When it comes to home safety, functionality, and value, garage doors play an important role. Many homeowners may not realize that the garage door is the largest moving item in a home, and its size, weight, and frequent use make it crucial to ensure it's in good working condition.
Regular garage door inspections by a professional home inspector can identify problems early, prevent costly repairs, and improve safety.
Key Areas a Home Inspector Examines
A home inspector will look closely at several aspects of the garage door to ensure it’s functioning properly, secure, and safe to operate. Here’s what they focus on:
Operation: The inspector will check for smoothness, quietness, and speed of operation. They’ll also inspect all the garage door controls to make sure the door operates as expected from each control point.
Safety Features: For doors with motors, safety is paramount. Inspectors will test the safety-reversing devices, which ensure the door stops and reverses if an obstruction is detected. This feature helps prevent injuries and damage.
Weather Tightness: An effective garage door seals out the weather, helping to protect your garage and the rest of your home from the elements. The inspector will check that the door fits well and is properly sealed to prevent water, wind, and pests from entering.
Overall Condition and Material-Specific Concerns:
Wood & Hardboard: These materials are prone to rot, cracking, and splitting, especially in damp climates.
Steel: Steel doors can rust, particularly in high-humidity or coastal areas.
Fiberglass: While fiberglass doesn’t rust, it can deteriorate from prolonged exposure to UV light.
Aluminum: Aluminum doors are lightweight and durable but can easily dent from impact.
Structural Integrity: The inspector will examine all exposed parts for loose connections, rust, bent tracks, and damaged components. In hurricane-prone areas, they’ll check that the garage door is reinforced to withstand high winds, particularly for single doors in double-car garages, which are often more vulnerable.
Why It’s Important
Garage doors are used frequently, often as a main entry point for the household, and their failure can pose significant safety risks. For example, a malfunctioning door can be a hazard if it unexpectedly closes or doesn’t reverse on contact. An inspection helps ensure the door is operating safely, minimizing risks to you, your family, and your property.
Regular maintenance and professional inspections of the garage door can help you stay on top of wear and tear, catch problems early, and prevent expensive repairs. Whether you're a homeowner or renter, taking the time to have the garage door inspected offers peace of mind and enhances your home's safety and value.
Find a home inspector in your neighborhood by visiting www.nachi.org/certified-inspectors.
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