Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering ease of access and peace of mind. However, improper use or lack of care can lead to dangerous situations. To ensure safe use, follow these practical safety tips for operating your garage door.
Routine Inspections Are Key
Routine maintenance is the first step to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the torsion springs, wires, rollers, and rails for wear and tear. Look out for unusual noises 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 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 knows how to use the garage door safely. Teach young ones not to treat it as a toy or its mechanisms and explain the dangers of tampering with moving parts. Clear communication is key to ensuring safety.
Check Your Door’s Safety Systems
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features like automatic reversal systems and motion sensors. Test these features on a schedule to ensure they are functioning as intended. 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.
DIY? Not for Garage Doors
While some maintenance tasks can be handled on your own, 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.
