Otis Singleton
Servicing an electric garage door is a simple task that can be done at home. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of the door and save you money on costly repairs. It is recommended that you service your garage door twice a year. Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools and unplug the automatic door opener. First, clean the garage door with soap and water or a power washer. Then, inspect the door for any wear and tear, including the rollers, lift cables, and weatherstripping. Replace any worn parts and lubricate the rollers and hinges. Test the balance of the door by lifting it halfway and checking if it remains in place. If it doesn't, call a technician. Finally, test the auto-reverse feature by placing an object in the path of the door to ensure it reverses direction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Maintenance Frequency | Twice a year |
| Maintenance Time | 10 minutes |
| Maintenance Cost | $70 per door |
| Maintenance Tools | Power washer or bucket with soap and water, cloth rag, socket wrench, spray lubricant, silicon-based lubricant, dry cloth |
| Maintenance Actions | Unplug automatic door opener, check balance, check auto-reverse, inspect and tighten roller brackets and bolts, lubricate rollers and hinges, remove rust and debris from tracks, replace weatherstripping, sand, prime and paint rust spots, wash with all-purpose cleaner |
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What You'll Learn
Inspect for wear and tear on rollers and cables
Inspecting for wear and tear on rollers and cables is an important aspect of maintaining an electric garage door. This inspection process can help identify issues that need to be addressed, ensuring the garage door operates smoothly and safely. Here are some detailed steps to inspect the rollers and cables:
Inspecting the Rollers:
- Start by unplugging the automatic door opener and ensuring the garage door is closed. This step is crucial for safety, as you don't want the door to accidentally activate during the inspection.
- Look for any visible signs of wear and tear on the rollers. This includes cracks, breaks, chips, or bends in the rollers. Nylon rollers tend to crack or chip, while steel rollers may show worn bearings and a tilted wheel.
- Check for debris or buildup on the rollers. Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate over time and impact the performance of the rollers.
- Use a damp cloth to clean the rollers, ensuring they are free from any debris.
- Test the rollers by operating the garage door up and down a few times. Observe if the movement is smooth and check for any unusual noises.
Inspecting the Cables:
- The lifting cables are crucial for raising and lowering the garage door. Inspect the cables for any signs of degradation, especially if the door is used frequently.
- Look for fraying, flaking, thinning, or broken strands in the cables. Rust, deterioration, and excessive rust are also signs of wear.
- Pay close attention to the bottom of the cables where they come into contact with the roller bracket. This area experiences a lot of friction and is more prone to wear and tear.
If you notice any significant wear and tear on the rollers or cables, it is important to call for professional service. Attempting to replace these components without the proper knowledge can be dangerous due to the high tension involved. Regular inspections and maintenance of your electric garage door will help ensure its reliable and safe operation.
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Test the auto-reverse feature
Testing the auto-reverse feature of your electric garage door is crucial for ensuring the safety of your family and pets. Here are the steps you can follow to test this feature:
Firstly, locate the sensors. Garage doors typically have two types of sensors: infrared sensors and pressure sensors or photocells. The infrared sensors are usually mounted 4" to 6" above the floor on each side of the garage door frame. The pressure sensors or photocells are placed on each side of the door, usually at calf level.
Once you've located the sensors, it's time to perform the auto-reverse test. You can use a solid object, such as a 1 1/2" block of wood, a brick, or a cinder block, and place it in front of one of the sensors. Make sure the object is directly in the path of the closing door. Now, activate the garage door to close. A properly functioning auto-reverse system should cause the door to stop and reverse almost immediately after encountering the obstacle. If the door responds slowly or fails to reverse, you should manually stop the door before it strikes the object.
If the auto-reverse test indicates a problem, you can refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions on adjusting the auto-reverse settings. You may need to adjust the sensitivity of the auto-reverse feature by locating the auto-reverse sensitivity adjuster, which could be a knob or a screw, and making the necessary adjustments.
It is important to note that you should only make minor adjustments to the auto-reverse feature. Significant changes could worsen the problem. If you are unsure about any step of the adjustment process, it is recommended to seek assistance from garage door experts or a repair specialist.
Additionally, remember to perform regular maintenance on your garage door to ensure its optimal functioning and safety. This includes inspecting the door for wear and tear, tightening any loose hardware, and lubricating the moving parts.
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Check the photo sensors
Checking the photo sensors is an important part of servicing an electric garage door. These sensors, also known as photo eyes or photocells, are a standard safety feature in residential garage door opener systems. They are typically located at the base of the garage door, about four to six inches above the ground, on both sides.
To check the photo sensors, start by locating them and ensuring they are properly positioned. Check for any obstructions, such as dust, insects, or webs, and clean the lenses with a soft, damp rag if needed. If the lenses are dirty, this could be causing the sensors to malfunction.
Next, observe the indicator lights on the sensors. If the lights are blinking, it usually indicates a physical blockage or an alignment issue. In this case, check for any objects that might be obstructing the sensors and ensure they are properly aligned. You can adjust the alignment by tightening the screws on the bracket with a screwdriver or gently moving the bracket back to its original position.
If the sensors' wiring appears undamaged and the lenses are clean, but the sensors are still not functioning properly, you may need to replace the sensors or other parts of the system. It is recommended to seek professional assistance if you suspect an issue with the wiring or photo eyes themselves.
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Lubricate rollers and hinges
Lubricating the rollers and hinges of your electric garage door is essential for optimal performance. This process should be done twice a year to reduce stress on the rollers and door opener. Before lubricating, it is important to clean the rollers and hinges with a damp cloth to remove any built-up dirt and grime. This allows the lubricant to adhere better and work more effectively.
When choosing a lubricant, avoid using WD-40 as it can attract dirt and dust, doing more harm than good. Instead, opt for a high-quality silicone-based spray lubricant or a lithium grease spray. These lubricants are specifically designed for garage door hinges and rollers and will not attract dirt or dust.
To lubricate the hinges, spray a small amount of silicone lubricant directly onto the hinge pins. Use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess lubricant that may squish out. You want just enough lubricant to keep the hinge pin rotating smoothly. The hinges are the pivot points that connect the individual panels of your garage door, allowing them to flex and move as a single unit.
For the rollers, these are the circular moving pieces attached to each hinge. Inside the rollers are small ball bearings that need to be lubricated for the door to open and close smoothly. Use the thin hose attachment to spray the grease inside the rollers. Again, wipe out any excess lubricant with a cloth to prevent the door from becoming unbalanced.
By following these steps, you can effectively lubricate the rollers and hinges of your electric garage door, ensuring smooth and quiet operation.
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Balance the door
Balancing the door
Springs are responsible for balancing the door, allowing it to open and close smoothly. An unbalanced garage door puts more strain on the opener, shortening its lifespan.
To test the balance of your garage door, first, disconnect the automatic opener by pulling the release handle. Then, manually lift the door to about halfway open and release it. A properly balanced door should remain in place without assistance. If the door rides back up, the springs are under too much tension. If it falls, the tension needs to be increased.
Adjusting the spring tension is a complex and dangerous procedure and should only be performed by a professional technician. Call a garage door specialist if your door is unbalanced.
You can also test the auto-reverse feature of your automatic opener by placing a 2x4 under the point where the opener is attached to the door. The door should reverse direction within two seconds after coming to a stop. If your door opener doesn't have an auto-reverse feature, you should purchase a new one.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to service your garage door at least once a year to ensure reliable, quiet operation and safety. Routine monthly maintenance can also help to extend the operational lifespan of the door.
You will need a cloth rag, a socket wrench, and a spray lubricant. You may also need a power washer or bucket with soap and water, and a silicon-based lubricant.
Unplug the automatic door opener before doing any maintenance to prevent it from being activated. If working with the door open, affix a clamp on the track under the rollers to prevent the door from slipping down.
First, clean the garage door's photo sensors with a cloth rag. Then, inspect the door's balance by detaching the door from the automatic motor drive and lifting it halfway up. If the door slips down, it is not balanced and you should call a technician. Next, lubricate the rollers and hinges, and wipe off any excess lubricant. Finally, inspect the weatherstripping for any tears or loose areas, and replace it if necessary.
Place a 2x4 or a similar-sized block of wood under the door and activate the garage door to close. The door should reverse direction within two seconds of striking the block. If it does not, call a technician.
