written by: Ken Martin
Important Regulation for Garage Door Safety
Federal laws were enacted in the 1990s by several states and by the federal government. All garage door operator manufacturers require monthly inspection and testing of your garage door. The Door & Access System Manufacturer’s Association (www.dasma.com) publishes inspection guidelines in the DASMA Technical Data Sheet #167, “Residential Sectional Garage Door and Electric Operator Checklist for Home Inspectors and Consumers can be found at https://www.dasma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/TDS167.pdf. Here are a few highlights:
- Photo eye test. Every garage door’s safety reverse system should be tested monthly.
- With the door fully open, while standing inside the garage but safely away from the path of the door, use a remote control or a wall-mounted control button to close the door. As the door is closing, wave an object in the path of the photoelectric sensor beam. Does the door reverse and return to the fully open position?
- Contact Reversal Test
- Begin with the door fully open. Under the center of the door, place a 1½” high solid object, such as a 2×4 piece of wood, flat on the floor, in the path of the door. Standing inside the garage, but safely away from the path of the door, use a remote control or a wall-mounted control button to close the door. When the door contacts a 2’x 4’ laid flat, does the door reverse direction and return to the fully open position?
Top Ten Items of Importance Related to Maintaining Garage Door Longevity
Maintaining your garage door is crucial for its proper functioning, safety, and longevity. Regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and ensure smooth operation. Here are some general maintenance requirements for garage doors:
- Visual Inspection:
- Conduct regular visual inspections of your garage door. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as frayed cables, loose bolts, damaged panels, or rust.
- Lubrication:
- Lubricate moving parts such as rollers, hinges, springs, and tracks. Use a silicone-based lubricant for optimal performance. Be sure not to over-lubricate, as excess lubricant can attract dirt and debris.
- Tighten Hardware:
- Check and tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws on the garage door and its hardware. Vibration from the door’s movement can cause hardware to loosen over time.
- Balance Check:
- Test the balance of the garage door by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door halfway. The door should stay in place when released. If it doesn’t, it may be imbalanced and require adjustment by a professional.
- Weatherstripping:
- Inspect and replace weatherstripping around the garage door as needed to maintain a tight seal. This helps keep out drafts, water, and debris.
- Tracks and Rollers:
- Ensure that the tracks are clean, aligned, and free from debris. Check rollers for wear and tear, and replace them if necessary.
- Safety Features:
- Test the garage door’s safety features, such as the auto-reverse mechanism and photo-eye sensors, to ensure they are functioning properly. Place an object in the door’s path while closing it to check if it reverses direction as it should.
- Spring Inspection:
- Garage door springs are under high tension and should only be inspected or adjusted by trained professionals. If you notice any signs of spring damage or wear, such as gaps or elongation, contact a professional technician for inspection and potential replacement.
- Cleaning:
- Keep the garage door and its components clean by regularly removing dirt, dust, and debris. Use a mild detergent and water solution to clean the door surface, and avoid using abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish.
- Professional Maintenance:
- Schedule annual professional maintenance with a reputable garage door service company. A professional technician can perform a thorough inspection, lubrication, and adjustment of your garage door system to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Garage Door Examples
Take ownership of your garage door safety and follow these maintenance important requirements so you can keep your garage door in good condition and minimize the risk of malfunctions or accidents. Remember that safety should always be a priority for you and your family! Best when in doubt about what your door needs for maintenance and safety, consult with a professional garage door company or manufacturer.
Without regular inspections and maintenance, garage doors can become dangerous. Without lubrication, rollers and bearings can freeze up or fall apart. Without regular inspection and testing, garage door operators can inflict serious injury or death!
It is especially important that every garage door should be inspected monthly and serviced regularly. We strongly recommend that owners do self-service at least every 2 years and that professional maintenance be done every 4 years.
Do you remember to replace your furnace and air conditioner filters several times a year?
Do you remember to have your car’s oil changed every 3,000 – 5,000 miles? Do you check your tire pressure regularly?
If you have wood on the outside of your home, do you repaint it every few years?
Do you have your water heater serviced regularly?
A garage door is a piece of machinery, and like any machine requires regular care. It is much like a car, but much less expensive. It has painted steel, window glass, springs, bearings, and rollers, with tires, a weather seal, a motor, and a remote. Automobiles require annual inspections. Without proper service, they can become dangerous. In the same way, you service and inspect your car regularly, you should inspect and maintain your garage door.
Recommended Maintenance Schedule
A note to remember is the cost of garage door maintenance is free when you consider that without it you will incur much more of an expense if you have to replace or make repairs at some point.
Ken Martin – Manager
702-795-1000 – Call Now 24/7
6667 S Schuster StreetLas Vegas, NV 89118
