As homeowners, we often overlook the importance of garage door safety. Your garage door is one of the heaviest moving parts of your home, and if it’s not properly maintained, it can pose a risk to you and your family. That’s why keeping garage door safety in mind is so important.
Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air has been helping families in Montgomery, Auburn-Opelika, AL, Columbus, GA, and the surrounding areas with their home comfort needs since 1908. With the expansion to include Dixie Overhead Door, we now have the opportunity to help even more home and business owners.
To keep you and those you care about safe, here are seven simple garage door safety tips everyone should follow.’
1. Test the Auto-Reverse Feature Regularly
Most modern garage doors come with an automatic reverse function. This feature makes sure the door reverses if it comes in contact with an object, like a person or pet. It’s a crucial part of garage door safety. To test it, place an object like a roll of paper towels or a block of wood under the door. When the door touches the object, it should reverse right away. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to have it repaired by a professional.
At Dixie Overhead Door, we always recommend testing this feature at least once a month. If you’re unsure whether your door has an auto-reverse function, let us help! We can inspect your garage door to make sure it’s working safely and properly.
2. Keep Your Garage Door Sensors Clean
Garage door sensors are the little eyes at the bottom of your garage door that detect any object in the door’s path. If the sensors are blocked or dirty, your door might not stop as it should. Regularly check these sensors to make sure they are free from dirt, dust, or any other obstructions.
A simple wipe with a clean, dry cloth should keep the sensors working well. If the door still isn’t closing properly after cleaning, give us a call. Our technicians can fix or replace faulty sensors to ensure your garage door safety is always top-notch.
3. Never Let Children Play with the Garage Door Remote
It might be tempting for kids to treat the garage door remote like a toy, but this can be dangerous. Garage doors can cause serious injury if they close unexpectedly, so it’s essential to keep the remote out of children’s reach.
Make sure to explain the importance of garage door safety to your kids. Teach them that the garage door isn’t something to play with and always keep remotes in a secure spot.
4. Schedule Regular Garage Door Maintenance
Like most things in your home, garage doors need regular maintenance to keep working properly. A garage door that isn’t well-maintained can become a safety hazard. At Dixie Overhead Door, we recommend scheduling a professional inspection at least once a year. During this inspection, we’ll check for things like worn-out springs, loose bolts, and frayed cables.
Our trained technicians can spot potential problems before they become major issues. This not only ensures your garage door is safe but also keeps it running smoothly for years to come.
5. Check the Springs for Wear and Tear
The springs in your garage door system do most of the heavy lifting. They allow the door to open and close smoothly. Garage door springs can wear out over time. Sometimes the springs break. Both situations make your garage door unsafe to use. One way to check for wear is by visually inspecting the springs for any signs of rust or damage.
However, replacing springs is not a DIY task. Because they’re under a lot of tension, garage door springs can be dangerous to handle without the proper tools and experience. Always call a professional from Dixie Overhead Door to handle spring replacements safely.
6. Don’t Leave Your Garage Door Open Unnecessarily
Leaving your garage door open when it’s not needed is not only a safety risk but also an invitation for intruders. Open garage doors can give people easy access to your home, especially if your garage is connected directly to your house. For maximum security, keep your garage door closed unless you’re actively using it.
It’s also a good idea to install a garage door opener with a timer feature. This feature automatically closes the door after a certain amount of time, so you never have to worry about forgetting.
7. Be Aware of Moving Parts
Garage doors have many moving parts, from the tracks to the rollers to the chains. All the components need to be in good working order to ensure your door functions safely. Over time, these parts can become worn or damaged, which can lead to malfunctions.
Be mindful when working near or around a moving garage door. Keep hands, fingers, and other body parts away from the tracks and other moving components. And if you notice any strange noises or jerky movements, call Dixie Overhead Door right away. We can diagnose and repair the problem before it becomes a bigger issue.
Final Thoughts on Garage Door Safety
Your garage door is one of the most used and important parts of your home, so keeping it in safe, working order should be a top priority. These seven garage door safety tips are simple steps you can take to protect your family and avoid accidents.
At Dixie Overhead Door, we’ve been keeping garage doors safe and secure for over 100 years. Whether you need a quick repair, regular maintenance, or a brand-new door, we’ve got you covered. Our trusted team of professionals is always here to help homeowners in Montgomery, Auburn-Opelika, AL, Columbus, GA, and the surrounding areas.
Garage door safety starts with a call to Dixie Overhead Door. Let us help you keep your home safe and your garage door working like new!
