Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering convenience and peace of mind. However, improper use or lack of care can lead to safety hazards. To protect your family and property, follow these essential safety tips for operating your garage door.
1. Regular Maintenance Checks
Routine maintenance is the first step to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the torsion springs, wires, rollers, and tracks for signs of damage. Look out for unusual noises or jerky movements, which could indicate a problem. Addressing these issues early can prevent accidents and expensive fixes.
Securing Your Garage Door Remote
Treat your garage door remote control like a security tool. Keep it out of reach of little ones and store it in a safe place when not in use. For added security, consider a modern opener system that requires a smartphone app or PIN to operate.
Safe Practices for the Household
Ensure everyone in your household understands how to use the garage door safely. Teach children not to play near the door or its mechanisms and explain the risks of tampering with moving parts. Clear communication is key to ensuring safety.
Keep Features in Check
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features like auto-reverse and obstacle detection. 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 service check.
5. Avoiding DIY Repairs
While some maintenance tasks can be handled on your own, repairs involving torsion mechanisms, wires, or the opener mechanism should always be left to professionals. These components are under extreme stress and can cause serious injury if mishandled.