top of page

Garage Door Inspection: Ensuring Safety and Smooth Operation

  • kathynaimark
  • Oct 8
  • 7 min read

When was your garage door last inspected? The garage door experts at OC Garage Door Guys, Orange County's trusted garage door experts, will make sure that your garage door system is safe, reliable, and as efficient as possible. A service technician will locate smaller problems associated with your garage door system before they develop into significantly higher repair costs. If you hear strange noises, or if your door acts sluggish, a thorough inspection and proper maintenance can prevent expensive problems and ensure you get as much use as possible from your garage door.


ree

Why Regular Garage Door Inspections Matter


A garage door is one of the heaviest moving objects in your home. As is the case with any moving equipment, the springs, cables, rollers, and other components of your garage door will wear out or need maintenance and inspection from time to time. If you ignore these potential issues for too long, your garage door could malfunction at an inconvenient time: stopping halfway open or closed, falling down sudden, or refusing to open altogether. Inspections help us find wear and tear on your garage door well before emergency service is needed. It is a good idea to have your garage door inspected yearly (or more often if it is used heavily) for the following reasons:


  • Safety for your family - If springs or cables snap, it can be dangerous. A thorough inspection will evaluate the condition of these components, as well as the auto-reverse safety sensors, to help you avoid problems that could lead to injury.


  • Security - A garage door that opens and closes properly will keep intruders out of your garage. A qualified technician in inspecting your garage door will ensure that are all of the locks, openers, and sensors are working properly so your door only opens when it should.


  • Reliability and durability - If we can identify rusted rollers, bent tracks, etc. and fix these items before they cause extensive damage to the garage door, the door will continue to work as it should, and have a longer lifespan.


  • Energy efficiency - Fleeting air and moisture leaking into your garage (and home) can be a symptom of worn weatherstripping or damaged panels. An inspection will also include an evaluationComplete Garage Door Inspection



Our Comprehensive Garage Door Inspection


Springs and Cables: We check the torsion and extension springs for wear, rust, or cracks. We check the lift cables for fraying or kinks. Properly functioning springs and cables balance the weight of the door. When the spring breaks, the door will slam shut or become too heavy to lift. We identify worn springs prior to breaking and replace them with a durable, high-quality aftermarket part.


Tracks and Rollers: Misaligned or bent tracks may cause the door to stick or jam. Our Inspection gets the tracks straight and securely fastened. We will inspect the rollers for damage or dirt buildup, lubricate or replace them, so the door can move quietly and easily.


Hinges and Hardware: Loose bolts, worn hinges, or broken brackets may cause the door panels to sag and/or come apart. We will properly tighten your hardware, and replace any broken hardware, to keep each section aligned and moving properly.


Opener and Controls: We will test the operation of your automatic opener and remotes to make sure that they operate properly each time you press the wall mount button or remote button. You will observe that the safety sensors called photo-eyes are properly aligned with a green indicator light lit. As an additional precaution, we will test the safety feature of the opener system by putting a small object under the door. After the door auto-closes, the door will automatically reverse up instead of run over the object to help prevent injury.


Door Balance: Lastly, we will disconnect the opener to perform a balance test of the door and adjust the balance side to side, as needed. The door must remain open approximately halfway; if it lowers or slams down, then the spring tension may need adjustment. When the door is in proper balance, the opener and other hardware do not experience undue strain.


Weather sealing and door panels. We check for cracks, gaps, or damage in bottom seals and side weatherstripping. Damaged seals allow inside drafts and pests. We check the door panels for cracking, denting, or rust. Minor panel damage may be cosmetic in nature, but excessive damage and wear may affect the door's performance.


By diligently inspecting each component, we accomplish a critical step in ensuring your garage door operates safely and efficiently.



Warning Signs You Should Schedule an Inspection


Homeowners should look for these warning signs of trouble with their garage door:


Sounds That are Out of the Ordinary: Grinding, squeaking, or banging that is present when opening or closing is often indicative of loose or worn parts. Noisy operation may lead to potential issues, including; needing to lubricate the rollers or the spring and hardware failing.


Opposite Movement or Bumpy Movement: If the door is uneven, tilts to one side or is jerky in operation, then the tracks may not be properly lined up with each other or one spring may be failing. A door that shakes or gets stuck, needs to be looked at by a professional.


Slow to Respond or Not Functioning at All: If your door is slow to respond to the remote, your door stops halfway through when opening, or it won't open; one of the springs is broken or the opener has gone bad. A door that is hard to lift means the spring is not bearing the weight of the door anymore.Sensor or Opener Problem: If the door does not reverse when something is underneath it, or if the safety sensors (photo-eyes) are blocked or out of alignment, they are a safety problem. Also, if you hear the opener motor hum but the door does not move, it may mean that the opener motor is failing.


Visible Damage: It is easy to tell if there is visible rust on springs and metal components, frayed cables, or broken panels. If any light comes through the gap in the bottom seal or moisture is on your floor, it is likely due to weather stripping that is worn. Any visible problems should be checked out by a professional.


If you observe any of these signs, you will want to call OC Garage Door Guys. The sooner we can identify the problem, the easier and less expensive it will be to fix.



Common Garage Door Repairs and Services


It is common during an inspection to find issues that need to be repaired. OC Garage Door Guys routinely provides quick and reliable service for:


Broken Spring Replacement: Garage door springs help balance the weight of the heavy garage door. If you have a broken spring (often indicated by a loud bang), the garage door will likely feel very heavy if it is operational or the door will not move if the door is inoperable. We replace broken springs with the proper parts, considering the weight of your garage door, on the spot.


Off-Track and Bent Track Repair: If your garage door has come off the track, or the tracks are bent, we realign or replace the track so the door moves correctly. Properly aligning the tracks protects against strain on other components in the garage door.


Cable and Roller Replacement: Frayed lift cables and/or worn rollers can cause the garage door to operate jerkily and loudly.We repair cables that are damaged and install new rollers or hinges as needed to ensure safe and quiet operation.


Noisy Door Repair: If a garage door makes a squeaking or grinding noise, the cause is often due to something not being tightened properly or not having enough lubrication. We tighten bolts, replace any worn parts, and lubricate the rollers, hinges, and springs to eliminate any annoying noises.


Opener & Sensor Service: When it comes to automatically opening the garage door, we will repair or install the opener and ensure everything is functioning correctly. This includes checking the remotes and keypad, adjusting the travel limits, and lining up solid photo-eye sensors to ensure the door reverses safely if something is detected.


Weather Stripping & Seals: If the weather seals are cracked or missing, moisture, dirt, and pests can enter through the bottom of the door and the sides. We can replace the bottom seals and side weather stripping to help keep the garage dry and insulated.


We keep our truck fully stocked to complete most repairs while on site for quick service.



Why Choose OC Garage Door Guys?


OC Garage Door Guys is a family-run business located in Orange County, which allows us to understand the needs of local homeowners. Our team of technicians is licensed, fully insured, and trained to work on all brands and models. We pride ourselves on:


  • Local Knowledge: Right here in Orange County, we know the climate and house styles of the area. We can respond to service calls quickly in Orange County, and you can feel that every time you place a service call with us as our technicians are in and out working locally for fellow Orange County residents.


  • Certified Technicians: Each technician is experienced and fully equipped with the tools to do thorough inspections and complete repairs. We take safety very seriously every time we are on a job.


  • 24/7 Service: Garage door issues can happen any time, which is why we offer same-day repairs and emergency service 24/7, regardless of day or time.


  • Quality Parts & Service: Premium quality and durable springs, cables, and openers are what we use. All repairs and service are backed by our satisfaction guarantee for your peace of mind.


  • Honesty in Pricing: You will receive an estimate prior to any work being completed. Our pricing and estimates are always fair, reasonable, and competitive, with no hidden fees.


  • Customer Focused: We pride ourselves in clear communication and treating your home and property with respect. Our friendly technicians will ensure your experience is pleasant from when we first arrive to the conclusion of the job.



Schedule a Professional Garage Door Inspection Today


Don't wait until your garage door breaks down, and call OC Garage Door Guys for inspections to save time, money, and headaches. It is best to keep your garage door in great condition to minimize emergencies and prolong the proper function it receives throughout the year. Reach out to us today to set up a garage door inspection or any garage door service - our team is here and willing to help any Orange County resident with their garage door needs.

 
 
bottom of page