Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering ease of access and peace of mind. However, improper use or lack of maintenance can lead to safety hazards. To protect your family and property, follow these practical safety tips for operating your garage door.
1. Regular Maintenance Checks
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 early can prevent accidents and expensive fixes.
Securing Your Garage Door Remote
Treat your garage door remote control like a security tool. 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.
3. Educating Family Members
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.
Keep Features in Check
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 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 professional inspection.
5. Avoiding DIY Repairs
While some maintenance tasks can be DIY-friendly, repairs involving springs, wires, or the opener mechanism should always be left to professionals. These components are under high tension and can cause severe harm if mishandled.
