Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering convenience and security. However, improper use or lack of maintenance can lead to safety hazards. To ensure safe use, follow these essential safety tips for operating your garage door.
Keep Your Door in Check
Routine maintenance is the foundation to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the springs, cables, wheels, and tracks for wear and tear. Look out for unusual noises or jerky movements, which could indicate a problem. Addressing these issues early can stop hazards and costly repairs.
Don’t Lose Control
Treat your garage door remote control like a security tool. Keep it out of reach of children 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.
Teach Your Family About Garage Door Safety
Ensure everyone in your household knows how to use the garage door safely. Teach children not to play near the door or its mechanisms and explain the dangers of tampering with moving parts. Proper training is key to ensuring safety.
Safety Features Matter
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 properly. 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.
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 trained technicians. These components are under extreme stress and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
