Wondering if your garage door is working as it should? If you’re noticing issues with your garage door or garage door opener, it may be time for repair. Or, at least some routine professional maintenance to determine that you’re garage door parts are all working well. Before you get there, you may be wondering if it’s even necessary to contact the professionals. Not to worry; you can conduct a routine garage door inspection yourself. This way, you can better understand what your next step in the garage repair process will be.

Your Visual Garage Door Inspection

There are a few things that can help you to determine if you need professional garage door help simply by using your eyesight. Some visual cues to look for may include:

• Checking to see if your door is balanced can help to determine whether or not you may need rebalancing. To do this visually, stand inside the garage and look at the corner of the door while it’s closed. Follow your eyes to the other corners, and attempt to determine if there is any slanting.
• Check the door, springs, and cables for any warping, rusting, or cracks.
• Try moving your rollers on the track manually. If they can easily be moved, they may need replacing.
• Inspect the “J arm”, which is what holds the top track to the garage door. So, it can usually be found directly to the sides of the inside of your garage door system when standing from the inside. If the arm is not attached on either side, this will require repair.
• To check the rubber sealing on the bottom of your door, simply lift the door halfway from the ground. Then, check the sealant for cracks, warping, or missing pieces.
• Once the door is closed, you can check the function of your garage door by first pulling the red cord which disconnects the opener from the door. Then, lift the door to your waist and let go. If the garage door doesn’t move or shuts quickly, it is in need of repair.
• With the opener still detached, try opening the door all the way. Then, let go. If the garage door doesn’t remain open, there’s an issue that needs resolving.

Inspecting Your Garage Door Opening System

Now that you’ve checked your garage door for any repairs it may need, you can also check the garage door opener. While many of the garage door issues we run across are a direct result of the garage door, many are also due to the opening system. Not to worry, there are a few ways you can check to make sure your system is working. Or, if it may need repair. To check your garage door opener, attempt the following:

• Open and close your garage door using the garage door opener. If there is squeaking or shaking of the garage door, it could mean an issue with the opener.
• To check if the photo eyes (safety sensors) are working, put something in their way and then attempt to open or close the garage with your opener.
• Check the safety features of your garage door opener by closing the door and pulling on it manually to initiate reverse. If the door doesn’t reverse after giving about 20 pounds of pressure, there may be an issue.

Running into Issues During Your DIY Garage Door Inspection

If you find issues during this DIY garage door inspection, don’t attempt to fix these problems yourself. Garage door systems, when compromised, can present very dangerous situations. If you’re not a professional, not only could you hurt yourself, but you could make matters worse. Certainly, you don’t want a simple fix to turn into a complete gut job and replacement just because you tried to save a few dimes by fixing it yourself.

So, if you’re looking for garage door repair professionals you can trust, we are “At Your Service”! Plus, because we understand the importance of a working garage door, we offer same day emergency garage door repair for people in the South Florida area! To talk to us about your free garage door repair quote, contact us today!