Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering convenience 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 foundation to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the springs, wires, wheels, and tracks for wear and tear. Look out for strange sounds or jerky movements, which could indicate a problem. Addressing these issues promptly can stop hazards and costly repairs.
Don’t Lose Control
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 smartphone app or PIN to operate.
Safe Practices for the Household
Ensure everyone in your household understands 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.
Safety Features Matter
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features like automatic reversal systems and obstacle detection. Test these features regularly 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 service check.
Leave Repairs to the Pros
While some maintenance tasks can be DIY-friendly, repairs involving springs, cables, or the opener mechanism should always be left to trained technicians. These components are under extreme stress and can cause severe harm if mishandled.
