7 min read Mike Johnson
Garage doors are remarkable pieces of engineering, but they can also pose serious safety risks if not properly maintained and used. Each year, thousands of people are injured by garage doors, with children being particularly vulnerable. By following these essential safety tips, you can protect your family while enjoying the convenience of an automatic garage door.
Before diving into safety tips, it's important to understand why garage door safety matters. A standard garage door can weigh 150 to 400 pounds or more. The springs that help lift this weight are under tremendous tension. The door itself moves with enough force to cause serious injury or even death if it strikes a person or pet.
Children are naturally curious, but garage doors should never be treated as toys. Teach your children these important rules:
- Never run under a moving garage door. The door can reverse direction or stop unexpectedly. - Never play with the garage door remote or wall button. These aren't toys. - Stay away from the garage door while it's moving. Keep a safe distance until it's fully open or closed. - Never touch the springs or cables. These are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury.
Keep remotes out of children's reach and explain why the garage door deserves the same respect as other household appliances.
Modern garage doors are equipped with auto-reverse mechanisms that cause the door to reverse if it encounters an obstruction. This feature should be tested monthly:
1. Place a 2x4 board flat on the ground in the door's path. 2. Close the door using the opener. 3. The door should reverse when it contacts the board. 4. If it doesn't reverse, disconnect the opener and call a professional immediately.
Also test the photoelectric sensors by waving an object (like a broom) across the doorway while the door is closing. The door should reverse immediately.
Never leave the garage door open and unattended. An open garage is an invitation for intruders and allows children and pets to wander in. Similarly, always watch the door until it's fully closed when you're leaving. This ensures nothing gets caught under the door and confirms it's properly secured.
Once a month, take a few minutes to visually inspect your garage door system:
- Cables: Look for fraying or wear. - Springs: Check for gaps or signs of stretching. - Rollers: Ensure they're intact and moving smoothly. - Tracks: Look for debris or damage. - Panels: Check for cracks, warping, or damage.
If you notice any issues, contact a professional before using the door.
Every garage door opener has a manual release that allows you to open the door by hand in case of power failure or malfunction. Make sure you know where it is and how to use it. However, keep it out of reach of small children and teach older children to use it only in emergencies.
This cannot be stressed enough: never attempt to repair or adjust garage door springs yourself. These springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or death if they break or are improperly handled. Always call a professional for any spring-related issues.
Just like your car needs regular tune-ups, your garage door needs professional maintenance. A trained technician will:
- Lubricate all moving parts, Tighten loose hardware, Adjust springs and cables, Test safety features, Identify potential problems before they become dangerous
At Garage Door San Anselmo, we offer comprehensive maintenance packages to keep your garage door operating safely. Our technicians are trained to identify and address safety issues before they become problems. Contact us today to schedule your annual safety inspection.