Is My Garage Safe? Garage Safety Tips

While many of the technological improvements in overhead door design have improved garage safety, there are still steps you can take to keep your family safe from the inherent dangers of garage doors.

Get to Know your Garage Door

We recommend having your garage door professionally installed by a company you trust, but once you’re up and running, it’s important to make sure you’re familiar with the functions of your garage door. Consult your garage door installation expert or your owner’s manual to learn how to use the garage door’s emergency release feature. From there, take a look at the springs, cables, rollers, and pulleys so you’ll notice any changes that require future maintenance.

Do Monthly Safety Checks

Performing monthly safety checks and routine preventative garage door maintenance can go a long way in keeping you and your family safe. This garage door safety checklist can help:

Check Springs, Cables, Rollers & Pulleys

After you’ve familiarized yourself with the mechanisms of your garage door, be sure to check them each month for signs of wear. If you notice any changes, contact a professional garage door repairman, as these parts are under high tension and can be dangerous.

Test the Reversing Mechanism

You should also check the garage door opener’s reversing mechanism to make sure that this feature is still functioning properly. Place scrap wood or a roll of paper towels in the door’s path while closing it, and if the door does not reverse after contacting the object, you’ll want to call a qualified garage door professional to make repairs, as this is one of the most important safety features if you have small children or pets.

Check Garage Door Balance

To test the garage door balance, you’ll want to use the release mechanism to manually operate the door. Lift the door three or four feet. If the garage door is properly balanced, it should lift smoothly and stay open. Because an unbalanced garage door may fall after it’s lifted, be sure to be mindful when performing this test. If you determine that the door is out of adjustment, you’ll want to contact a qualified garage door technician.

Practice Common Sense Safety

When it comes to overhead doors, adhering to garage safety practices can help eliminate many of the inherent dangers. In other words, don’t allow children to play with garage door openers, don’t leave your garage door partially open, and don’t place fingers between garage door panels.

Have additional safety concerns? Reach out to the garage door experts at Larry Myers for all of your service, repair, and safety needs.