Your home's garage door is not just an essential part for your home security and convenience, but also a massive and heavy object capable of posing potential risks. Therefore, it's crucial to prioritize garage door safety to protect yourself, your family, and your property. In this article, we'll discuss some critical safety tips every homeowner should be aware of to keep their garage door working efficiently and safely. If you want expert guidance, don't hesitate to contact Maple Overhead Garage Doors today!

Understand your Garage Door Opener's Functions

The first step towards ensuring garage door safety is understanding the key functions of your garage door opener. Familiarize yourself with the opener's emergency release feature, usually a red cord hanging near the center of your garage door. This feature allows you to manually operate the door in case of a power outage or malfunction. Also, become acquainted with other essential components in your garage door system, such as the sensors and automatic reversal feature.

Regular Maintenance and Inspection

One of the best ways to ensure garage door safety is to practice regular maintenance and inspection. By doing so, you're not only extending the lifespan of your door but also preventing potential malfunctions. Check for loose or damaged parts, worn-out springs, frayed cables and ensure proper lubrication of the moving parts. If you're unfamiliar with garage door maintenance or don't have the time, contact Maple Overhead Garage Doors today, and our professional technicians will be happy to help.

Test the Reversal Feature

The automatic reversal feature is an essential safety function that prevents your garage door from coming down on any object or person in its path. Test this feature periodically by placing an object, such as a broom or a small block of wood, in the door's path. If the door reverses automatically upon touching the object, the reversal feature is working correctly. If not, call a professional to address the issue.

Keep Your Remote Control Out of Children's Reach

Teach your children about garage door safety and remind them that the door is not a toy. Keep the remote control out of their reach, and educate them about its proper use. Also, make sure to install a wall control button at least five feet off the ground, so it remains inaccessible to small children.

Never Leave Your Door Partially Open

Leaving your garage door partially open might seem like a good idea for ventilation, but it can be dangerous. If the door is activated while partially open, it can come crashing down, causing damage or injury. Always ensure that the door is either fully open or closed.

Secure Your Garage Door during Long Absences

If you plan to be away from home for an extended period, it's essential to secure your garage door. Most garage door openers have a vacation lock or vacation mode that disables the remote control function, ensuring the door can only be opened manually with a key. This feature adds an extra layer of security, deterring potential break-ins while you're away.

Stay Clear of the Door While in Motion

Teach your family members to avoid walking or standing near the garage door while it's in motion. Fingers or limbs getting caught between the door sections can lead to severe injuries. Always wait for the door to finish opening or closing before attempting to enter or exit the garage.

Update to Newer Garage Door Models

Older garage door models may lack essential safety features found in modern garage doors, such as photoelectric sensors and automatic reversal systems. If your door is outdated, consider upgrading to a newer model equipped with advanced safety mechanisms. Maple Overhead Garage Doors offers a wide range of state-of-the-art garage doors to choose from, ensuring you find the perfect door to enhance your home's security and curb appeal.

Garage door safety is an often-overlooked aspect of home security, but it's essential to the overall safety of your household. By following these simple tips and staying vigilant about maintenance and inspection, you can ensure that your garage door remains a safe and functional component of your home. For professional assistance with all your garage door needs, contact Maple Overhead Garage Doors today!