We recommend that you regularly check up on your garage door so you won’t face unexpected problems. If you never check up on it, you may never realize one of your parts is already at the end of its lifespan. When a part gives up, it can cause a bigger problem with your door. It’s important that you address any potential problems as early as possible. Here are some inspection tests you can perform yourself.

Collision Detection Test

Since garage doors are heavy and can cause harm, they have safety mechanisms included. A door is supposed to start reversing its movement if it collides with something while closing. To test its collision detection, open the door completely. Then take a 2×4 flat piece of wood and place it under where it would close, blocking any possible contact between the door and the floor. Try closing it, if the door does not reverse or stop when it collides with the wood then the door needs servicing by a professional technician.

Sensor Test

The garage door sensors are another important safety mechanism. If you have sensors, you should make sure they are functioning correctly. Open the door completely, then start closing it. While it’s closing, wave an object in front of your sensors. If the door does not cancel its movement, then your sensors need servicing.

Balance Test

All garage doors need to be be perfectly balanced. A balanced door has its weight counter balanced to be able to be lifted easily. Try leaving your door opened  halfway and turn off the opener so you can manually move your door. If it feels easy to lift and lower and it does not in drift in any way, then your door is balanced, if not, call to get it serviced.