We also offer monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly or yearly preventative maintenance programs for your garage doors, garage door openers, automated gates and automated gate systems. This program provides inspection, testing and service which helps to promote longer life of equipment by recognizing possible future problems when they are still small. We also provide a safety check on the equipment which helps protect our customers and their families from physical damage as well as potential lawsuits.
Garage Door Safety
Because garage doors are the largest moving objects in our homes, safety should be the primary focus of maintenance and repair of door and operator systems.
AUTO-REVERSE MECHANISM. All garage door operators (openers) sold since 1993 have legally required auto-reverse mechanisms. Older operators lacking these features should be replaced. In some jurisdictions it is unlawful to repair an operator that doesn’t comply with UL 325 (doesn’t include an auto-reverse mechanism). Even where replacement isn’t mandated by law, such operators should be replaced for safety and because their age make them difficult and costly to repair.
EXTENSION SPRINGS. Because extension springs are under extreme tension, they should incorporate an inserted cable that helps prevent pieces from flying loose if the spring breaks.
Garage Door Maintenance
ANNUAL INSPECTION. An annual inspection, including lubrication and adjustment of your system is highly recommended to ensure its continued safety and maximize its useful life. Such an inspection usually is included
in a basic service call charge. Between annual inspections, there are several checks an owner can perform.
They include: |
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SMOOTHNESS TEST.
Operate the door manually to make sure it moves smoothly. |
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PERFORMANCE TEST WITH POWER.
Operate the door with the operator and watch for any jerkiness, hesitation or stops of the door movement. Also listen for any squeaks or unusual noises. |
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CABLE, FASTENER AND HINGE INSPECTION.
Check the door cables for fraying. Look for any loosened bolts or nuts, or any cracked hinges. If you find any serious irregularities, it's a good idea to schedule a service call. Because of the tensions in a door
system, you should not attempt any adjustments that require tools. Get qualified help from Entry Systems. |
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AUTO-REVERSE TEST.
Check the auto-reverse feature by laying a two-byfour or other object under the door and closing it with the operator. The door should automatically reverse direction as soon as it reaches the obstruction. (In some systems the door will not close if an obstruction is sensed in the door's path.) |
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BALANCE TEST.
Start with the door closed. If you have a garage door opener, use the release mechanism so you can operate the door by hand when doing this test. You should be able to lift the door smoothly and with little resistance. It should stay open around three or four feet above the floor. If it does not, it is out of adjustment, call Entry Systems. |
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