June marks National Garage Door Safety Month. Making it an ideal time to discuss safety tips for all homeowners.
The garage door serves as a primary entryway for many households and is also the largest mechanical feature on most homes. Keeping your garage door in safe working condition should be part of your regular home maintenance routine. Whether you have a basic overhead door or a newer smart opener system, taking the right precautions can help reduce injury risks and minimize costly repairs.
1. Check That the Safety Reverse Works
All newer garage doors are required to include a safety reverse mechanism that stops the door from closing when an obstruction is present. To make sure this function is operating properly:
- Place a solid item such as a small piece of wood on the floor beneath the door
- Attempt to close the door using the wall-mounted control or remote
- The door should touch the object, then reverse direction automatically
2. Keep the Photo Sensors Clean and Aligned
Garage door safety sensors are typically installed at the base of each track. These devices scan for any blockage and prevent the door from shutting if something crosses the beam. Use a clean, soft cloth to wipe away dust or debris, and confirm that the sensors face one another evenly. Misalignment or buildup is one of the most frequent causes of garage door issues.
3. Pay Attention to Unusual Sounds or Motion
Do not overlook warning signs such as shaking, rattling, or odd noises during operation. These can indicate worn-out rollers, damaged cables, or misaligned tracks. Delaying a repair can create bigger problems and increase safety risks.
4. Avoid Contact With Moving Parts
Garage door systems include springs, hinges, rollers, and other moving hardware that can be hazardous. Keep fingers and hands away from these components at all times, particularly when the door is in motion. For families with young children, consider upgrading to a model with pinch-resistant features.
5. Learn to Operate the Manual Release
Power outages or motor failures can happen without warning, which is why it’s important to know how to use the manual release cord. This handle lets you disconnect the door from the automatic opener so you can lift it manually. Practice this process during normal operation to become familiar with it. If you're unsure how it works, our technicians can demonstrate it for you during a service visit.
6. Book an Annual Safety Inspection
Garage doors rely on components that are under high tension, especially torsion springs and lift cables. These parts require professional tools and training to service safely. To reduce the chance of injury or malfunction, schedule a garage door inspection with a certified technician once a year. During this check, we evaluate your entire system, address any concerns, and help you avoid unexpected failures.
Emergency Garage Door Services
If it’s been a while since your last inspection or you’ve noticed your door operating differently, now is a good time to act. We offer garage door repair, safety tune-ups, new opener installations, and preventive maintenance throughout Northeast Indiana. Contact us today to schedule service and keep your home safe and secure.
