As a San Diego homeowner, you probably have a running list of home repairs that you’d like to do or need to do. Even if that list is already long, you should add “garage door maintenance” to that list. Why? Because your garage door is one of the largest moving parts of your home, and one that probably gets used as much as any other part of your home. According to a survey by window and door manufacturer Jeld-Wen, the garage door is the most popular entry point into homes in America—used even more frequently than the front door! With all that use, garage doors, and especially their components, can wear out over time.
It’s important to keep your garage door well maintained. Not doing so can create a situation that could cause your door to be difficult or impossible to open, or worse, cause your door to come crashing down!
Here are some things you can do to make sure your garage door is in proper working order.
Check the Photoelectric Sensors
If you are like most San Diego homeowners and have a garage door opener, make sure that the sensors are working that keep the door from closing if there is an object in its path. To test your sensors, open your garage door and take note of how high off the ground your door’s photoelectric sensor is placed. Then, put an object that is taller than the sensor at the base of your garage door opening and push the button to close the garage door. If your sensor is working properly, the door should not close.
You should also do another test by placing an object that is shorter than your sensor at the base of your garage door opening. When you click the button to close your door this time, the door should go down, but when it comes in contact with the object, it should reverse and go back up to an open position.
If your garage door fails either of these two tests, make sure you get the sensor replaced right away to prevent injury to children or pets who may not get out of the way of the closing door in time.
Inspect Your Garage Door’s Springs and Hardware
Regularly inspecting your garage door’s components is important to ensure that your family and the contents in your garage are safe. With your garage door closed, take a close look at the springs and take note of any damage. Also, make sure that all hardware and parts are securely attached and that your garage door opener is firmly attached to your garage door.
Pay Attention and Listen
If you notice anything out of the ordinary with your garage door, like if it has become harder to open and close or if your garage door opener has begun to make a new noise, it’s time for a professional garage door inspection. It could just mean that your garage door is out of balance and needs to be adjusted, or there could be a problem with your garage door springs or some other component.
Garage Door Repair: Not a DIY Job
Trying to fix a garage door on your own is potentially very dangerous. Unless you are experienced in garage door repair, it is not a job for the do-it-yourselfer. Call in a professional San Diego garage door repair company to make any needed repairs.
