Garage doors are heavy and spring-loaded, so a few habits keep Roseville homeowners safe: know the signs of a bad spring, test the safety sensors monthly, and never let anyone stand or walk under a moving door.
Test the door balance safely
Only do this with the door fully closed and the springs and cables in normal condition. Disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle, then use its lift handle to raise it slowly toward halfway, stopping if it feels heavy, binds or moves unevenly. A balanced door stays in place on its own; if it falls or rises, the springs need adjustment by a technician. Do not stand underneath the door while testing it, and do not attempt to adjust the springs yourself.
Test both safety functions
Follow your opener manual for two separate tests. For contact reversal, many residential openers specify a 2x4 laid flat under the center of the door; the closing door must reverse on contact. For photo-eyes, interrupt the beam with an object near a sensor while keeping yourself and the object out of the door's travel; the closing door must reverse before contact. Never use your body as the obstruction. If either test fails, stop using the opener and arrange service. Do not bypass the sensors.
Operating the door manually during a power outage
Every opener has a manual release, usually a red handle on a cord. Only pull it when the door is fully closed and stays down on its own. Never pull the release while the door is open, off its track, or if a spring or cable looks damaged, since the door can fall. Keep people and vehicles clear either way.
Keep the household safe
Keep remotes and keypad codes away from young children, and teach everyone in the house not to walk, stand or play under a moving door.
Routine care
Visually inspect tracks, cables, rollers and hardware from the floor each month. With an undamaged door closed, wipe accessible track surfaces and leave them dry; lubricate only the parts specified in the door manual. Do not handle cables or spring hardware. Schedule a professional tune-up about once a year so a technician can catch worn parts before they fail. See garage door tune-ups.
If any of this turns up a problem, especially with a spring, cable or sensor, call (916) 838-8182. We serve Roseville and the surrounding area; see garage door repair in Roseville.
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