Does your Garage Door need replacing

If you are a new home buyer, or if you are someone who has bought a relatively aged home – there are a few things that you are going to need to do once you've taken possession.  Obviously, moving all of your things in and checking vital components, such as the furnace or dish washer, will come before less important tasks, but eventually there will come a time when your gaze will shift towards your garage. 

The garage door is something that is constantly overlooked by home buyers as they inspect their home, and unfortunately it demands a bit more attention.  When you think about it there really is no “reason” that you should really investigate your garage doors, but if you've ever had one refuse to open or slam down on the hood of your car you can probably understand why it's important to ensure a few things, with the most important being that they are installed and are functioning correctly.

If you haven't paid any attention to your garage doors you may want to do so the next time you have a free moment.  Chances are good that they'll be fine, but you will want to know that for sure rather than be one of those people with a story to tell about their garage door having a friendly encounter with the hood of your car.  When you are inspecting your garage doors, look for the following:

• Properly Secured Mounts
  When you consider just what your garage door is it makes sense to ensure that it's properly secured to the garage itself.  This probably isn't an issue on a newer home, but older homes should be checked thoroughly.  You're looking for any signs of play or loose connections, rusted bolts, broken connectors, or improperly fastened mounts.
  
  The mounts (the bolt/plate that acts as the connector to the garage) should be rust free and should not have any play when you nudge them.  If they move around, even if it is just slightly, it is a sign of instability, and it may come back to haunt you later. 
  
  
• The Motor Runs Smoothly
  If the garage door is a power-operated unit it is wise to inspect the actual motor itself to ensure that it runs as it's supposed to.  Check for smooth operation, the lack of noticeable halts in operation, jerkiness, etc.  It should open and close without any kind of problem or interference.
  
  If you have inspected the garage door and found that the motor needs replacing that shouldn't deter you too much so long as that's the only problem.  A decent garage door motor is under £400, and it's quite possible to install it quickly and easily with the help of a friend.
  
  
• The Door Itself Is Not Damaged
  Check the face of the garage door for any obvious signs of damage, such as dents, cracking, bending, warping, and discoloration in the paint and finish. Garage doors are expensive to repair or replace, so avoid buying one that needs either.

A properly installed garage door will open and close with little difficulty or resistance.  If it is powered by an electric motor it should start and stop with no delays, excessive vibrations, or loud noises.