Garage Door Inspection

Garage door auto-reverse is a critical safety feature — must work. Springs, cables, and tracks must be in good condition.

1. Test auto-reverse: place a 2x4 on the floor in the door's path — door must reverse when it contacts the board

2. Test photo-eye sensors: wave your foot through the beam while door is closing — should reverse immediately

3. Verify photo-eye sensors are aligned and clean (lights should be steady, not blinking)

4. Open and close door — should move smoothly without jerking or grinding

5. Check springs and cables — no fraying, rust, or stretched springs (DO NOT touch springs)

6. Check weatherstripping at bottom and sides — should seal tightly

7. Verify manual release works (red handle) — should disengage opener

8. Check door balance: disconnect opener and lift door halfway — should stay in place

- Auto-reverse not working (entrapment risk — CRITICAL safety hazard)

- Photo-eyes misaligned or dirty (door won't close or doesn't reverse)

- Frayed cables (can snap under tension — dangerous)

- Worn springs (door won't stay open or slams down)

- Door off track (can fall unexpectedly)

- No weatherstripping (energy loss, pest entry)

- Door not balanced (opener works too hard, premature failure)