With Spring just around the corner, you should take a few minutes to go through our garage door spring check up to ensure that your garage door works properly throughout the season. 

1. Inspect the rail / track.  Make sure the rail is securely connected to the wall, free of any obstacles, and properly greased.  If it is bent or damaged, have it replaced immediately.

2. Inspect the rollers and axles.  Make sure the mechanism is securely connected to the garage door and lubricated.

3. Inspect the brackets / hinges.  Make sure the brackets / hinges are securely fastened to the garage door.

4.  Inspect the spring assemblies.  If springs require repairs, do not attempt to repair them yourself because they can be very dangerous due to the powerful tension.  Contact a certified garage door repair technician immediately for garage door spring repair.

5. Test the door balance.  With the door closed, disconnect the garage door opener and lift the door open manually. You should be able to lift it smoothly, with little resistance, and it should stay open by itself three or four feet above the floor. If it doesn't, that's a sign that you need to get a trained garage door tech in for a look. 

6. Check the door's weatherstripping.  If the weatherstripping is damaged, jammed or missing, adjust or replace it.  Older wooden garage doors without such protection should be sealed or painted and then weatherstripping can be applied.

Additionally, if you have an automatic garage door opener, you should perform the following spring check up.

1. Inspect the belt.  Make sure that there is not too much slack in the belt.

2. Check force setting.  Make sure the operating force of your garage door is properly set by holding on to the bottom of the garage door while it's closing. It should reverse direction easily. If not, see the owner's manual for how to adjust the setting.

3. Test the automatic reversing mechanism.   Open the garage door all the way, put a length of 2X4 on the floor below it, and lower the garage door onto the wood. The garage door should change directions when it makes contact with the board.  Call a technician if it doesn't change direction without much effort. 

4. Check additional safety devices.  Examine safety devices such as photo eyes or edge sensors. If they're not working, it should be clear after even a quick check.

5. Inspect the cables.  If cables are frayed or worn, have them replaced by a certified service technician immediately.

If your maintenance checkup reveals anything that needs attention or you want to consider replacing your old garage door or garage door opener, call A.B.E. Doors & Windows at (610) 398-2430. Our expert garage door technicians are available 24/7 to help get your garage door working as quickly as possible.