Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering convenience and peace of mind. However, improper use or lack of care can lead to safety hazards. To ensure safe use, follow these practical safety tips for operating your garage door.
1. Regular Maintenance Checks
Routine maintenance is the foundation to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the torsion springs, wires, rollers, and rails for signs of damage. Look out for unusual noises or uneven motion, which could indicate a problem. Addressing these issues early can stop hazards and costly repairs.
Don’t Lose Control
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 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 moving parts. Clear communication is key to preventing accidents.
Check Your Door’s Safety Systems
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.
Professional Repairs Are Safer
While some maintenance tasks can be handled on your own, repairs involving springs, wires, or the opener mechanism should always be left to trained technicians. These components are under extreme stress and can cause severe harm if mishandled.
