8 min read Mike Rodriguez
Your garage door is the largest moving object in your home, and when properly maintained, it operates safely thousands of times over its lifespan. However, garage doors can pose serious safety risks if not used and maintained correctly. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, garage doors cause approximately 30,000 injuries annually, many of which are preventable. Here are five essential safety tips every homeowner should know and practice.
All garage door openers manufactured after 1993 are required to have an auto-reverse feature that stops and reverses the door if it contacts an object. This feature is your first line of defense against entrapment injuries, particularly for children and pets.
Place a 2x4 piece of wood or a roll of paper towels flat on the ground in the door's path. Close the door using the opener. When the door contacts the object, it should immediately stop and reverse direction. If it doesn't, your opener needs immediate professional attention.
Modern openers also include photo-eye sensors that create an invisible beam across the door opening about 6 inches from the floor. If anything breaks this beam while the door is closing, it should stop and reverse. Test these monthly by waving an object through the beam path while the door is closing.
The joints between garage door panels.called section joints.can pinch and crush fingers when the door is in motion. This is especially dangerous for children who may be tempted to play with a moving door.
A partially open garage door is an invitation for trouble. Beyond the obvious security concerns, a door left partially open can:
- Fall unexpectedly if there's a mechanical failure, Invite children to try to duck under it, Stress the springs and opener, leading to premature wear
Always fully open or fully close your garage door. If you want ventilation, invest in a garage door screen that allows airflow while the door is fully open.
Regular maintenance prevents most garage door failures and extends the life of your door. A well-maintained door is also a safer door.
- Visual Inspection: Look for worn cables, loose hardware, and signs of wear - Listen: Unusual sounds can indicate problems - Balance Test: Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. It should stay in place. If it falls or rises, the springs need adjustment.
Schedule annual professional maintenance that includes:
- Complete safety inspection, Lubrication of all moving parts, Tightening of hardware, Spring tension adjustment, Opener diagnostic tests
Every garage door opener has an emergency release that allows you to operate the door manually. This is typically a red cord hanging from the opener rail.
1. Ensure the door is fully closed (opening it while closed prevents the door from crashing down) 2. Pull the emergency release handle (red cord) 3. Lift the door manually 4. To re-engage, pull the handle toward the door while moving the door until you hear a click
Practice this with your family so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
Garage door safety is a family affair. Take time to educate everyone in your household about these safety practices. If you notice any safety concerns or your door fails any of these tests, contact Garage Door La Puente immediately. Our technicians can inspect your door and make necessary repairs to keep your family safe.