Garage Door Repair in Santa Maria Mistakes to Avoid
Garage door safety is something we often take for granted. Though challenging to learn about, the consequences of not following proper safety precautions are dire and should be avoided at all costs. To ensure your garage door remains safe and secure, take a moment to see ten of the most common mistakes people make when inspecting their garage door repair in Santa Maria.
Garages can be dangerous places because they have several things going on simultaneously that can result in injury or death. When looking over your garage, avoid these ten common mistakes others make and protect yourself from the potential harms that a potential danger like this could cause.
1 Skipping Visual Inspection for Garage Door Repair in Santa Maria
A visual inspection is one of the most common things people skip when looking to inspect their garage door. Unfortunately, this can lead to potentially dangerous consequences. Many people ignore any such visual inspection because they think it is not that big of a deal—though it is a vital step in garage door maintenance.
A visual inspection should be something you do regularly, at least twice per year. There are several spots to look at when doing a visual inspection, and each can reveal different aspects of your garage’s maintenance needs and any potential dangers lying in wait for you inside your garage. It is generally a good idea to have someone else do this for you so that you can be certain the job is done right.
2. Ignoring Safety Features
Your garage door has safety features to protect you and your family. However, many homeowners overlook testing these features during inspections. Test the auto-reverse mechanism by placing an object in the door’s path and closing it. The door should reverse immediately upon contact with the thing. It should do this without damage to the object or the garage door. If the door does not change, it could mean that the safety sensors have failed and must be replaced.
Several other features can also fail, and it is something you should keep an eye on. If the door begins to close and reverse without you commanding it, this could mean a broken safety switch, or it could mean that someone has tampered with the reversing device. Either way fixing this will require replacing a piece of hardware on your garage door opener. Garage door repair in Santa Maria will require you to address this problem with utmost priority. You also want to ensure your garage door can withstand a vehicle if it is activated for more than five seconds. This is something you want to test regularly as well and ensure it functions as intended.
3. Neglecting Lubrication
Proper lubrication is crucial for the smooth operation of your garage door. However, many must pay more attention to this important maintenance step during inspections. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the hinges, rollers, springs, and tracks. This will reduce friction and wear on the moving parts of your garage door, ensuring smooth and efficient operation. Remember to wipe away any excess lubricant to prevent dirt and debris from sticking to the components. When lubricating your garage door, follow the directions that come with the lubricant to ensure it is applied correctly.
4. Neglecting Track Alignment
The tracks of your garage door are crucial for its smooth operation. During inspections, check the alignment of the tracks to ensure they are appropriately aligned and free from any obstructions. You may need to realign your tracks if you find a misalignment issue. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the alignment is done correctly. It is also recommended that you have a professional inspect alignment issues to ensure no damage or corrosion to the tracks that could cause further problems. It is essential to ensure your garage door repair is handled by a professional for this step.
5. Not Disengaging Door’s Automatic Safety System
Your garage door has a safety system consisting of sensors and safety switches that automatically engage when the door closes. You should check these systems regularly to ensure they are still in good working order, and when performing an inspection, you should test them thoroughly to ensure they’re functioning correctly. Completely disengage the automatic safety system by closing the door and giving it a minute before operating it again. This will allow you to open your garage door without entering a code into your remote control or keypad entry box- providing you with added security and convenience.
6. Not Testing Garage Door Opener
As with any machinery, the garage door opener is susceptible to wear and tear. You must check your garage door opener regularly to ensure it functions correctly and performs as expected. When performing an inspection, it is recommended that you test your garage door opener’s automatic reversing system to ensure it works properly. This will ensure your door can reverse immediately upon encountering an obstruction. If your garage door opens by itself when you are not expecting it to, this could mean a broken safety switch or a faulty sensor that needs replacing.
7. Not Checking the Security of the Garage Door
The level of security of your garage door has a direct effect on its overall performance and function. You want to make sure that intruders cannot quickly gain access through your garage door if they choose to enter unannounced. Several door features provide security, including automatic locking and an alarm. You should ensure these functions are working correctly by checking the control panels and door’s exterior to ensure there are no signs of tampering.
8. Not Checking the Garage Door Opener’s Remote Control & Keys
You should perform a keypad entry procedure and a remote-control operation monthly. This will help maintain the opener’s functioning and keep it secure. You should also check the batteries of your garage door opener while you inspect it—this could be your first sign that they need replacement. It is also recommended that you replace any remote or keypad entry code regularly—this will prevent someone from stealing the code and using it to access your garage door at any time.
9. Delaying Repairs
Identifying issues during inspections is only the first step. One of the most common mistakes is delaying necessary repairs. Ignoring or postponing repairs can lead to more significant problems and potentially costly repairs. When you notice any issues with your garage door during an inspection, immediately contact a professional garage door repair company in Santa Maria. They will be able to provide expert advice and carry out the necessary repairs to ensure your garage door’s continued functionality and safety.
10. Under-training in Repair Procedures
You should always have a professional open and close the garage door to ensure its functioning before you use it. When performing inspections, always have a professional properly install any new parts or replace faulty parts. When installing any new garage door hardware, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any complications or damage to your garage door. If you plan on replacing your garage door hardware with an aftermarket part, ensure that it is compatible with the other components of your system.
Garage door installation requires training to make everything safe for your family and the public. You should always ensure that the installation has been done by a professional who has undergone the necessary training. To ensure that you are installing your garage door correctly, it is recommended that you use the manufacturer’s installation guide and follow the instructions as closely as possible.
Garage door repair is necessary if you want to ensure your garage door functions correctly. By performing regular inspections, you can ensure the quality and functionality of the garage door for years to come. It is also necessary to perform routine maintenance on your garage door when it’s time to replace worn components or replace the door altogether. A regular inspection can also prevent you from having to make costly repairs to your garage door in Santa Maria.
