What to Expect: Professional Garage Door Inspection

The garage door is a simple yet crucial part of your home. It offers protection to your vehicles, tools, and other valuable belongings. And just like any other piece of mechanical equipment, they can malfunction, posing a significant risk to your safety and security. That's why it's important to conduct regular garage door inspections to identify potential issues before they become severe problems. This blog will discuss what to expect during a professional garage door inspection.

The first step in a professional garage door inspection is a visual inspection. The technician will examine the door's components, including the tracks, springs, cables, pulleys, hinges, and rollers. They'll look for signs of wear and tear, rust, loose bolts, and other issues that may impact the door's performance. The technician will also check the door opener and the safety features, including the auto-reverse mechanism and the safety sensors.

Lubrication is a crucial part of garage door maintenance. Proper lubrication can extend the life of the door's components, reduce noise, and prevent damage. During a professional inspection, the technician will lubricate all the moving parts, including the hinges, rollers, springs, and tracks. They'll use a high-quality lubricant that's specifically designed for garage doors.

The balance of the garage door is essential for its proper functioning. If the door is unbalanced, it can strain the door opener and other components, causing them to wear out quickly. The technician will perform a balance test to determine whether the door is properly balanced. They'll disconnect the door opener and manually raise the door to the halfway point. If the door stays in place, it's correctly balanced. If it moves up or down, it needs to be adjusted.

The reversing mechanism is a safety feature that's designed to stop the door from closing on a person or object. During a professional garage door inspection, the technician will test the reversing mechanism to ensure it works correctly. They'll place an object, such as a piece of wood, in the door's path as it's closing. If the door doesn't reverse, it needs to be adjusted.

The weatherstripping on the garage door helps to keep out the elements, including rain, snow, and wind. It also helps to keep out pests and insects. During a professional inspection, the technician will check the weatherstripping to ensure that it's in good condition. If it's damaged or missing, they'll replace it with a new one.

The springs on a garage door are responsible for counterbalancing the door's weight, making it easier to open and close. If the springs are too loose or too tight, they can cause the door to malfunction. During a professional inspection, the technician will check the tension of the springs and adjust them if necessary. They may suggest spring replacement if needed.

The tracks are a component installed to the house that the garage door sits on, guiding the door open and closed. If the tracks are dirty or damaged, they can cause the door to become misaligned, making it difficult to open and close. During a professional inspection, the technician will check the tracks for signs of damage or wear and clean them if necessary.

The rollers on a garage door help to guide the door as it opens and closes. If the rollers are worn or damaged, they can cause the door to become misaligned, making it difficult to open and close. During a professional inspection, the technician will check the rollers for signs of wear and damage and replace them if necessary.

The cables on a garage door are responsible for lifting the door and counterbalancing the weight of the door. If the cables are worn or damaged, they can cause the door to become misaligned or even fall off its tracks, posing a severe safety hazard. During a professional inspection, the technician will inspect the cables for signs of wear, fraying, or damage and replace them if necessary.

The garage door opener is the device responsible for opening and closing the door automatically, providing convenience and security. During a professional inspection, the technician will inspect the garage door opener for signs of wear and damage, test its performance, and make any necessary adjustments.

After the inspection, the technician will recommend any necessary repairs or maintenance. They'll often estimate the cost of the repairs or maintenance and answer any questions you may have. We recommend that issues be tended to promptly to prevent them from becoming more severe .

Why should you have your garage door professionally inspected?

Having your garage door professionally inspected is important for several reasons: safety, security, prevent damage, and even compliance. 

How long does a professional inspection usually take?

On average, a garage door inspection takes between 30 minutes to one hour to complete. This may vary due to the size and type of door, the age or complexity of the system, and any potential issues that may be discovered upon inspection. Expect a longer inspection if you get a comprehensive review versus an inspection of only the key components.

How often should I have my garage door inspected?

The frequency of garage door inspections can vary depending on several factors, such as the garage door age, how frequently it's used, and the climate and weather conditions in your area. However, as a general guideline, it's recommended that you have your garage door professionally inspected at least once a year.

Do I have to get my garage door professionally inspected?

Regular inspections can help to identify potential issues before they become more severe problems, ensuring that your garage door is functioning safely, smoothly, and efficiently. Additionally, regular maintenance can help prolong your garage door's life and prevent unexpected breakdowns or repairs.

If you use your garage door frequently or live in an area with harsh weather, such as South Florida and other climates with high heat, humidity, or severe cold, consider having your garage door inspected more frequently, such as every six months.

Suppose you notice any issues with your garage door, such as unusual sounds or difficulty opening or closing. In that case, you should have it inspected as soon as possible, regardless of your last inspection. Waiting to address potential problems can lead to a more expensive repair or replacement of parts.

Who inspects garage doors in South Florida?

Call your neighbors at Door Gators for fast, friendly, professional garage door inspections in South Florida. We are licensed and insured, bringing decades of experience in the area.

A professional garage door inspection is an essential part of garage door maintenance. It can help to identify potential issues before they become severe problems, ensuring the safety and security of your home and belongings. During a garage door inspection, the technician will perform a visual inspection, lubricate the moving parts, test the door's balance and reversing mechanism, check the weatherstripping, inspect the springs, tracks, rollers, and cables, check the garage door opener, and provide recommendations for any necessary repairs or maintenance. Extend the life of your garage door with regular garage door inspections from your favorite local company.