Garage Door
By: Amanda Campbell
Updated: March 2, 2011
Just like anything else in your house, if you keep your garage door in good condition it will last longer and serve you well.
Here are some quick tips when you want to give your garage door a routine check up.
First of all when you are looking over the door, be sure it is in the down position and the automatic opener is disconnected so it won’t accidentally open up on you.
You’ll want to give the arm that raises and lowers the door a visual check. Look for any signs of wear and tear.
Garage door bolts will loosen after years of use. So take your wrench and tighten down every one. If you find any nuts missing be sure to replace them.
And if a hinge is very loose reposition it so that the hinge is centered over the joint between the door panels. Make sure the line of the hinge follows the line of the seam between the panels.
Next look at the door tracks and make sure they are bolted securely to the wall and ceiling. You need to have at least one inch of clearance total between the garage door and the track. That’s because the door moves back and forth as it is lowered and opened and you don’t want it to bang against the track.
Next check for rust. Especially in the cables or spring and replace them right away. Always replace springs and hinges in matched pairs.
By taking good care of your garage door you can be sure it will always be there to welcome you home.
Here is some more information we found for you concerning garage doors!
Garages - Installing the Garage Door Opener
If you plan on trying to install a garage door yourself be sure to follow manufacturer’s directions to the letter. There are a variety of products on the market that make it necessary to follow the instructions, provided by the manufacturer, for each model of garage door opener.
However, there are certain things you can look for when buying a garage door opener.
Garage door openers provide both security and convenience. At the push of a button you can get out of your can and into your house safely no matter what the weather, sleet, snow, rain or darkness. Another push of the button closes and locks the door securely behind you.
When you buy you garage door opener make sure make you are dealing with a reputable manufacturer.
Look for a chain drive and solid steel T-rail. Industrial strength chain is necessary for moving something as big and heavy as a garage door. Top quality components will give you durability and the ultimate in performance.
Other features you need to look for should include:
Automatic Light Delay As the garage door opens, the lights go on in the garage to safely light your way and turn off automatically after a few minutes. A few manufacturers offer delays as long as four and a half minutes.
Automatic Safety Reverse This feature reverses the door immediately if obstructed when going down. It also stops the door if obstructed when going up.
Ventilation/Pet Opening. The door should also be able to be stopped at any position to give ventilation and easy access for household pets.
Illuminated Wall Control Panel this should contain lock/security and light switches for convenience. The lock/security feature allows you to turn your garage door opener off if you are away for an extended period of time. It also allows you to lock out all outside radio signals. A light switch on the control panel enables you to use the lights in the garage without activating the garage door opener.
Remote Control Transmitter Your transmitter should be of the most advanced technology with solid state electronics throughout. The better ones contain an L.E.D. light to let you know the battery is charged and the signal is sent.
Emergency Release/Automatic Reconnect. This allows manual door operation in the event of a power failure. The push of a button should reconnect power automatically when power is restored.
Changeable Security Codes For added security choose a model that will allow you to select and change your personal transmitter code.
Regardless of the type of garage door opener you will be installing, special safety rules will apply. Please follow these precautions:
1.Do not wear rings, watches or loose clothing.
2.Remove all ropes connected to the garage door prior to installing the opener.
3.Disengage all existing garage door locks to avoid damage to garage door.
4.Lightweight garage doors require reinforcement with a 2 x 4 board at least 6 feet in length.
5.Installation and wiring must be in compliance with local building and electrical codes.
6.Do not use force to compensate for a binding or sticking garage door. This will interfere with the proper operation of the safety reverse system and possibly damage the garage door. A garage door service person must do moving, loosening or adjusting door springs. Failure to adjust properly could cause serious personal injury.
7.Fasten the caution label on the wall near the wall control as a reminder of safe operating procedures.
8.Install all controls out of the reach of children.
9.Properly adjust the opener.
Here are some quick tips when you want to give your garage door a routine check up.
First of all when you are looking over the door, be sure it is in the down position and the automatic opener is disconnected so it won’t accidentally open up on you.
You’ll want to give the arm that raises and lowers the door a visual check. Look for any signs of wear and tear.
Garage door bolts will loosen after years of use. So take your wrench and tighten down every one. If you find any nuts missing be sure to replace them.
And if a hinge is very loose reposition it so that the hinge is centered over the joint between the door panels. Make sure the line of the hinge follows the line of the seam between the panels.
Next look at the door tracks and make sure they are bolted securely to the wall and ceiling. You need to have at least one inch of clearance total between the garage door and the track. That’s because the door moves back and forth as it is lowered and opened and you don’t want it to bang against the track.
Next check for rust. Especially in the cables or spring and replace them right away. Always replace springs and hinges in matched pairs.
By taking good care of your garage door you can be sure it will always be there to welcome you home.
Here is some more information we found for you concerning garage doors!
Garages - Installing the Garage Door Opener
If you plan on trying to install a garage door yourself be sure to follow manufacturer’s directions to the letter. There are a variety of products on the market that make it necessary to follow the instructions, provided by the manufacturer, for each model of garage door opener.
However, there are certain things you can look for when buying a garage door opener.
Garage door openers provide both security and convenience. At the push of a button you can get out of your can and into your house safely no matter what the weather, sleet, snow, rain or darkness. Another push of the button closes and locks the door securely behind you.
When you buy you garage door opener make sure make you are dealing with a reputable manufacturer.
Look for a chain drive and solid steel T-rail. Industrial strength chain is necessary for moving something as big and heavy as a garage door. Top quality components will give you durability and the ultimate in performance.
Other features you need to look for should include:
Automatic Light Delay As the garage door opens, the lights go on in the garage to safely light your way and turn off automatically after a few minutes. A few manufacturers offer delays as long as four and a half minutes.
Automatic Safety Reverse This feature reverses the door immediately if obstructed when going down. It also stops the door if obstructed when going up.
Ventilation/Pet Opening. The door should also be able to be stopped at any position to give ventilation and easy access for household pets.
Illuminated Wall Control Panel this should contain lock/security and light switches for convenience. The lock/security feature allows you to turn your garage door opener off if you are away for an extended period of time. It also allows you to lock out all outside radio signals. A light switch on the control panel enables you to use the lights in the garage without activating the garage door opener.
Remote Control Transmitter Your transmitter should be of the most advanced technology with solid state electronics throughout. The better ones contain an L.E.D. light to let you know the battery is charged and the signal is sent.
Emergency Release/Automatic Reconnect. This allows manual door operation in the event of a power failure. The push of a button should reconnect power automatically when power is restored.
Changeable Security Codes For added security choose a model that will allow you to select and change your personal transmitter code.
Regardless of the type of garage door opener you will be installing, special safety rules will apply. Please follow these precautions:
1.Do not wear rings, watches or loose clothing.
2.Remove all ropes connected to the garage door prior to installing the opener.
3.Disengage all existing garage door locks to avoid damage to garage door.
4.Lightweight garage doors require reinforcement with a 2 x 4 board at least 6 feet in length.
5.Installation and wiring must be in compliance with local building and electrical codes.
6.Do not use force to compensate for a binding or sticking garage door. This will interfere with the proper operation of the safety reverse system and possibly damage the garage door. A garage door service person must do moving, loosening or adjusting door springs. Failure to adjust properly could cause serious personal injury.
7.Fasten the caution label on the wall near the wall control as a reminder of safe operating procedures.
8.Install all controls out of the reach of children.
9.Properly adjust the opener.
