Essential Garage Door Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
2024-01-05 6 min read
<p>Your garage door is the largest moving part of your home, and when it malfunctions, it can pose serious safety risks. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of people are injured by garage doors each year. The good news is that most of these accidents are preventable with proper maintenance and awareness. Here's what every homeowner needs to know about garage door safety.</p>
<h2>Understanding the Risks</h2> <p>A standard residential garage door weighs between 150 and 250 pounds, some even more. This significant weight is counterbalanced by a complex system of springs, cables, and hardware. When any component fails, the door can become a serious hazard.</p>
<p>The most common garage door injuries include fingers getting caught in panel sections, children or pets being struck by closing doors, and injuries from faulty springs or cables. Understanding these risks is the first step toward preventing them.</p>
<h2>Monthly Safety Testing</h2> <p>Every garage door manufactured after 1993 is required to have two safety features: photo-eye sensors and auto-reverse functionality. Both should be tested monthly to ensure they're working properly.</p>
<p><strong>Testing the Photo-Eye Sensors:</strong> These sensors are located near the floor on either side of your garage door opening. When the invisible beam between them is broken, the door should immediately reverse direction. To test, start closing your door and wave a broom or your leg through the sensor beam. The door should immediately stop and reverse.</p>
<p><strong>Testing Auto-Reverse:</strong> Place a 2x4 board flat on the floor in the door's path and close the door. When the door touches the board, it should immediately reverse. If it doesn't, adjust the sensitivity settings on your opener or call a professional.</p>
<h2>Keep Children Safe</h2> <p>Children are naturally curious, and the garage door's movement can be fascinating to them. Teach your children that the garage door is not a toy and establish clear safety rules:</p>
<p>Never play under or near a moving garage door. Keep fingers away from door sections when the door is moving. Never race the door while entering or exiting the garage. Remote controls are not toys, keep them out of reach of young children.</p>
<p>Wall-mounted door controls should be installed at least five feet from the floor, out of reach of young children. Never let children operate the door unless they're old enough to understand and follow safety rules.</p>
<h2>Spring Safety</h2> <p>Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if they break or if someone attempts to adjust them incorrectly. Never attempt to adjust, repair, or replace garage door springs yourself. This is one repair that should always be left to professionals.</p>
<p>Signs that your springs may need attention include the door appearing unbalanced, loud snapping sounds, visible gaps in the spring coils, or the door not staying open when released manually.</p>
<h2>Regular Maintenance</h2> <p>Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected failures that can lead to safety hazards. Here's a maintenance checklist to follow:</p>
<p><strong>Visual Inspection:</strong> Monthly, look for worn or damaged parts including springs, cables, rollers, and hardware. Don't attempt to fix problems yourself, call a professional.</p>
<p><strong>Lubrication:</strong> Every few months, lubricate moving parts with a garage door-specific lubricant. This includes hinges, rollers, and the spring system.</p>
<p><strong>Balance Test:</strong> With the door closed, pull the manual release handle and carefully lift the door halfway. A properly balanced door should stay in place. If it falls or rises, the springs need adjustment by a professional.</p>
<h2>When to Call a Professional</h2> <p>While some maintenance tasks are appropriate for homeowners, many garage door repairs require professional expertise. Call a qualified technician if you notice any unusual sounds, jerky movements, slow operation, or if the door won't open or close properly.</p>
<p>At Garage Door Cerritos, our technicians are trained in all aspects of garage door safety and maintenance. We can perform comprehensive safety inspections and address any issues to keep your family safe. Don't take chances with your garage door, call us today for a professional safety inspection.</p>