Garage Door General Maintenance

WEAR AND TEAR
In many households the garage door may be opened and closed 10 to 15 times a day.  This will create wear and tear on the mechanical components of the door.

Some things to look for:
-roller tracks are out of plumb
-roller wheels are worn or even broken
-automatic garage door opener will not operate

ROLLER TRACK REPAIR
Using a level determine if you roller track are plumb (straight up and down).  If not loosen the lag bolts that connect the track to the wall and adjust using the level to get it back in plumb position.  Once you have determined that the track is plumb re-tighten lag bolts

ROLLER WHEEL REPLACEMENT
If roller wheels are worn or broken this will create strain on the roller track and the garage door itself.  If this is the case replace all rollers that are worn or broken.  Replacement rollers for most garage door models can be found at a local hardware or home center.  On most garage doors this will only require a socket and ratchet.  Loosen and remove the hinge.  This will allow you to remove the roller and replace it with a new one.  On many garage doors the roller will simply slip out of the hinge and the new one can be inserted.

AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR OPENER TROUBLESHOOTING
There are several reasons why an electric garage door opener will not activate.

1.    Interrupted power supply
2.    Antenna out of position
3.    Low battery in hand held remote

WHAT TO DO:
-First, check the batteries in t14e hand held remote.  If replacing the batteries doesn't work try cleaning the battery contacts inside the remote.

-Second, make sure the unit is receiving electrical power.  Check the breaker box to make sure the breaker hasn't tripped.  If so reset the breaker.  Also, make sure the unit's electrical cord is plugged to the socket.

-Third, adjust the antenna.  The thin black wire that hangs down from most units is the antenna.  If the antenna is bent out of position this can effect it's ability to receive the signal from the remote.  Try straightening it or even pointing it toward the garage door for maximum effectiveness.

SPECIAL ADVICE
When a power failure traps you car inside the garage, don't panic!  You can get the car out by disconnecting the door from the power train.  Usually there is an emergency release cord between t14e motor and door.  Pull it down and away from the door to disengage.  This will allow you to lift and close the door by hand.  After the power is back on simply re-engage the drive train by pulling the cord toward the automatic garage door motor.