garage door components.
Importance of Professional Garage Door Inspections
One of the absolute best things you can do is schedule a professional garage door inspection early in the spring. Our garage door specialists will perform basic safety testing on all safety mechanisms and a thorough inspection of all your door’s components, like your rollers, track, and manual release.
Our garage door specialists will also lubricate moving parts and ensure that your garage door is properly balanced. A professional garage door inspection is a great way to maximize your door’s lifespan and ensure optimal safety throughout the spring and summer months.
Expert Garage Door Repair Service
Above the Rest Garage Door Repair provides expert garage door repair services for Colorado Springs, CO, and the surrounding communities. We can also assist with all your garage door maintenance, installation, and replacement needs. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our garage door specialists.
