Most people have a garage door that moves up and down many times each week. This big door is very heavy (usually over 150 lbs) and is located near where children play, bikes sit, and food is loaded/unloaded from the car. Usually the door does what it should do without any problems. However, if something goes wrong with the door, the consequences could be quite bad. Below are some practical tips to help you protect your family.
Why Garage Doors Deserve a Safety Check
Garages have a high incidence of injury for people (especially children) due to the use of heavy doors. Finger pinches, closing door accidents and spring breakage are the three most common types of garage door-related injuries. However, the majority of garage door-related risks can be prevented through simple routine maintenance, and by developing good habits when using the door.
Teach Kids the Ground Rules
The garage door should be understood by children as an object of use, and not as a toy. Review the following rules with your family:
- Never run or race under a closing door.
- Keep fingers away from the hinges and the gaps between panels.
- Don’t play with the wall button, remote, or keypad.
- Stay clear of the door’s path while it moves.
- Tell an adult right away if the door acts strangely.
To ensure that toddlers do not have access to remotes, please place them high enough so they cannot reach them. Also, please install the remote control’s wall button at least 5 feet above the floor.
Test the Auto-Reverse Feature Monthly
Modern opening devices have been designed to go backward upon detecting an obstacle. Since this device may become worn or misaligned, you should check for proper operation on a consistent basis.
- Sensor test: pass an object through the beam as the door closes, and it will immediately go back up.
- Contact Test: Lay a roll of paper towel, or a 2×4, on the floor in front of where the door will travel. The door must stop moving forward, and begin to move back, once it comes into contact with the item.
If either test fails, stop using the automatic function and call a professional.
Check the Photo-Eye Sensors
A low-positioned set of sensors on the door frame creates an invisible beam. If these sensors are dirty, misaligned, or blocked by objects you have placed in the way, they will probably not function correctly. You should clean the lenses using a soft cloth; ensure that both sensors point towards each other; and maintain access to the space around them.
Never Touch the Springs or Cables
The high-tension springs and cables that support your garage door are extremely dangerous. There’s a red-tag bracket at the bottom left-hand side of your garage door. It is attached to a highly stressed cable, and if you loosen that bracket, you run the risk of serious injury. Therefore, when you need any repairs made to springs, cables, or tracks, please hire a professional. Many homeowners who live in the Kansas City area use local Lee’s Summit garage door specialists to perform these types of repairs because they employ technicians who are trained and equipped to complete the job safely.
Know How to Use the Manual Release
If there is ever a power outage, you need to understand how to operate your garage door manually. First, locate the red emergency release cord on the inside of the door. Next, practice operating the door using only the emergency release cord when the door is completely closed. By practicing with an adult present in the household, each member of the family will understand how the manual operation of the garage door works. However, be cautious if the garage door has a broken spring; once you release the spring, it could potentially fall quickly.
Watch for Warning Signs
As soon as you notice any changes in the way your door is performing, there are a number of signs that may indicate a problem.
- oud grinding, banging, or scraping
- A door that moves unevenly or looks crooked
- Slow response to the remote
- Visible fraying on cables
- Gaps or sagging in the panels
By addressing minor issues as soon as possible, you will prevent these minor issues from turning into major repairs and/or safety risks.
Choose Reputable Local Help
In order to find the best provider for service or replacement of your garage door, spend some time evaluating potential providers. You will want to check if the technician is licensed and insured, provides you with written estimates and clear warranties. It is also helpful to read about how the company describes their services in different areas. For instance, families living on Chicago’s North Shore can search for garage door specialists in Kenilworth to learn about the details a quality company provides regarding their products and processes. These same questions will be relevant no matter where you reside.
Upgrade Safety Features
If your garage door opener/door has been around for over 15 years, there are some significant safety features available on new models.
- Smartphone alerts: Notify you if the door is left open.
- Battery backup: Keeps the door working during outages.
- Rolling code technology: Protects against unauthorized access.
- Soft close mechanisms: Reduce force and noise.
- Built-in lighting: Illuminates the garage when the door opens.
Build a Simple Safety Routine
Make safety a habit rather than an occasional chore:
- Weekly: Watch the door operate and listen for unusual sounds.
- Monthly: Test auto-reverse, clean sensors, and check the remote batteries.
- Twice a year: Lubricate rollers, hinges, and springs, and inspect hardware.
- Annually: Schedule a professional inspection.
Final Thoughts
Garage doors are safe to operate when proper safety precautions are taken. By establishing some basic rules, testing the door regularly, and having professionals perform the dangerous repair work involving high-tension springs, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Spend an hour on Saturday or Sunday going through the checklist, and you will have created a safer environment for your family every time the garage door opens or closes.
