Free Technician Tool

Garage Door Diagnostic Checklist

Work through every system — springs, cables, rollers, tracks, opener, and sensors — with a flaggable issue report and print-ready output. No signup, runs in your browser.

0 of 24 items checked
1 — Visual Inspection
Door panels — check for dents, cracks, or warping Issue
Weatherstripping on sides and top — inspect for gaps or tears Issue
Bottom seal — confirm contact with floor across full width Issue
Paint or finish — note rust, peeling, or UV damage Issue
2 — Springs and Cables
Identify spring type: torsion (above door) or extension (sides) Issue
Torsion spring — look for gaps in coils indicating a break Issue
Extension springs — check for stretching, rust, or a missing safety cable Issue
Lift cables — inspect for fraying, kinking, or uneven tension Issue
Cable drums — verify cables are seated in grooves evenly Issue
3 — Rollers, Hinges, and Tracks
Rollers — check for cracked wheels or worn stems Issue
Track alignment — verify tracks are plumb and parallel Issue
Track debris — clear any obstructions or buildup Issue
Hinges — check for cracking, rust, or loose fasteners Issue
Track fasteners — tighten any loose bolts or lag screws Issue
4 — Opener and Drive
Opener model and approximate age — note on job form Issue
Drive type: chain, belt, screw, or direct drive Issue
Limit settings — verify door fully opens and closes without over-travel Issue
Force adjustment — check that door stops when it meets resistance Issue
Trolley carriage — inspect for wear or cracking Issue
5 — Safety and Sensors
Photo eye sensors — confirm alignment (indicator lights solid) Issue
Sensor test — place object in path and confirm door reverses Issue
Manual disconnect cord — confirm it releases cleanly Issue
Wall button and keypad — test all controls Issue
Auto-close timer (if present) — verify setting Issue
6 — Balance and Travel Test
Disconnect opener and lift door manually to waist height — it should stay in place Issue
Door travel — listen for grinding, squeaking, or binding Issue
Spring tension balance — door should not drift up or fall when released mid-travel Issue
Noise assessment — note any new or unusual sounds Issue
Reconnect opener and run two full open/close cycles to confirm normal operation Issue

Job Details

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Garage door diagnostic — FAQ

What does a garage door tune-up include?
A standard garage door tune-up covers lubrication of all moving parts (springs, hinges, rollers, and tracks), a balance test, a safety sensor check, limit and force adjustment on the opener, and a visual inspection for worn or damaged components. Most technicians complete a tune-up in 30 to 60 minutes. Parts like worn rollers or frayed cables are replaced separately.
How do I test garage door balance?
Disconnect the opener by pulling the manual release cord, then lift the door manually to about waist height and let go. A balanced door stays in place with little or no drift. If it falls quickly or shoots upward, the spring tension needs adjustment. Only a trained technician should adjust torsion or extension springs, as they are under high tension.
When should garage door springs be replaced?
Standard torsion springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles, which is roughly 7 to 10 years at three to four open/close cycles per day. Signs that replacement is needed include a gap in the coil, a door that falls faster than normal, the opener straining to lift the door, or the door sitting crooked when closed. Replace both springs at the same time even if only one has broken.
Are garage door safety sensors required by law?
Yes. Since 1993, federal law requires all residential garage door openers sold in the United States to include auto-reverse safety features, including photo eye sensors that stop and reverse the door when an obstruction is detected. If a door does not reverse when an object is placed in its path, the sensors must be repaired or replaced before the door is used.
Can Claver track garage door service history and alert clients when maintenance is due?
Yes. Claver stores the full service history for every customer address, including parts replaced and notes from each visit. You can set automatic reminders so clients receive a maintenance alert at whatever interval you choose, typically once a year, without any manual follow-up on your part.

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