Power Can Be Destructive
A garage door opener has lots of power. In fact, if you don't have it
adjusted right, it can actually break the top portion of the door. In cold
climates garage doors can actually freeze to a slab. When the opener tries to
open the door it can actually rip the top rail of the door off in extreme cases.
An opener that is not adjusted properly can sometimes deflect the top of the
door when it closes.
The point is, be aware of these problems. This doesn't mean that you should
buy a low powered opener. It means that you should make sure the top of your
garage door is reinforced. Most doors are from the factory. If you are in doubt
about the stability of your door, ask a professional door company.
Taking the Fall
Garage door openers often get blamed for things that are not their fault. If
your door jerks as it opens or makes noise or rattles, check all door hardware
first. Missing hinge bolts, loose or broken rollers, or a loose spring may be
the cause of the problem. Inspect the door hardware and look for problems.
Watch the Springs
Garage doors are very heavy. Some larger ones can weigh in excess of 300
pounds. The openers do NOT lift the doors. They simply start the process. The
massive springs that you often overlook do 95 percent of the lifting. Before you
install an opener you need to make sure the springs are adjusted perfectly. If
you have to strain and grunt to lift your door, then the springs are way out of
adjustment. If you don't adjust the springs, you will burn up or shorten the
life of the opener.
NEVER attempt to adjust the springs yourself. They are highly
dangerous.
NEVER tamper with hardware that connects the door to the
springs. For example, doors equipped with overhead springs often have a thin
cable that runs from the spring down to a steel bracket at the base of the door.
NEVER take off this bracket or loosen the bolts! The springs can rip the
bracket out of the door and cut your head off as it violently retracts up to the
ceiling of the garage. Working on springs is a job for a professional. Trust me
on this one.
Periodic Maintenance
Most garage door openers require little, if any, maintenance. When you get
your new opener, simply look at the owner's manual and see what it says about
lubrication. Some moving parts may need periodic attention. The other thing you
want to do is to take a zip lock freezer bag and store the owner's manual and
all other literature. Secure the bag with twist ties or string to the angle iron
that supports the garage door track. Be sure the bag is not close to any moving
parts. This paperwork is important and if you store it someplace, it will get
lost for sure. Leaving it out in the open is a constant reminder of its
location.
The Wall Switch
Openers come with an inside switch. Most instructions say to mount this high
on a wall - about 5 feet or more. There is a reason for this. While you are away
from the door, your kids or a neighbor child may decide to use your door as a
Medieval guillotine. Switches placed high on a wall make them work for this
dangerous thrill.
