Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering convenience and security. However, improper use or lack of maintenance can lead to dangerous situations. To ensure safe use, follow these practical safety tips for operating your garage door.
Inspecting Your Door Frequently
Routine maintenance is the foundation to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the springs, wires, rollers, and tracks for signs of damage. Look out for strange sounds or uneven motion, which could indicate a problem. Addressing these issues promptly can stop hazards and costly repairs.
Securing Your Garage Door Remote
Treat your garage door remote control like a house key. 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 smartphone app 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 treat it as a toy or its mechanisms and explain the risks of tampering with the system. Clear communication is key to ensuring safety.
4. Testing Safety Features
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 professional inspection.
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 extreme stress and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
