Owning a home can be a lesson in many things….this week my lesson was in garage doors and repairing them! Since I learned a few things I thought I would share what I have learned:
Balance Overhead
Garage doors have gravity to deal with. In the absence of some type of balancing mechanism, the door would slam shut as soon as you let go of it and some would be too heavy for you to open. If you open the garage door about half way and let go, it should balance there.
Spring Failure
The springs used to balance the weight of the door are under enormous stress. Modern spring systems incorporate safety features to contain flying metal in the event of a spring failure. Attempting to service the spring system yourself can be very dangerous. I learned that most springs are supposed to last about 10,000 openings or 5-7 years depending on usage.
Auto Reverse
An automatic garage door opener should stop and reverse on meeting an obstruction. Many systems manufactured prior to 1982 may stop but not reverse. These older systems should be upgraded to protect people, especially children and even your pets.
Automatic Opener
Automatic door openers are not a replacement for a properly balanced door. The opener is not powerful enough to lift the entire weight of the door. The opener works with the help of the springs or counter balance system.
Emergency Release
Automatic garage door openers have an emergency release to disengage the garage door from the opener. Once disengaged, you can open the door by hand. I learned our door is very heavy and it was easier to leave my car outside!
Electric Eye
Today, some form of external entrapment protection is required. An electric eye is the most common system used. The electric eye is mounted 5 to 6 inches off the floor and senses objects in its path. If your garage door opener does not have an electric eye system, you may be able to upgrade it without replacing the entire system.
Keep It In Good Shape:
Your garage door may require periodic lubrication and adjustment. Having a garage door expert in to inspect and adjust the system is a good idea. Your garage vehicle door may be the largest moving object in your home and could weigh up to 400 pounds. For your safety, make sure it’s in good condition.
Here are a few more things I learned…….when you call a repair place tell them what kind of door you have, not every company works on every door! When I called they didn’t ask & I didn’t tell! It pays to call around….I found 2 companies that work on the door I have and their prices were nearly $100 different!
