Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering convenience and peace of mind. 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.
Routine Inspections Are Key
Routine maintenance is the first step to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the springs, cables, wheels, and rails for signs of damage. 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 securely when not in use. For added security, consider a modern opener system 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 the system. 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 professional inspection.
DIY? Not for Garage Doors
While some maintenance tasks can be DIY-friendly, repairs involving torsion mechanisms, wires, or the opener mechanism should always be left to trained technicians. These components are under high tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
