1.    Safety Reverse Feature:  Garage door openers have a safety reversal feature.  When the door closes on an object it will automatically reverse.  The safety reversal system MUST be tested every month.  With the door fully open, place a 1 1/2″ board (or a 2×4 laid flat) on the floor, centered under the garage door.  Bring the door down.  The door MUST reverse on striking the obstruction.  If the unit fails the Safety Reverse Test, consult your instruction manual or call for a trained technician.  Since 1993, all openers manufactured for the U.S. must include a second safety reversing feature such as photoelectric eyes.  These are installed near the floor.  Once the invisible beam is broken, the door reverses automatically.  If your electric door opener does not have this safety feature, it’s time to get a new opener. 

2.  The Six-Inch Rule:  The photo eyes should not be installed higher than six inches above the garage floor.

3.  The Five-Foot Rule:  The wall push button for your garage door opener should be mounted at least five feet above the floor, out of the reach of small children.  Teach your children never to play with opening and closing the door.

4.  When closing your garage door with a push button or remote control, you should always have the door in sight.  Watch the door until in closes completely, making sure no person or animal gets caught under a closing door.

5.  Reinforcement Brackets:  The top section of your garage door should have a reinforcement bracket to prevent damage to the door.  When installing a garage door opener yourself you should be sure to install a reinforcement bracket on the top section.

6.  Remote Controls:  Keep your remote controls out of the reach of children.  For security reasons, you should keep your remote controls locked up.  If you park your car outside your garage, be sure to lock your car so that potential burglers cannot access your remote and gain access to your garage.

7.  Your garage door should open and close easily without the garage door opener.  If it feels heavy or requires two hands to open it, the door is probably out of balance and in need of adjustment.  Call us at Diamond Overhead Door for service to get your garage door properly balanced.

* The door must be an insulated residential garage door with a U-factor equal to or less the 0.30, even if the door contains windows.

* It must be installed on an insulated garage.

* The door perimeter must have a means to control air filtration (weatherstripping on the sides and bottom)

* The door must be expected to remain in service for at least five years

* The garage must be part of the taxpayer’s principal U.S. residence

* Homeowner’s will need to obtain a Manufacturer’s Certification statement and a breakdown of the material and labor costs for their Tax Preparer.