A garage door is the heaviest moving object in most homes, averaging 150 to 400 pounds. It cycles over 1,500 times per year. Understanding basic safety can prevent serious injuries.
Never walk under a moving door. It sounds obvious, but trying to duck under a closing door is one of the most common causes of injury. Wait for the door to fully open or close before passing through.
Test the auto-reverse monthly. Place a 2x4 flat on the ground in the door's path. The door should reverse within 2 seconds of contacting it. If it doesn't, your safety mechanism needs immediate attention.
Test the photo-eye sensors. Wave an object (like a broom handle) through the sensor beam while the door is closing. The door should reverse instantly. Clean the sensor lenses with a soft cloth if response seems slow.
Keep fingers away from panel joints. The sections of a garage door create pinch points when the door moves. Modern doors have pinch-resistant panels, but older doors don't. Teach children never to put fingers between panels.
Never attempt spring or cable repairs yourself. Torsion springs are under extreme tension, enough force to cause serious injury or death. This is not a DIY job. Always call a professional.
Secure the emergency release. The red emergency cord should be accessible but not hanging low enough for a child to reach. If your garage doesn't have an interior entry door, consider a lock for the emergency release to prevent break-ins.
Replace old openers that lack safety features. If your opener was manufactured before 1993, it likely lacks the photo-eye sensors and auto-reverse features required by federal law. Upgrading isn't just smart; it's a safety necessity.
We include a full safety inspection with every service call. If you haven't had your door inspected in over a year, give us a call. Catching a safety issue early is always cheaper than dealing with the consequences.