Garage Door Safety: Tips to Keep in Mind

The average garage door opens and closes around 1500 times per year. That's about four times a day. And while they are built to last, garage doors can malfunction like any mechanical device.

For such an essential part of your home, it's important to keep your garage door in good working order and to know what to do if something goes wrong. By taking a few simple precautions and being aware of potential dangers, you can help keep your family safe. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Test the Auto-Reverse

If your garage door has an auto-reverse feature, test it regularly to ensure it's working properly. Place a block of wood or a tennis ball in the path of the closing door. If the door hits the object and reverses direction, it's working correctly.

A door that doesn't auto-reverse is a serious hazard. It can cause serious injury or even death. If your door doesn't have an auto-reverse feature, consider installing one.

Know the Warning Signs

Be on the lookout for any warning signs that your garage door needs repair. If you notice any cracks in the door or rust spots, it's time to call a professional. Also, if the door is making unusual noises or seems to be moving more slowly than usual, the opener could have a problem.

If you ignore these warning signs, it could lead to more costly problems down the road.

Keep the Remote Out of Reach

If you have young children in your home, keep the garage door remote out of their reach. If they get ahold of it, they could open and close the door without you knowing, which could be dangerous.

You can buy a special holder that attaches to the wall or put the remote in a high cupboard where kids can't reach it.

Keep the Area Clear

Keep the area around your garage door clear. Remove any obstacles that could get in the way of the door, such as bikes, lawn mowers, or garbage cans. Also, make sure nothing is blocking the sensors. If something is blocking the sensors, the door won't close all the way and will reverse direction.

Regular Maintenance and Repair

Have your garage door regularly serviced to keep it in good working order. This includes lubricating the moving parts and checking for any loose hardware. You should also check the springs to ensure they are in good condition.

Hire professionals to inspect and service your door thoroughly at least once a year. Avoid DIY. Trying to fix a garage door yourself can be dangerous.

Be Prepared for a Power Outage

You can still open and close your garage door manually if you lose power. There is usually a handle on the inside that you can use to disengage the opener. It's a good idea to practice opening and closing the door without power so you know what to do in an emergency.

Be Careful When Opening and Closing

When opening or closing the door, be careful not to stand in the door's path. Keep your hands and feet clear of the sensors.

Never try to force the door open or closed if it seems to be stuck. Forcefully opening or closing a garage door can damage the opener and cause the door to come off the tracks.

Get Professional Help

Regular maintenance and repair will go a long way to ensuring the longevity of your door. And being aware of potential dangers will help you avoid accidents.

Overhead Doors Unlimited, LLC, is here to help if you have any questions about garage door safety. We serve Northeastern Wisconsin and offer a wide range of services, including installation, repair, and replacement. Contact us today to learn more.