Helpful tips about garage doors, garage door openers, and hardware
IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT TRY TO REPAIR A GARAGE DOOR WITHOUT THE PROPER TOOLS, MECHANICAL EXPERTISE AND THE MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS! MANY OF THE COMPONENTS ARE LARGE, HEAVY AND UNDER HIGH TENSION.
Lubrication
Lubricate only the metal moving parts of the door and opener (hinges,lock, ...). The plastic parts, such as nylon rollers, which you may or may not have in the track, do not require lubrication.
Inspection
Monthly checks
Regularly check the springs, cables, pulleys and rollers for visible signs of wear. CAUTION: The springs and cables are under high tension and require special handling when replacing them. A skilled homeowner with the proper tools and good mechanical aptitutde can repair these items by themselves. If you are not sure how to do this or would like us to perform these repairs (in central and southern NJ), contact us at manager@garagedoordepot.com or (732) 741-6161. The extension springs that counterbalance the door (along the side of the door), need to be replaced with the door in an open position. A restraining cable should be used in case the spring breaks. The torsion springs (above the door) should only be adjusted by a trained professional. For all repairs, refer to your manufacturer's owner's manual.
Balancing the Door
The balance of the door should be checked periodically (once or twice a year)
Start with the door closed. For electric openers, set the door for manual operation with the release handle. Open the door approximately three to four feet off the ground. The door should easily move to this height. If the door sticks, the metal rollers and hinges need lubrication or the tracks are dirty, clogged or out of alignment. Release the door at this height. It should remain in this position. If the door drops down, most likely the extension springs are worn and need replacement. If the door opens entirely by itself upon release, the extension springs are too strong and need to be replaced with lighter tensioned units. CAUTION: All springs are under high tension and extreme care should be followed if you replace these yourself. Follow the manufacturer's instructions strictly. If you are not sure how to do this or would like us to perform these repairs (in central and southern NJ), contact us at manager@garagedoordepot.com or (732) 741-6161.
Electric Openers
Electric openers are unique and require careful adjustment after installation. If you do not feel qualified, do not hesitate to contact us at manager@garagedoordepot.com or (732) 741-6161. The opener uses significant force to open and close your door. The manufacturer's instructions can assist with minor adjustments, but the first time installation requires careful attention. Improper adjustment can result in serious injury or death from being hit by the garage door or its moving parts.
An electric opener should have an automatic safety reverse mechanism. This feature will automatically reverse the direction of door travel if it hits an obstacle. If your unit does not posess this feature or this part of this unit is not working, you should replace it with a new model.
Electric opener installation tips
- The manual release pull rope and locks should be inoperative or removed prior to installation of the garage door opener.
- IMMEDIATELY CHANGE THE OPENER REMOTE CONTROL SECURITY CODE FROM ITS FACTORY DEFAULT SETTING TO PREVENT OTHERS WITH THE SAME UNIT FROM OPENING YOUR DOOR.
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- Keep hands and fingers clear of all moving parts, the door track, door panel joints, hinges, rollers, springs and cables when the door is being opened or closed.
- Don't let children play "beat the door" shile it is closing.
- Be sure the automatic reverse mechanism on your electric opener is functioning properly.
- Be sure any obstacle detection mechanism for your electric opener is functioning properly. DO NOT DISABLE THIS FEATURE. If your opener does not have this feature, consider buying a newer model that does.
- Keep transmitters and remote controls out of the reach of small children.
- Mount any indoor push button out of the reach of small children.
- Keep door in full sight when opening or closing it with your remote control.
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