We all love a good garage door – they make it easy to get in and out of your home quickly and conveniently. But if you don’t take the proper precautions, a garage door can be a major safety hazard. To ensure that your garage door is safe for you and your family, it’s important to follow the right safety measures. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best ways to provide garage door safety.
The Basics of Garage Door Safety
The first step in providing garage door safety is to make sure that all of the components of the door are in good working order. This includes the door itself, the springs, the rollers, the tracks, and the opener. It’s important to check these components regularly to make sure that they are in good condition and that they are securely attached.
If you find that any of these components are damaged or worn, it’s important to have them replaced immediately. If the damage is too severe, you may need to have the entire door replaced: living in the Ontario area – you may apply to garage door repair in Etobicoke, Mississauga or other city, where you live.
Garage Door Safety Tips
In addition to regularly checking the components of your garage door, there are a few other safety tips to keep in mind when using your garage door.
- always keep the garage door closed when not in use: an open garage door can pose a security risk, allowing easy access to your home by animals or potential intruders. It also exposes the internal mechanism of the door to external elements, which can lead to potential damage or wear and tear. To maintain both your safety and the longevity of your garage door, it’s essential to keep it closed when not in use;
- make sure that the door is properly balanced: an unbalanced garage door can exert unnecessary strain on the door motor and other mechanical components, leading to premature failure. You can test the balance of your door by disconnecting it from the opener and manually moving it halfway up. If it doesn’t stay in place, it’s likely unbalanced, and you should contact a professional to adjust it;
- keep the remote control out of reach of children: the garage door remote is not a toy and should always be kept out of reach of children. Kids can unknowingly cause the door to open or shut, which could result in accidents, damage, or compromise the security of the home;
- never try to repair the door yourself – always call a professional: while you can perform basic garage door maintenance yourself like lubrication and cleaning, more advanced issues such as broken springs, malfunctioning openers, or electrical faults should be addressed by professionals. These repairs can be dangerous if not handled correctly due to the weight of the door and the high tension in the springs;
- make sure that the door is properly lubricated: lubrication reduces friction in the moving parts of your garage door, helping it to operate smoothly and quietly while extending the lifespan of its components. All moving parts, including the rollers, hinges, springs, and tracks, should be lubricated regularly. Use a high-quality silicone or lithium-based grease and avoid heavy oils or greases that can attract dust and debris.
Additional Safety Measures
In addition to the above safety tips, there are a few other measures that you can take to ensure the safety of your garage door.
Automatic Reversal
One of the most important safety features of a garage door is the automatic reversal. This feature is designed to reverse the door if it senses that something is in its way. This prevents the door from closing on a person or object.
Sensors
Another important safety measure is to install sensors on your garage door. These sensors will detect when something is in the way of the door and will prevent it from closing. It’s important to make sure that the sensors are properly installed and that they are in good working order.
Regular Maintenance
Finally, it’s important to have your garage door serviced regularly. This will help to ensure that all of the components are in good working order and that the door is operating safely.
Conclusion
Garage door safety is an important part of keeping your home and family safe. By following the above safety tips and taking the necessary precautions, you can make sure that your garage door is safe and secure. Remember to always have your garage door serviced regularly and to check all of the components for signs of wear and tear. With the right safety measures in place, you can ensure that your garage door will provide years of safe and reliable service.
