Garage Door: Is it Time for Maintenance?

We expect a lot from our garage doors, and we expect them to open every time, on demand. But, honestly, when was the last time you gave yours a little TLC?

Are you aware the garage door is the heaviest and largest single piece of moving equipment around your home? For the safety of your family, pets, and guests, performing periodic maintenance on your automatic garage door system is a necessity.

See if you can answer the following with a YES answer.  If not, it's time for some "homework."

• Do you have an owner's manual?  Most manufacturers have posted their manual's  online. You'll need brand and model number.

• Have you performed a visual inspection of all moving parts (cables, hinges, rollers, springs) in the last 3 months?

• Do you lubricate your system periodically?  Spray silicone, light household oil, or white lithium grease are all acceptable for your system's moving parts.
• Have you tested your automatic opener in the last 30 days?  A simple two inch block of wood placed flat on the floor should reverse the door automatically when the two come in contact with each other.
• When was the last time you changed the hand opener battery?  You might want to have an extra battery on hand.
• Does your system have electronic eyes within 6 inches of the floor at opposite sides of the door?  This is required if your home was built after 1993, and a good idea for all homes. (Watch our garage door safety video for a demonstration.)

• Have you taught your children the garage door and opener are never to be considered a game, but a very heavy piece of equipment with potentially serious consequences?
• Lastly, can you confirm your automatic opener is not plugged into a GFCI circuit?  If you have no interior door within your garage, you will be locked out of your garage in the event the circuit is tripped and the door is closed.