Purchasing a new home may be an exciting and wonderful experience for most homeowners. However, they may ignore the most crucial part of the house that moves with regular frequency and involves the combination of heavy materials and springs with electricity, and that part of the house is the garage door.
Professional companies like Southeastern Overhead Door also highlight that it is essential for new homeowners to begin with a comprehensive safety checklist. Trustworthy garage door services in Baton Rouge, LA, are essential for keeping your loved ones, cars, and property safe while also extending the lifespan of your garage door system.
1. Examine the Garage Door Structure and Panels
First, look at the door panels, tracks, and hinges to see if they are dented, cracked, or have any signs of rust. Even the slightest damage can throw the door out of balance.
Verify that each track is properly fixed to the wall and ceiling. Also, make sure that all panels are properly aligned when closing the doors. These are important to prevent any potential damage from occurring.
2. Test Garage Door Springs for Wear and Tension
These springs not only hold the weight of the garage door but also work in a state of constant tension. In case a spring appears stretched, corroded, or uneven, that spring could be on the point of failure.
It is extremely risky if you decide to do the repairs by yourself. Hiring a professional for a garage door spring repair in Baton Rouge, LA, will ensure that the springs are handled with care.
3. Check Auto-Reverse and Safety Sensors
The latest garage doors have sensors designed to prevent the door from hitting people, objects, or pets. You need to test the reversing mechanism by using a solid object under the garage door, which should reverse immediately.
Misaligned or dirty sensors are common causes of malfunction. Addressing frequent garage door sensor issues early helps maintain safety compliance and reliable daily operation.
4. Secure the Opener and Electrical Connections
The garage door opener should be securely installed with no loose brackets and no exposed wiring. Otherwise, it can cause problems with performance due to the daily use-induced vibrations.
Check the remotes, wall switches, and battery backups periodically. Regular electrical upkeep will help prevent unexpected power outages and ensure access during an emergency.
5. Lubricate Moving Parts to Reduce Friction
Another silent factor in garage door deterioration is friction. Rollers, hinges, and tracks must be moving smoothly without grinding and squeaking noises.
Only use the recommended lubricants from the manufacturer on moving parts. This will help avoid the use of too much grease. Lubrication will help the garage door function smoothly without requiring frequent garage door troubleshooting.
6. Know Your Garage Door Warranty Coverage
Many homeowners do not know what is covered and not covered in their warranty. This should be reviewed to eliminate surprises down the road.
Being aware of when to utilize garage door warranty services can help save money on repairs. Maintaining records can help validate warranty claims and ensure that one qualifies for them.
7. Safety Features in Attached and Commercial Doors
Houses that have large or reinforced doors have some special safety concerns. Such doors are heavy and thus need more powerful openers and more regular checks to ensure that they are in balance.
If you have a workshop and multi-vehicle bay on your property, looking for “commercial overhead door service near me” will help ensure that you have access to the specific knowledge and skills required for your higher usage needs.
8. Schedule Professional Inspections Annually
Even if you feel that everything is working well on your garage door, there can be wear and tear on the inside that you are not aware of. Annual professional check-ups can reveal such problems before they turn into an emergency situation.
Regular servicing enhances the safety and efficiency of the entire system and extends its life. Maintenance is always more economical than repairs.
Conclusion
As a new homeowner, it never ceases to amaze me that garage door safety can ever be treated as an afterthought. Not only does a well-kept garage door keep your family safe, but it also increases convenience and saves you money. Whether it involves springs, sensors, or other elements, every part of a garage door system plays a part in making it safe.
CTA
Protect your home and family with us at Southeastern Overhead Door. Call us at 225-753-1595 to schedule a professional garage door safety inspection today and enjoy peace of mind year-round.
FAQs
1. How frequently should new homeowners maintain their garage door?
It’s recommended that most systems receive professional servicing on an annual basis. If the home has heavy usage and/or large doors, it may need to have the system inspected on a biannual basis.
2. What are the warning signs of a potential failure of a garage door?
Unusual sounds, slow motion, irregular closure, and a late response from the sensors are some of the most common signs that the service is required.
3. Is it safe to perform garage door repair by yourself?
While basic maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the tracks, are acceptable, spring, cable, and garage door opener repairs should always be done by professionals.