Garage Door Safety Checklist

Your Checklist for Garage Door Safety

Investing in a safer home usually means installing a home security system or putting extra locks on your windows. However, another way you can prioritize home safety is by maintaining your garage door. Your garage door weighs hundreds of pounds, and if it malfunctions, it could pose a serious safety hazard to you and your family. Fortunately, you can prevent accidents before they happen with these simple garage door safety tips.

1. Do Regular Visual Inspections

Taking a few minutes each month to look over your garage hardware can save you from major headaches down the road. During your garage door safety inspection, be sure to check these boxes:

• Inspect Springs and Cables—The springs and cables do the heavy lifting every time you open the garage. Look closely for signs of wear, rust, or fraying. If you notice any damage, don’t attempt to fix these parts yourself. The high tension makes them incredibly dangerous for anyone without professional training.
• Check the Tracks and Rollers—Next, make sure the metal tracks on either side of the door are completely clear of debris. Wipe away any dirt and apply a garage door lubricant to the rollers. This precaution keeps the door’s movement smooth and prevents the motor from overworking.

2. Don’t Skip the Safety Features

Garage door safety is built into many modern systems. Most come equipped with mechanisms designed to stop the door if something gets in the way. Testing these features is one of the most important parts of any garage door accident prevention checklist. Here’s what you need to know:

• Test the Safety Sensors—To test your sensors, press the button to close the door and carefully wave a broom handle across the beam’s path. The door should immediately stop and reverse direction. If it continues to close, wipe the sensor lenses with a soft microfiber cloth and try again. If it still fails, schedule professional maintenance immediately.
• Check the Mechanical Reversal System—Place a small block of wood flat on the ground in the center of the door’s path, then push the button to close the door. When the bottom of the door touches the wood, it should automatically reverse. If it doesn’t, the system needs a mechanical adjustment.

3. Establish Safe Daily Habits

Garage door maintenance goes a long way to keep your home safe. However, it’s still only half the battle. Your family’s routine also plays a role in accident prevention. Insist on a few daily habits to avoid injuries and safety hazards:

• Keep Children and Pets Clear—Never let kids play with the remote controls or wall-mounted switches. Make sure pets and children are safely inside the house or well out of the driveway before operating the system.
• Don’t Look Away—Always wait for the door to open or close completely before walking or driving away.
• Secure Your Remotes—Treat your garage door remote like a key to your front door. Avoid leaving it visible on your car’s dashboard or visor, where a would-be thief might be tempted to steal it.

Let Us Help Keep Your Garage Secure

Preventative maintenance is the best way to maintain garage door sensor safety. Set aside time every month to do a quick inspection and ensure your system remains reliable year-round. Whenever you need a helping hand, A1A Overhead Door is here for you. Our Jacksonville, FL team has years of experience in garage door maintenance and safety, and we’ll make sure your door operates correctly. Contact us today.