In order to keep your garage doors in prime operating condition, there are some simple checks and maintenance procedures that every homeowner should follow. But, when the squeaks and moans of daily garage door operation exceed the norm, it’s time to call for professional service. Don’t wait until the hangs lopsided from its track or fails to work at all. Preventive maintenance is the key to lasting good looks and faultless operation.
Here’s how to decide if your garage door needs only a minor adjustment or serious intervention.
First, it helps to understand how the various moving parts of your automatic garage door actually perform. There are almost always early warning signs of garage door malaise. If your door suddenly stops closing completely, if it hits the ground with a thud, or if it hesitates, groans, vibrates or sputters before it reaches its full open position, it’s time for a professional check-up. Garage doors are heavy; they sometimes tend to be finicky, and often only a minor adjustment is needed. However, If a panel hinge breaks, a cable snaps, or the chain mechanism breaks, call for professional help immediately.
If — and it’s a rare occurrence — the door slips off its track, or if a rail or panel is bent, dented or damaged in another way, you’ll need service to remedy the problem. Accidents happen, and even seemingly minor dents and bumps might affect continued operation. However, a garage door is designed to give years of reliable service, and proper care and attention will prolong its effective lifespan.
Ask your installer or service technician about the type of routine maintenance that you can and should perform to keep your garage door healthy. Among the basics you should know are:
- How to test your door’s functions, from the wall switch, the remote and/or your vehicle’s wireless device;
- How to change the bulb in the main operator;
- How to replace batteries in the remote(s);
- How to check the photoelectric sensors to assure that the door will stop if there’s a hazard in its path; and
- How to disconnect the operator and revert to manual operation;
- How to deal with a power outage.
You will also minimize potential problems by keeping toys, tools and debris out of the path of the door, by regularly sweeping up leaves or twigs that blow into your garage, and by never hanging anything from a rail, even temporarily. Be sure to keep the safety sensors clear, clean and well-adjusted, and discourage children from bouncing balls or playing tag around the sensors or in the door’s path.
When you need assistance, remember that the specialists at Overhead Door Company of Oklahoma City will respond quickly, and take care of all your needs.
