Older houses have lots of charm, but it may be difficult to spot if the garage door is the original or a replacement.   If you don’t have the original manual, you can conduct this series of tests  to discover if the door does not have a reversing feature or is a modern model with the feature in need of repair.

 

Balance. To check balance, start with the door closed and trip the release mechanism so you can maneuver the door by hand. If the door is balanced (properly spring-loaded and running freely on its tracks), you should be able to lift the door smoothly without much effort and it should stay open about three or four feet above the floor.

If the door flies up or down when you let go, the balance needs adjusting. Because the springs store so much power, you should have their tension corrected by a Door Doctor professional.

 

Force setting. Test the force setting of the opener by holding the bottom of the door as it closes. If the door does not reverse as you apply moderate resistance, the setting is probably excessive.

Reversing test. Place a 2-by-4 block on the flat in the path of the door. If it does not promptly reverse on hitting the block, you should repair a modern opener or replace an older one that lacks the reversing feature.

 

Door Doctor always recommends professional installation and repair of all garage door systems.  These systems are operated under extreme tension which could result in serious bodily injury, property damage, or death if proper safety procedures are not observed.

 

At Door Doctor VA, we specialize in garage doors and garage door openers. Door Doctor, Inc. has been in the garage door business for over twenty years and we serve Northern Virginia and parts of Maryland. We can meet all your garage door and garage door opener repair, service, and installation needs with the professional quality, craftsmanship, and personal service you deserve. Call us today for an estimate on replacing or repairing your garage door or garage door opener at 703 709 7933