How to Inspect Your Garage Door

Click Here To Book Online Now

A quick garage door inspection can help save you money in the long run.

Your garage door has a lot of working parts, from the spring system and safety eyes to the hinges and garage door opener. Just as you regularly get your car or appliances serviced, it’s important to do a routine inspection of your garage door.

I’m sure you’re thinking, “If something was wrong with my garage door, it just wouldn’t open, so mine is fine.” But that’s not necessarily true. Parts can wear out or things can start to decay, and you want to catch any issues before it’s too late, ya know, like your garage won’t open, for instance.

Below you will find a guide for how to inspect your garage door. Step by step, you can review your garage door and all of its parts to ensure nothing is worn, broken, or needs service. Making sure each part of your garage door is working properly can prolong the life and quality of your garage door, so one part isn’t overcompensating for another.

If you do notice any issues during your garage door inspection, give Precision Garage Door a call and we will send out a trained technician to inspect the door and all of its parts and give you their best recommendation.

Start inside your garage. Observing your door from the top down.

  • Check the panels aren’t split or cracked, especially at the top of the door.
  • For wood doors, check for rot at the bottom of the door.
  • Check that the hinges are tight, not damaged or bent; with all the lags and bolts in place.

Inspect the spring system.

  • Torsion Spring System:
    • Check for corrosion.
    • Check the spring mount isn’t loose or coming away from the wall.
      • Do not mess with the spring system if it is in need of repair. It can lead to serious injury. Call a trained professional.
  • Extension Spring System:
    • Look for broken springs and spring gaps.
    • Inspect safety cables and operating cables.
    • Observe the pulleys and ensure they are intact.

Inspect the weather seal at the bottom of your door (bottom rubber).

  • Check for tears or rips.
  • Be sure the bottom rubber isn’t coming away from the door.

Inspect the weather seal around the outside of your garage door (stop molding).

  • Look for tears, rips or curling.
  • Be sure it makes good contact with the door.

Inspect your garage door opener and its functions.

  • Inspect your safety eyes for proper mounting and free of debris.
  • Test the Safety Reversal Feature by placing a 2x4 on the ground below the garage door and closing the garage door. The door should touch the wood then reverse back to the open position.

Test the weight or balance of your garage door.

  • IMPORTANT: When working the door manually, be sure to keep your fingers away from the spaces between joints and panels.
  • Pull the emergency release cord so you can manually work the door.
  • Manually lift the door. (It shouldn’t feel heavier than 5–10 lbs.)
  • Test it in 3 positions: 1/3 of the way up, 1/2 way up, and 3/4 of the way up.
  • Move the garage door back to the closed position and observe the door for any issues the door gets stuck and that it operates smoothly.

Check the brackets and woodwork.

  • Be sure the brackets are securely attached to the woodwork.
  • Check the woodwork isn’t split or cracked and has no rot.
Huntington / Smithtown Area

(631) 482-7236

(631) 482-7236
Babylon / Bay Shore Area

(631) 482-7236

(631) 482-7236
Port Jefferson Area

(631) 779-1182

(631) 779-1182
Riverhead Area

(631) 779-1182

(631) 779-1182
Brookhaven Area

(631) 779-1182

(631) 779-1182
Hempstead Area

(516) 360-0045

(516) 360-0045
North Hempstead Area

(516) 360-0045

(516) 360-0045
Oyster Bay Area

(516) 360-0045

(516) 360-0045
Massapequa Area

(516) 360-0045

(516) 360-0045
Southold Area

(631) 779-1182

(631) 779-1182
Southampton Area

(631) 779-1182

(631) 779-1182
East Hampton Area

(631) 779-1182

(631) 779-1182
Precision Overhead Garage Door Service
Office: (516) 927-8686
115 Newtown Road
Plainview, NY 11803
Precision Overhead Garage Door Service
Office: (631) 494-3195
427 Lincoln Street
Unit D

Riverhead, NY 11901

Licenses

Suffolk County HIC
#54225-H
Nassau County HIC
H16061400