Avoid Garage Door Repair – Three Tests For Dallas Garage Door Maintenance
You know that if you don’t change the oil in your car regularly, you can end up paying a Texas-sized repair bill to replace major engine parts. That’s quite a bit more than the $20 or $30 that it costs to get your oil changed.
The same goes for your garage door maintenance. A garage door is a 7-foot tall moving metal wall, and you could be in a lot of trouble if it’s not working properly. Putting off maintenance now can lead to much more expensive garage door repairs later on.
It’s not just money for repairs to consider. Garage door parts are under an extreme amount of pressure and tension. If a garage door malfunctions, it could damage your car, leave your house open to a burglary, or seriously injure you or your children. If they’re not working in top condition, it greatly increases the chance of malfunctioning.
Tests the National Safety Council recommends
These are tests the National Safety Council recommends that you can perform regularly to make sure your door is functioning properly. If something goes wrong, you should contact a professional Dallas garage door repair service to make any needed adjustments and repairs.
Door balance test
If you have a garage door opener, release it when the door is already down so that you can operate the door by hand. Simply lift the door from its closed position. You shouldn’t have any trouble moving it, and it should stay open about three or four feet above the ground. If it doesn’t, then your door needs to be adjusted.
Reversal test
Only perform this test after you’ve ensured the door is properly balanced. With the garage door open, lay a two-by-four down in the center of the door. Then, push the button to close the garage door. It should reverse once it hits the two-by-four. If it doesn’t, then it needs to be repaired or maybe even replaced.
Monthly inspection
At least once a month, you should look over all the parts of your garage door hardware, including the springs, cables, rollers and pulleys, among others, for any signs of rust or wear. If you notice any problems, make an appointment to have a professional Dallas garage door repair service come out and take a look. Do not try to replace springs or any other garage door parts under a high amount of stress on your own.
You should also lubricate the moving parts of the door, except the plastic idler bearings, to reduce friction and wear. The National Safety Council recommends that you do so monthly. You can also check your owner’s manual for your garage door manufacturer’s recommendation.
With regular tests and maintenance, you can help ensure that your garage door continues running smoothly. The cost of ignoring maintenance could be far more than you’re willing to pay.