Garage doors are a common feature in many properties, but under NSPIRE standards, they are relatively simple to inspect. Unlike other building components, garage doors have only two possible recordable defects. Understanding these will help property managers maintain compliance and avoid inspection failures.

Key Garage Door Inspection Points

1. Penetrating Holes

• Any hole that goes completely through the garage door is considered a recordable defect.
• A penetrating hole results in a failed inspection, typically requiring repair within 30 days.
• Cosmetic damage, dents, or scratches that do not penetrate the door are not recordable defects.

2. Hardware or Operational Issues

• Garage doors must operate correctly, including manual movement and automatic openers, if installed.
• Recordable defects include:
  • Doors that do not open or close properly
  • Broken or disconnected hardware
  • Malfunctioning automatic openers
• Like penetrating holes, these are considered moderate defects under NSPIRE standards and require repair within 30 days.

Non-Defective Conditions

• Minor damage to door panels or weather stripping without holes or hardware issues is not a defect.
• Cosmetic wear and tear, such as scratches, dents, or peeling paint, does not need to be recorded under NSPIRE.

Practical Tips for Property Managers

1. Inspect doors regularly for any holes, hardware problems, or operational failures.
2. Document and repair any moderate defects promptly to maintain NSPIRE compliance.
3. Educate maintenance staff on the two key defect types: holes and hardware issues. This ensures that inspections focus only on conditions that matter.

Although garage doors have one of the simplest NSPIRE standards, regular maintenance is essential to protect property value and ensure tenant safety.