There are few parts as large as your garage door. It is likely to be opened and closed several times every day. Most of the time, these are left alone by homeowners until they break or jam. At local garage door & opener llc we see this happen on a daily basis. A small, inexpensive problem is not noticed until it has caused an emergency repair. How often should you have a check-up?
The Short Answer: At Least Once a Year
Most people will benefit from an annual professional inspection. As garage doors degrade slowly, it can be difficult to notice the signs of wear. A qualified professional will find the early signs of cable fraying, roller wear, and spring deterioration.
When Once a Year Isn't Enough
Some situations justify an inspection every six months:
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High usage: Door springs are usually rated for around 10,000 cycles. However, if your household opens your door frequently throughout the day you will reach this figure much quicker than a two-car family who only have one trip per day.
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Extreme weather: High temperatures, frigid winters, salt air by the coast, and high humidity can all cause corrosion/strain on your metal components to occur more quickly.
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Older door: Once your door is over around 10 years old, it will begin to wear quicker so it makes sense to check it more regularly.
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Previous issues: If your door has had repairs carried out or you have noticed anything unusual, then you should check to make sure everything is ok.
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Storm/Impact: Sometimes a panel can be knocked or there may have been a night of high winds causing your tracks to become misaligned.
What You Can Check Yourself Every Month
A monthly look between professional visits catches problems early:
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Watch the door to see if it opens and closes with ease. If there is any grinding, squeaking or jerking, then you have a problem.
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Look at the hardware on the door. If the bolts are loose, hinges rusty, cables frayed or the springs are loose.
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Check the balance by manually lifting the door halfway and letting go (with the opener disconnected). If it stays level, it is balanced. If it falls or rises, then the springs need attention.
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Check for auto reverse. Put a piece of wood or a roll of paper towels in front of the door. When the door hits it should reverse.
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Check photo eye sensors. Wave something in front of the beam whilst the door is closing. The door should stop and reverse.
What a Professional Inspection Covers
A complete inspection will include checking that the springs are balanced and tight, cables, pulleys, rollers, hinges and tracks. The force settings, safety sensors and auto-reverse will also be tested. Moving parts will be lubricated and any loosened hardware will be tightened.
A detailed report will be given to you showing what is working and what is worn and requiring repair. This allows repairs to be organised at your convenience.
Why Skipping Inspections Costs More
A door that isn’t serviced regularly will often fail at the worst time. For example, whilst you’re in the car or on a busy morning. Emergency repairs can be costly and having a faulty door can be a hazard. Broken springs can cause the door to fall unexpectedly. Regular servicing will increase the lifespan of your door and keep your family safe, keeping your home secure.
Conclusion
Book a professional inspection regularly at least once a year or every six months if your door is old, high-use, or exposed to extreme weather. Quick monthly checks will also help. If you live in an area that experiences storms, it is even more important to have regular inspections.
Wind-rated hurricane-proof garage doors will only function as they should if the tracks, hinges, and bracing hardware are in good condition. Investing just a little in regular maintenance will ensure you get safe, reliable doors.
FAQs
1. How often should I schedule a garage door inspection?
Once a year is the standard recommendation. Choose every six months for older doors, heavy daily use, or harsh weather.
2. How long does a professional inspection take?
Usually 30 to 60 minutes for a standard residential door, depending on its condition and whether adjustments are needed.
3. Can I inspect my garage door myself?
You can do visual checks, a balance test, and safety sensor tests. Springs, cables, and brackets are under high tension, so leave those to a trained technician.
4. Do wind-rated doors need inspections too?
Yes. A wind-rated door is only as strong as its installation and hardware. Loose bolts, worn hinges, or misaligned tracks can undermine its performance in a storm.
