Garage doors provide convenient access to your home, but they can also pose risks if not maintained well. Having a garage door safety checklist will help you spot minor issues before they become a bigger problem.
In this article, we listed the most important aspects you need to check on your garage door to ensure the safety of your home and family. Keep reading and see which of these you’ve been overlooking this whole time!
6 Garage Door Safety Checks You Need To Do
Being proactive about your garage door’s safety not only extends its lifespan but also prevents potential injuries. With that, it will be wise to perform these safety checks regularly:
1. Inspect your garage door once a month
Make it a habit to check your garage door system closely to see if there are any signs of damage. This includes the tracks, rollers, cables, torsion springs, panels, and opener.
If you spot any damage or unusual operation, it’s best to call a licensed technician for guaranteed LA garage door repair. This way, you can prevent minor damage from causing an accident in the future.
At the same time, you should clean your garage door’s moving parts, such as the rollers, tracks, and hinges. You should also lubricate these areas using a silicone-based lubricant for smooth operation.
2. Test the emergency release system regularly
The emergency release system of your garage door is the red cord hanging overhead below the trolley carriage. Pulling this cord will disengage the garage door from your opener, allowing you to open the door manually.
Make sure you test this feature once in a while to make sure it’s working. You’ll never know when you’ll need to release your garage door urgently, such as in the event of fires, power outages, or a malfunctioning opener.
3. Check your garage door safety sensors
Modern garage doors are equipped with photo-eye sensors that trigger the auto-reverse mechanism. These sensors are mounted on each side of your door’s opening, about 6 inches off the ground.
The photo eye sensors are like ‘electric eyes’ that need to see each other to create an invisible infrared connection. When these sensors are blocked, misaligned, or damaged, the connection will be broken. This will cause intermittent operation and unexpected reversing of your garage door, which can be dangerous when there are people and pets around.
4. Perform a balance check
Testing the balance of your garage door will let you identify whether your door is at risk of slamming shut out of nowhere. Aside from preventing injuries to people around, it will also let you avoid unnecessary damage to your door.
To do a balance check, disconnect your door from the opener by pulling the emergency release cord. Next, lift your door manually halfway. Let go, and if your door stays open, it’s perfectly balanced. However, if it slams shut or starts to close, that means it’s unbalanced, and you need to make adjustments to the springs.
5. Secure remote controls and access codes
Stolen garage door controllers pose a great risk to your home’s security. Make sure you keep your remote controls, emergency keys, and access codes secure to avoid unauthorized access to your garage door.
If you think your remote control has been stolen, you should call garage door services in Los Angeles to have it replaced right away. You’ll never know when the person who stole the remote control will try to sneak into your property.
6. Repair small damages as they arise
Most importantly, you should address garage door damages as you see them. This way, it won’t spread further and compromise the safety of your garage door system.
Take note that it’s more affordable to repair garage door damages early. Putting it off will just worsen the problem and increase the cost of repairs you’ll have to pay.
Thinking of Replacing Your Garage Door?
If your existing garage door is outdated, inefficient, or has suffered extensive wear, it might be time to consider a new garage door installation. A new door not only improves safety and performance but also boosts your home’s curb appeal and energy efficiency. Be sure to work with experienced technicians who can guide you in choosing the right model and ensure proper installation.
Pro Tip: Schedule a Professional Inspection Annually!
As the trite saying goes, prevention is always better than cure. This is why it’s a smart move to schedule annual inspections from a local garage door company. Their licensed technicians can spot potential issues and provide immediate repairs on the same day.
While professional inspections cost a fee, it’s nothing compared to the safety and peace of mind of your family. After all, you can’t put a price on safety, especially if you have young kids and pets who might get hurt if you fail to maintain your garage door properly.
