Garage Door Safety: Dos and Don’ts

Garage doors play a crucial role in protecting our vehicles, belongings, and providing convenient access to our homes. However, it’s important to prioritize safety when it comes to garage doors. Mishandling or neglecting safety precautions can lead to accidents and injuries. In this article, we will discuss some essential dos and don’ts to ensure garage door safety.

Dos:

1. Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance for your garage door system. Inspect the door, tracks, springs, cables, and opener for any signs of wear or damage. Lubricate the moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer. Regular maintenance helps identify potential issues early on and ensures that the door operates smoothly and safely.
2. Test Safety Features: Modern garage doors are equipped with various safety features, including photoelectric sensors and auto-reverse mechanisms. Test these features periodically to ensure they are functioning correctly. Place an object in the door’s path and check if it reverses upon contact. Clean the photoelectric sensors regularly to ensure they are free from dust or debris that could obstruct their operation.
3. Keep Remote Controls Secure: Keep your garage door remote controls out of the reach of children. Treat them as you would treat keys to your home. If you have a keypad entry system, regularly change the access code for added security.
4. Educate Family Members: Teach everyone in your household about garage door safety. Explain the potential risks of playing or standing under a moving garage door. Emphasize the importance of never walking or standing under a partially open garage door.
5. Install Emergency Release: Make sure your garage door has an emergency release mechanism. This allows you to manually open the door in case of power outages or malfunctioning systems. Familiarize yourself with how to operate the emergency release and teach other family members as well. Like the article? Read also Tips for cleaning windows.

Don’ts:

1. Attempt DIY Repairs: Garage door repairs can be complex and dangerous, especially when dealing with springs and cables under high tension. Avoid attempting DIY repairs unless you have proper knowledge and experience. Instead, seek professional help from trained technicians who have the expertise and tools to handle repairs safely.
2. Neglect Warning Signs: Pay attention to any warning signs that your garage door may be malfunctioning. These signs include unusual noises, slow or jerky movements, or doors that don’t open or close smoothly. Ignoring these signs can lead to further damage or safety hazards. Contact a professional garage door technician to inspect and repair the door promptly.
3. Leave Children Unattended: Never leave children unattended in or near the garage, especially when the door is in operation. Kids may be curious and unaware of the potential dangers associated with garage doors. Supervise their activities and ensure they understand the importance of garage door safety.
4. Block Sensor Path: Avoid placing objects or storing items near the photoelectric sensors or along the garage door tracks. Blocking the sensor’s path can prevent it from detecting objects or people, compromising the door’s safety features.
5. Override Safety Features: Do not tamper with or disable the safety features of your garage door system. These features are in place to protect you and your family. Overriding or bypassing them can lead to serious accidents or injuries.

Remember, garage door safety is essential for the well-being of your family and the proper functioning of your garage door system. By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure a safe and secure environment around your garage. If you have any concerns or notice any issues with your garage door, don’t hesitate to contact a professional garage door technician for assistance. Prioritizing garage door safety is a responsible step towards maintaining a secure and functional garage space.