Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering convenience and security. However, improper use or lack of care 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 torsion springs, cables, wheels, and rails for wear and tear. 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 securely 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 young ones not to play near the door 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 obstacle detection. Test these features regularly 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.
5. Avoiding DIY Repairs
While some maintenance tasks can be DIY-friendly, repairs involving springs, cables, or the opener mechanism should always be left to trained technicians. These components are under high tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
