Lawn & Garden

(NAPS)-A garage door is more than just a luxury or convenience. It provides safety, security and protection from summer heat and winter cold.

Now is a good time to make sure your garage door system is safe and in good working condition. Weighing more than 300 pounds, your garage door is probably the largest moving piece of equipment around your home. It can also account for as much as one-third of the front appearance, or "curb appeal," of your house. You may, therefore, find that devoting a few moments to the humble garage door will dramatically improve your home's appearance, market value and safety. Like any piece of mechanical equipment, the door will work most efficiently and safely if it is well maintained.

The Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) recommends you begin by making a visual inspection of the door, its frame and the door hardware. Check for cracked and peeling paint, and see that the door makes an effective seal against the floor of the garage when closed. Also check the door springs, cables, rollers, pulleys and other door hardware for signs of wear.

Garage door springs-and the cables and other hardware attached to the springs-are under very high tension. If handled improperly, they can cause serious injury. They should be adjusted only by a qualified professional or a very mechanically experienced person carefully following the manufacturer's instructions. If you do not have the proper mechanical expertise and the printed manufacturer's instructions, call a qualified door-repair service company.

Test the balance of the door. Start with the door closed. If the door is equipped with an electric operator, disconnect the operator release mechanism from the door so you can operate the door by hand. You should be able to lift the door smoothly and with little resistance.

Many people equip their garage doors with electric operators. The operator should have a properly adjusted safety feature, required by federal law, that automatically reverses the garage door if an object obstructs the door as it is closing.

For a free brochure, call the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association at 1 800-517-3404.

Back to the Top of the PageBack to the Lawn & Garden Home Page