One of the most exciting highlights involved with purchasing a new home is testing out all of the different bells and whistles that come along with the property. Every house has various features specific to that home, and learning their operating functions can be somewhat of a thrill for the new homeowner.
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You just got done watching Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix, and you’re excited to use the KonMari Method to clean and explore the garage. The realtor told you about a couple of interesting elements that were added to the garage when the previous owners lived there. You grab the garage door opener so you can get some much-needed sunlight into the space. Hold on!
NOT SO FAST!
How long has it been since the garage door opener has been used?
If you’re not sure, or you’re certain it’s been a while since it’s been engaged, you need to check out this blog first. It contains vital information regarding your garage door opener, its safety, and the working time of this component.
Step 1 > You need to know what year the garage door opener was manufactured.
Here are the main models of LiftMaster garage door openers with their sticker locations and the information you can find on it.
Grab a ladder or a step stool if your garage door opener is located high near the ceiling. Otherwise, go over to the wall and locate a sticker that’s attached somewhere on the opener. This is normally located somewhere on the face or side.
Look for a line that reads “MFG Date.” This should have a year, or a full date written or stamped and will indicate the year that particular opener was made.
This FAQ could help if your garage door opener is a Chamberlain and not a LiftMaster. These are two distinct models, and one shouldn’t be confused with the other.
If your garage door was manufactured before 1993...
…It’s time to consider a new garage door opener. It’s past time to consider a new garage door opener. You should purchase one like yesterday. Truthfully, if the current version is pre-1993, it’s at risk of falling and causing serious injury to you or your family.
Why is 1993 such a big deal?
Since 1993, the US and Canada have created protocols that make it mandatory for garage door openers to include two reversal systems that could save your life.
● Reversal #1 is Mechanical: If the closing door makes contact with an object somewhere on or near the threshold, the door will automatically kick into reverse and begin opening automatically.
● #2 is photoelectric: There are two units attached to the garage door frame on opposing sides. These are about 6 inches above the floor. One of these units sends out an infrared beam which is impossible for humans to spot. The other unit is the receiver of this beam. When ANYTHING breaks this beam while the door is closing, the motor stops and automatically reverses direction, opening the door.
Learn more about photocell safety beams and learn which urban legend about planes opening garage doors has been proven to be true. Just a warning, you might not want to let your kids or teens read the urban legends. Some of the stories are pretty horrific.
But your door was made well after 1993, so you’re good to go. No problem, right? Well, not so fast. There is another change that took effect in 2012 as well.
Chamberlain’s garage door openers have all had Security+2.0, a rolling code technology built-in since 2012. What is this exactly?
Chamberlain and LiftMaster found out that burglars were driving around neighborhoods with garage door openers that were programed with generated security codes and could open random garage doors when they pushed the open button. They would drive and click all day until they found a house the opener worked on. Then they would case the house and ransack it when the owners were away.
This rolling code technology puts a stop to this type of burglary. This is a little important, don’t you think?
Want to make sure your garage door opener has rolling code technology? Look for the Security+2.0 label on your Chamberlain, LiftMaster, or Craftsman garage door opener.
When your garage door is activated by your opener, a unique program changes the code into one of more than 100 billion possible does. That’s a lot of codes to sift through to generate, which ultimately put a stop to this con. The old code is deleted, and the opener only responds to the new combination the next time the clicker is used. The door never uses the same code more than one time. This makes stolen codes essentially useless to would-be burglars.
Assuming your garage door opener was made after 2012, you can start the real safety checkup.
Step 2 > Checking the Reversal System
● Use a wooden board or a landscape timber beneath the garage door on the threshold.
● Use the clicker to engage the closing mechanism.
● You should contact your local garage door and opener specialist if the door doesn’t begin opening when it hits the board. It doesn’t pass the safety test, and there’s no reason to continue.
Step 3 > Testing the Photoelectric System
What to look for on your garage door when you want to check your photocell reverse system? 2 photo eyes installed on each side of your door no more than 6 inches from the floor.
How do I check the photoelectric system?
● The Goal: If the invisible beam is breached when the door is closing, your door needs to start opening instantly.
● We don’t recommend you use a real animal or a part of your body for this test. Instead, use a stuffed bear or a ball big enough to roll across the threshold.
● If the door does not open when the beam is compromised, your door does not pass the test. You need to call a repair specialist to address the issue.
Step 4 > Checking the Opener’s Control Panel
Where is your wall control panel? On the wall, often by the access door leading to the house or beside the garage door itself, at least 5’from the floor.
● Check if the action button that opens and closes is functioning correctly.
● Make sure the LIGHT button also works
Step 5 > Verify the Opener and Keypad Both Work
● When was the last time the batteries were changed in the clicker? Has it been recently?
● If the LED light does not engage when you push any of the buttons, your batteries may have to be replaced. The light should light up green when you push any of the buttons on the clicker.
● Here’s how to program many LiftMaster accessories. If you replaced the battery and the clicker still isn’t working, a simple reprogram may remedy the situation.
● Learn more about remote controls, 3-button mini remotes, and universal remote compatibility. If you’re not sure which remote you have to operate the garage door, or you need a new one for any of your family members, these pages can educate you on potential options for universal remotes and other designs.
● Check the antenna: The bottom of the opener contains an antenna that sticks out. If this antenna is bent or broken in any way, this could be the source of your issues.
Step 6 > Check the Emergency Release Rope
You have probably noticed a rope that hangs down from your garage door opener. This is not for climbing or for your kids to play with. This is an emergency opener in case you get locked inside the garage.
This rope should be fairly close to the entrance of your garage, near the door.
How to check if it still works:
● Pull the cord, and the door should immediately begin opening.
The trolley is simultaneously attached to the door and the opener motor. This component moves when you open or close the door with the clicker. Pulling this cord will disengage the trolley component, which typically moves the door.
● Find the lifting handle and pull up on it.
You can normally find the lifting handle somewhere near the bottom of the garage door. It should be right above the weatherstripping.
Assuming your garage door is well-balanced, you should be able to lift the door with one hand. If it takes two, you might need to repair the spring in the door or have it recalibrated.
If the door seems hard to open, do not try and force it open.
The door will most likely need to undergo maintenance. Carefully place the door back to its closed position and leave it until a technician can come and service it.
If a garage door spring is under a lot of tension, it could break and seriously injure the user. Try to stay clear of the garage door if you can’t open it manually.
The springs on the garage door actually do most of the heavy lifting when the door is opened and closed.
Step 7 > Maintenance for the Opener and Trolley Rail
Now that we are sure the release cord works, we are almost done. Let’s move to the final step.
Let’s do a little maintenance!
The installer is checking if the garage door opener trolley slides well on the rail
● The trolley opener should slide easily along the rail without any hangups.
● Use a cloth and wipe off any extra dirt or debris along the rail. Do not use a wet rag.
● A petroleum-based lubricant is sufficient for lubricating the trolley rail. Use a small amount and spread it along with the duration of the rail’s path.
● Clean the track’s, springs, and hinges while you are already that high in the air. It’s easier to tackle multiple jobs at once instead of returning later.
Now you know your garage door opener is not a safety hazard. Do you think you could easily perform these steps at home? What’s the next move?
If you’re not up for the challenge, you can talk to one of our garage door experts before going any further.
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You can reach us at 506-375-4105.
We can take care of your maintenance, repair, or installation of your garage door or your garage opener. Our technicians have years of experience when it comes to the maintenance of these components.
Do you need a brand new garage door opener or a new garage door?
Are the old ones not cutting it any longer?
At Mclaughlin Roof Trusses Ltd., we are prepared to service any issues you have. Whether it’s repairs or installations, we are equipped to tackle the smallest residential jobs to the largest commercial projects. We have a huge selection of doors of all sizes and designs for you to choose from.
Do you already know which door you’d like to purchase?
Contact us for a quotation by email.
Do you need more options online to choose from?
Our residential photo gallery has real pictures of finished products for you to browse. If you’re more creative, you might want to check out our famous Design Centre. This gives you the opportunity to create your garage door and have a peek at what it looks like installed.
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