Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering ease of access and security. However, improper use or lack of maintenance can lead to dangerous situations. To ensure safe use, follow these essential safety tips for operating your garage door.
1. Regular Maintenance Checks
Routine maintenance is the foundation to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the torsion springs, wires, wheels, and rails for signs of damage. Look out for strange sounds or uneven motion, which could indicate a problem. Addressing these issues promptly can stop hazards and costly repairs.
Securing Your Garage Door Remote
Treat your garage door remote control like a house key. 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.
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 dangers of tampering with moving parts. Clear communication is key to preventing accidents.
Safety Features Matter
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features like auto-reverse 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 service check.
DIY? Not for Garage Doors
While some maintenance tasks can be DIY-friendly, repairs involving springs, cables, or the opener mechanism should always be left to professionals. These components are under extreme stress and can cause severe harm if mishandled.
