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 safety hazards. To protect your family and property, follow these practical safety tips for operating your garage door.
Inspecting Your Door Frequently
Routine maintenance is the first step to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the torsion springs, wires, wheels, and tracks for wear and tear. Look out for unusual noises or uneven motion, which could indicate a problem. Addressing these issues early can prevent accidents and costly repairs.
2. Keeping Remote Controls Secure
Treat your garage door remote control like a security tool. Keep it out of reach of little ones and store it securely 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 children not to treat it as a toy or its mechanisms and explain the risks of tampering with moving parts. Clear communication is key to preventing accidents.
4. Testing Safety Features
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features like automatic reversal systems 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.
DIY? Not for Garage Doors
While some maintenance tasks can be DIY-friendly, repairs involving torsion mechanisms, wires, or the opener mechanism should always be left to professionals. These components are under high tension and can cause severe harm if mishandled.
