Garage Door Inspection: 3 Things You Should Pay Attention To

It is usually cheaper and easier to fix a garage door problem when that problem is detected early. You can detect developing problems early by conducting regular visual inspections of that door. This article discusses some of the things that you should pay attention to as you conduct an inspection.

Look for Gaps

One of the most helpful ways to tell if your garage door has a problem is to look for gaps in that door. This is best done when the garage door is closed while you are inside the garage during the day. Turn off any lights in your garage and observe the area around the door closely. Any gaps will be revealed when you see light streaming in from outside. Gaps may indicate that the load of the door is not distributed evenly across the frame or structure of the garage door. Gaps may also alert you to insulation issues that need to be addressed.

Check Component Installation

Garage doors have several components, such a springs and pulleys, that work together in order to ease the process of opening or closing the door. Each of those components has a specific position that it should hold relative to the other components. For instance, the garage door cable should not hang loose because it may get in the way of the rollers or wheels. Examine each of the garage door components and find out if there are any anomalies. For instance, you should be concerned if you notice that a hinge is rusty or worn. Repair or replace any components that appear to have defects.

Observe As the Door Opens

The other activity that you should conduct during the visual inspection is observing the garage door as you open it. Try to identify where exactly any strange noise is originating. For instance, a warped roller may be scraping against another component as the garage door opens. Have any defects found fixed quickly before they cause damage that is more extensive to the garage door assembly.

Some defects, such as lack of lubrication, can be fixed easily by a layperson. Other defects, such as broken garage door springs, require the involvement of an expert. It is therefore advisable to consult a garage door service professional in case you discover something amiss during the visual inspection. That professional will advise you on the best steps to take to resolve the problem.