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 essential safety tips for operating your garage door.
Routine Inspections Are Key
Routine maintenance is the foundation to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the springs, wires, wheels, and tracks for signs of damage. Look out for strange sounds or jerky movements, which could indicate a problem. Addressing these issues early can stop hazards and costly repairs.
Safe Storage for Remotes
Treat your garage door remote control like a house key. Keep it out of reach of children and store it securely when not in use. For added security, consider a modern opener system that requires a digital key or PIN to operate.
Knowledge Is Power
Ensure everyone in your household knows how to use the garage door safely. Teach young ones not to treat it as a toy or its mechanisms and explain the risks of tampering with moving parts. 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 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 trained technicians. These components are under high tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
