Procedures

Step-by-step field procedures for overhead door service

These procedures are general guidelines aligned with industry best practices. Always follow manufacturer-specific instructions and your company's safety policies. Local codes and AHJ requirements may vary.

Basic

Preventive Maintenance Inspection

Comprehensive overhead door PM checklist per manufacturer and IDA guidelines

Maintenance45–90 min per door1 person

Photo Eye / Entrapment Device Setup

Installing and aligning photo eyes and entrapment protection devices per UL 325

Installation30–60 min1 person

Fire Door Annual Inspection (Non-Drop Test)

Annual visual and operational inspection of fire-rated door assemblies per NFPA 80, separate from the drop test. Covers label verification, clearance checks, hardware condition, signage, and documentation required between drop test cycles.

Testing20–45 min per door1 person

UL 325 Safety Device Verification

Standalone procedure for testing all required safety reversal and entrapment protection devices on operator-equipped overhead doors per UL 325

Testing15–30 min per door1 person

Emergency Manual Operation

Safe procedure for manually operating an overhead door during power outages, operator failures, or emergencies, including re-engagement of the operator afterward

Safety5–15 min1 person

Roller Replacement

Replacing worn or damaged rollers on sectional overhead doors per DASMA guidelines

Maintenance30–60 min1 person

Bottom Seal / Astragal Replacement

Replacing the bottom weather seal (astragal) on sectional overhead doors

Maintenance20–40 min1 person

Weatherseal Replacement (Side & Top)

Replacing perimeter weatherstripping on sectional overhead doors

Maintenance30–45 min1 person

Hinge Replacement

Replacing worn or damaged hinges on sectional overhead doors

Maintenance20–45 min1 person

Door Balance Testing

Testing and evaluating overhead door spring balance for safe operation

Testing10–15 min per door1 person

Chain Hoist Operation

Safe operation of chain hoist mechanisms on commercial overhead doors

Safety5–10 min1 person

Intermediate

Fire Door Drop Test

Annual fire-rated door drop test and inspection per NFPA 80

Testing30–60 min per door2 persons

Extension Spring Replacement

Removing and replacing extension springs on residential overhead doors

Installation45–75 min1 person

Operator Installation (Residential)

Chain/belt drive and wall-mount operator installation for residential sectional garage doors

Installation2–3 hours1 person

Track Adjustment and Alignment

Adjusting and aligning vertical and horizontal tracks on sectional overhead doors per DASMA guidelines

Adjustment30–60 min1 person

Cable Replacement

Replacing lift cables on torsion spring sectional overhead door systems

Installation1–2 hours1 person

Rolling Steel Door Maintenance

Preventive maintenance for rolling steel (coiling) doors including fire-rated units

Maintenance1–2 hours per door1 person

Opener Troubleshooting

Systematic diagnosis and repair of common residential garage door opener issues

Maintenance30–60 min1 person

Spring Measurement & Identification

Measuring and identifying torsion and extension springs for accurate replacement ordering

Maintenance15–30 min1 person

Dock Leveler Basics & Inspection

Understanding dock leveler operation and performing basic safety inspections

Maintenance30–45 min per leveler1 person

Advanced

Torsion Spring Replacement

Removing a broken torsion spring and installing a replacement on sectional overhead doors

Installation45–90 min1 person

Operator Installation (Commercial)

Jackshaft and hoist operator installation on commercial overhead doors per UL 325 and NEC

Installation3–5 hours2 persons

Section Replacement

Replacing a damaged panel section on a sectional overhead door

Installation1.5–3 hours2 persons

Rolling Steel Door Curtain Replacement

Replacing damaged curtain slats on a rolling steel (coiling) overhead door, including partial slat replacement and full curtain replacement

Installation2–6 hours (varies by door size and damage extent)2 persons

Full Door Installation

Complete installation of a sectional overhead door system from start to finish

Installation3–5 hours2 persons