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 dangerous situations. To ensure safe use, follow these essential safety tips for operating your garage door.
Routine Inspections Are Key
Routine maintenance is the first step to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the springs, cables, 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 children and store it in a safe place when not in use. For added security, consider a smart garage door opener that requires a smartphone app or PIN to operate.
Safe Practices for the Household
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 dangers of tampering with the system. Proper training 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 regularly 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.
DIY? Not for Garage Doors
While some maintenance tasks can be DIY-friendly, repairs involving torsion mechanisms, cables, or the opener mechanism should always be left to professionals. These components are under high tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
