Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering ease of access and security. However, improper use or lack of care can lead to safety hazards. To ensure safe use, follow these essential safety tips for operating your garage door.
Routine Inspections Are Key
Routine maintenance is the first step to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the torsion springs, cables, wheels, and rails for signs of damage. Look out for strange sounds or uneven motion, which could indicate a problem. Addressing these issues early can prevent accidents and costly repairs.
2. Keeping Remote Controls Secure
Treat your garage door remote control like a house key. Keep it out of reach of little ones and store it in a safe place when not in use. For added security, consider a smart garage door opener 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 dangers of tampering with moving parts. Clear communication is key to ensuring safety.
4. Testing Safety Features
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features like auto-reverse and motion sensors. Test these features regularly 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.
5. Avoiding DIY Repairs
While some maintenance tasks can be handled on your own, 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.
