A garage can be a great asset to any home. It provides a place to park your car and can also be used for storage, as a workshop, or even as extra living space. However, as with any entry to your home, it’s important to ensure that you know garage door safety tips to secure your space.
Safety encompasses both security and physical protection. If you’re asking questions like, “How do I protect my garage door from break-in?” The answer is in maintaining and using it properly. From proper use of the security code and safe practices when the doors are opening or closing down – these sound simple enough but will build your habits towards garage door safety.
Remember, your garage doors serve as one of the biggest entry points in your home. Keeping these doors safe is vital because it’s hard to penetrate.
At the same time, your doors’ physical condition must be well-maintained. Wear and tear on springs, openers, and other parts could compromise the safety of your garage doors. Keeping the structural integrity of your doors intact and each element in good condition means you won’t have to worry about faulty movements.
Garage door safety tips is essential for every homeowner. Here are eight tips to help make sure your garage door is safe:
Check the springs. The springs on your garage door should be checked regularly to ensure they are in good working condition. If the springs are worn or damaged, they could break and cause the door to fall, leading to severe injury or even death.
Check the cables. The cables on your garage door should also be checked regularly. Like the springs, if the cables are worn or damaged, they could break and cause the door to fall. You’ll need emergency garage door repair when that happens. To prevent any sudden mishap, look at the cables to ensure they aren’t too worn out to cause safety concerns.
Keep the opener code secret. Whether your garage is connected to the main house or is detached, be very secure about your garage door code. Break-ins are pretty common in residential areas, even those perceived as peaceful areas. You wouldn’t want to risk having your home vulnerable to criminals.
By having a security discussion with your kids about the control pad, or installing a rolling code garage door control that changes up the code regularly, you’ll prevent any hacking opportunity from outsiders.
Check the tracks. The tracks your garage door runs on should be checked periodically to ensure that they are free of debris and in good working condition. If the tracks bend out of shape at any part, it could affect how the doors move when opening or closing.
Check the sensors. The sensors on your garage door prevent the door from closing if something is in the way. Ensure that nothing obstructs the sensors so they can work properly. You can maintain them easily by cleaning the sensors with a damp cloth. Check also if the settings are proper with the sensors and the opener.
Check the garage door opener’s reverse mechanism. All garage door openers are required to have a reverse mechanism that will cause the door to open if it comes in contact with an object. This is a safety feature that can prevent serious injuries or even death.
Testing the reverse mechanism at least once a month will guarantee your unit is completely safe when unexpected movement happens under the door just as it is closing down.
If your garage door opener is an old model, consider getting a new smart opener that has an auto-reverse feature.
Check the balance. The balance of your garage door should be checked periodically. An unbalanced garage door could fall suddenly and cause injury or damage. This could either be a minor hiccup with your opener, or a major structural issue. If it’s serious, it could force you to get new garage doors – so always be on the lookout for balance issues.
Check the overall condition of the door. Do a visual inspection every so often. Inspect the door periodically for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or dents in the panels. If you notice any damage, have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and potential injury.
Even with excellent safety features incorporated in garage doors, accidents can still happen, especially if you have kids and pets. An important tip is to never race and run underneath your garage door when it’s closing down.
Book scheduled garage door maintenance. Having garage door maintenance scheduled at least once a year can help ensure that every part of your garage door is in the best condition. Garage door maintenance includes inspecting the door for damage, lubricating the moving parts, and testing the garage door opener to ensure that it is working properly. By investing in annual maintenance, you can help to prevent minor problems from turning into major mechanical issues.
Call Us for Garage Door Maintenance
Need to learn more about garage door safety tips? Book a garage door service with us. Our technicians are licensed, insured, and have the right tools to improve the security of your home. Keep in mind that a well-maintained garage door can avert any unexpected accidents or prevent your home from becoming a target of criminals.
When you book an appointment with us, we’ll visit your property, test and inspect your garage door, and recommend any urgent repairs or replacement work. Call us for reliable garage door maintenance today!