A garage door is the largest and most frequently used moving part in any home. While a garage space offers convenience and security, it can be a serious safety risk if not properly maintained or used.
Thousands of homeowners experience accidents caused by faulty or poorly handled garage doors annually. That’s why understanding and applying the right safety practices becomes essential.
Please check out this guide and understand the safety measures for garage doors you should know to protect your family, property, and vehicles:
Test the Auto-Reverse Safety Feature Regularly
Modern garage doors feature an auto-reverse mechanism that prevents the door from closing on people, pets, or objects. To test this mechanism, you can place a solid object like a wooden block under the door and try to close it.
If the door does not reverse immediately after touching the object, the system requires adjustment or repair. You should perform this test at least once a month to ensure your garage door is working safely.
Keep Sensors Clean and Properly Aligned
Garage door safety sensors are present near the floor on both sides of the door. These sensors detect obstacles and stop the door from closing if there is something in the way.
Dust, dirt, or accidental bumps can cause these sensors to misalign or stop operating. You should always gently clean them and check that both sensors are facing each other correctly. If your door suddenly refuses to close, misaligned sensors might be the reason.
Never Ignore Strange Noises or Slow Movement
A garage door should open and close smoothly and quietly. If you notice grinding, squeaking, or jerky movements, something might be wrong in the system.
Loose cables, worn-out springs, or damaged rollers can cause sudden failures and serious accidents. Addressing these issues early improves safety and saves you from expensive repairs later.
Keep Remote Controls Away from Children
Garage door remotes and wall buttons may look harmless, but they can be dangerous in the hands of children. A closing garage door can cause severe injuries if someone is underneath it.
You should always store remotes out of children’s reach and teach them that the garage door is not a toy. Wall-mounted control buttons should be installed at least five feet above the floor for additional safety.
Never Try to Repair Springs or Cables Yourself
Garage door springs and cables stay under extreme tension. If they snap or are handled incorrectly, they can lead to serious injury.
If you notice a broken spring or frayed cable, you should never attempt a DIY repair. You should always call a professional technician with the right tools and experience to handle these high-risk components safely.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
If everything seems to be working fine, an annual professional inspection can be the smart move. A trained garage door repair technician can detect hidden problems, lubricate moving parts properly, and ensure that all safety systems are working correctly.
Final Consideration
Following these safety measures for garage doors every homeowner should know, can reduce the hassle of accidents and expensive repairs. A safe garage door protects your car, your home, and the people you love. If you need garage door repair in Arlington VA, please contact ABC Garage Doors& Repair today at (301)822-2837.
