Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering convenience and peace of mind. However, improper use or lack of maintenance can lead to safety hazards. To protect your family and property, follow these essential safety tips for operating your garage door.
1. Regular Maintenance Checks
Routine maintenance is the first step to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the torsion springs, cables, rollers, and rails for signs of damage. Look out for unusual noises or uneven motion, which could indicate a problem. Addressing these issues promptly can stop hazards and costly repairs.
Don’t Lose Control
Treat your garage door remote control like a house key. Keep it out of reach of children and store it in a safe place when not in use. For added security, consider a smart garage door opener that requires a digital key or PIN to operate.
Teach Your Family About Garage Door Safety
Ensure everyone in your household understands 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.
Check Your Door’s Safety Systems
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 service check.
Professional Repairs Are Safer
While some maintenance tasks can be DIY-friendly, repairs involving springs, cables, or the opener mechanism should always be left to professionals. These components are under high tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
