The garage overhead door is the largest and heaviest moving object in a house. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 4 children die each year from accidents caused by garage doors. Many more children have suffered brain damage or other serious injuries when the closing garage door contacts them, and fails to stop/reverse its direction.
Recommendations:
• Visual Inspection – Look at the garage door springs, cables, rollers, and other door hardware for signs of wear or damage. If you suspect a problem, have a qualified technician make repairs.
• Reversing Feature Test – Make sure your opener has a reversing feature. If a reversing feature is not present, the unit should be replaced. Garage door openers manufactured after January 1, 1993 are required by federal law to have advanced safety features. To test the reversing feature (do this every month): with the door fully open, place a wood 2×4 laid flat on the floor or a full roll of paper towels in the center of the door, push the transmitter or wall button to close the door, the door must reverse when it strikes the obstacle – if the door does not reverse have the unit repaired or replaced.
• Door Balance and Force Settings – Have a qualified service technician evaluate the garage door opener annually for proper door balance and force settings. At this time the garage door itself should also be professionally inspected.
• Remain Alert to Changes – As the occupant you will become accustomed to the noises associated with the operation of your garage door and opener. If any changes occur with the squeaks and chattering most garage door systems make, it is important to take action promptly. Consult a qualified service technician and never attempt to make adjustments to the door springs and cables yourself.
For more information from the best home inspectors in Arizona call us today at (602) 864-8331. We offer home inspection services for homes throughout the Phoenix metro area.