Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering ease of access and security. However, improper use or lack of care can lead to safety hazards. To protect your family and property, follow these essential safety tips for operating your garage door.
Routine Inspections Are Key
Routine maintenance is the foundation to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the torsion springs, wires, wheels, and rails for signs of damage. Look out for unusual noises or uneven motion, which could indicate a problem. Addressing these issues early can prevent accidents and expensive fixes.
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 modern opener system that requires a smartphone app or PIN to operate.
Knowledge Is Power
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 the system. Proper training is key to preventing accidents.
Keep Features in Check
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.
Leave Repairs to the Pros
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 severe harm if mishandled.
