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 ensure safe use, follow these practical safety tips for operating your garage door.
Keep Your Door in Check
Routine maintenance is the foundation to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the springs, wires, rollers, and rails for wear and tear. Look out for unusual noises or jerky movements, which could indicate a problem. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent accidents and costly repairs.
Securing Your Garage Door Remote
Treat your garage door remote control like a security tool. Keep it out of reach of children and store it in a safe place 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 children not to treat it as a toy or its mechanisms and explain the dangers 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 obstacle detection. 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.
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 high tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
