Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering ease of access and security. However, improper use or lack of maintenance can lead to dangerous situations. To protect your family and property, follow these practical safety tips for operating your garage door.
Inspecting Your Door Frequently
Routine maintenance is the foundation to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the torsion springs, wires, wheels, and rails for wear and tear. Look out for strange sounds or jerky movements, which could indicate a problem. Addressing these issues early can stop hazards and costly repairs.
Safe Storage for Remotes
Treat your garage door remote control like a security tool. Keep it out of reach of little ones and store it in a safe place when not in use. For added security, consider a modern opener system that requires a digital key or PIN to operate.
Teach Your Family About Garage Door Safety
Ensure everyone in your household knows how to use the garage door safely. Teach children not to play near the door or its mechanisms and explain the risks of tampering with the system. Clear communication is key to preventing accidents.
Safety Features Matter
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features like auto-reverse and obstacle detection. Test these features on a schedule to ensure they are functioning properly. Place an object like a block of wood under the door while it’s closing—if it doesn’t reverse upon contact, it’s time for a professional inspection.
Professional Repairs Are Safer
While some maintenance tasks can be DIY-friendly, repairs involving torsion mechanisms, cables, or the opener mechanism should always be left to trained technicians. These components are under high tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
