Maintenance Guide

Testing The Opener

Make sure your opener has a reversing feature and test the reversing feature every month. With the door open, place a 1 inch thick piece of wood, laid flat, on the floor in the door's path at approximately the center of the door. While a 1 inch piece of wood is best, if you don't have one, use a 2 x 4 laid flat. Test the balance of the door before performing the reversal test.

Push the control button to close the door. The door opener must reverse and open the door when it strikes the wood. If the opener does not reverse, have it repaired or replaced. Also consider replacement of the garage door opener if it is an older model. Have a qualified individual adjust, repair or replace the parts.

Test the force setting of your garage door opener by holding up the bottom of the door as it closes. If the door does not reverse readily, the force is excessive and needs adjusting. Your garage door opener owner's manual will explain how to adjust the force sensitivity. A qualified individual should adjust it. To avoid entrapment, be sure to perform the 1 inch reversing test after any repairs or adjustments are made to the garage door or opener.

Many garage door openers can be equipped with accessory safety devices. Consider adding an electric eye or edge sensor as an extra measure of safety to protect against entrapment.


Routine Maintenance Can Prevent Tragedies

There are routine maintenance steps that you should follow once a month. Review your owner's manual for both the door and door opener. If you don't have the owner's manuals, contact the manufacturer(s) and request a copy for your specific model(s). Look for the opener model number on the back of the power unit.

Look at the garage door springs, cables, rollers, pulleys and other door hardware for signs of wear. If you suspect any problems, have a qualified person make repairs. The springs and related hardware are under high tension and can cause severe injury when handled improperly.

WARNING - Springs are under high tension. Only qualified individuals should adjust them.

Rollers and hinges of a garage door require periodic lubrication. Use a spray silicone or lightweight household oil according to the instructions in your owners manual.

Periodically test the balance of your door. Start with your door closed. Disconnect the garage door opener release mechanism so you can operate the door by hand. You should be able to lift the door smoothly and with little resistance. It should stay open around three to four feet above the floor. If it does not, it is out of balance. Have it adjusted by a professional.

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