How to Do a Garage Door Inspection

Your garage door takes a beating every single day. From extreme temperatures to constant use, it is working harder than you might realize. But when was the last time you actually paid attention to it? Most Omaha homeowners ignore their garage doors until something goes wrong. But a simple 20-minute garage door inspection can save you from unexpected breakdowns and wallet-draining repairs.

In this week’s blog, Titan Garage Doors NE will walk you through a straightforward inspection anyone can do. We will cover what to look for and what signals you might need professional help for. Ready to become a garage door maintenance pro? Let us break it down.

Why Do You Need to Check Your Overhead Door?

Your garage door is a complex machine with lots of moving parts. Think about it: you probably use that door at least twice every day when you are coming and going. Over time, all those sensors, springs, and mechanisms can start to wear out or develop minor issues.

The smart move is to give your garage door a quick check-up a couple of times a year. By catching issues early, you could save yourself a lot of money. A typical garage door repair can cost between $150 and $350, so spending a few minutes inspecting it can actually keep more money in your pocket. Just set a reminder to look it over every six months to a year and do a full tune-up annually.

Use this garage door inspection checklist to make sure your garage door is operating smoothly:

How to Do a Garage Door Inspection

You might think performing a garage door inspection is quite an intimidating task at first. Yet, with just a few simple steps to follow, you may find it easy to do after all. At this point, let us walk through the process together.

1. Inspect the Garage Door, Track, and Rollers

As you already know, your garage door relies on tracks and rollers to move smoothly. Here is how you can check them:

• First, switch your door opener to manual mode.
• Move the door up and down by hand.

Then, look for these issues:

• Dents, rust, or wear on the door.
• Rollers that are chipped or cracked.
• Tracks that are misaligned or blocked.
• The door should stay open in different positions.

If needed, lubricate the rollers and tracks, but do not attempt to replace these parts yourself—it is risky. Instead, feel free to reach out to Titan Garage Doors NE for a new garage door track or roller replacement.

2. Examine the Garage Door Hardware

Brackets, hinges, screws, and bolts hold your garage door together, so they need to be in good shape. Here is how to inspect and maintain this hardware:

• Tighten any loose screws.
• Replace missing bolts or screws.
• Remove rust using a cleaner, rust remover, or even white vinegar.
• Lubricate hinges to keep them moving smoothly.

If you notice serious damage, like warped or corroded parts, it is best to get them replaced by a garage door expert in Omaha.

3. Check the Garage Door Springs

Your garage door might use torsion or extension springs to operate. These springs are under high tension, so handle them with care.

What to look for:

• Signs of rust or wear.
• Retention cables for extension springs—they should be intact.

Never attempt to repair or replace springs on your own; they can cause serious injury if mishandled. Call a garage door technician if you notice any spring issues.

4. Check the Photo Eye Sensors

Photo eye sensors are crucial safety features that prevent your garage door from closing on anything in its path—like a car or, worse, a person. These sensors are usually about 6 inches above the ground on either side of the garage door.

How can you test if they are working?

• Verify the sensors’ secure attachments.
• Open the garage door.
• Place an object taller than 6 inches in front of one sensor.
• Try closing the door with your opener.

If the door does not close, your sensors are working fine. However, if it is otherwise, it only means there is something wrong. If your garage door does not have those photo eye sensors, it is time to reach out to your manufacturer. These sensors could be a must-have for safety.

5. Test the Wall Control Panel and Garage Door Remotes

At the same time, your garage door should have a wall-mounted push button or portable remotes. The push button should be:

• Easy to see from the garage door.
• At least 5 feet above the ground to keep it out of children’s reach.

How do you test them?

Press the button and remotes to check if they open and close the door. If they do not respond, try replacing the batteries or seek professional help to troubleshoot further.

6. Inspect the Auto-Reverse Feature

Physical resistance sets off the auto-reverse feature, which is a safety function. This mechanism stops the door and then moves it in the opposite direction if it hits something while it is closing.

Here is how to test it:

• Open the garage door.
• Place a non-breakable object (like a piece of wood) on the floor under the door.
• Use the opener to close the door.

When the door touches the object, it should automatically reverse; if it does not, check the door’s pressure-sensitive strip. Is it still not working? Adjust the opener’s settings or hire a licensed garage door technician—this is an important safety feature.

7. Check the Weatherstripping

The weatherstripping seals your garage door, keeping out drafts, pests, and moisture.

How to inspect it:

• Close the garage door.
• Look for gaps where light comes through.
• Check for cracks, warping, or missing sections.

You can replace worn-out weatherstripping yourself with supplies from a hardware shop, or you can hire a pro.

8. Inspect the Pulleys and Lifting Cables

Pulleys and cables play a big role in lifting your garage door. Over time, they can wear out or fray.

What should you do?

• Look for cracks, corrosion, or sagging cables.
• Check the lower roller bracket, as this area tends to wear out first.

If you spot damage, avoid DIY fixes—these parts are under tension, making them dangerous to handle. You can always call Titan Garage Doors NE for any garage door issues.

By following these steps, you can ensure your garage door stays safe, functional, and efficient. If you spot any major issues or feel unsure about repairs, feel free to call Titan Garage Doors NE. Remember, a little maintenance goes a long way in avoiding bigger problems down the road.

Garage Door Maintenance Near Me

Is your garage door making strange noises or not working like it used to? Do not wait until it breaks! At Titan Garage Doors NE, we make garage door inspection simple and hassle-free. Whether it is a garage door tune-up, maintenance, or repair, we have got you covered in Omaha, Lincoln, Council Bluffs, and beyond.

Are you in need of garage door service but concerned about the cost? No problem—you can pay over time. Call us today, and let us keep your garage door running with ease.