How to Safely Operate your Garage Door
Your garage door is very important to your home, but it could easily change from being a useful utility to a pain in the butt if you don’t know to operate it safely. To work efficiently, it needs to be maintained and serviced regularly to prevent malfunctions. As a homeowner, there are a few safety skills you need to have to use it without headaches and spending lots of money on repairs.
A homeowner who doesn’t know much about its safety and maintenance may end up spending a lot of money on their garage door and it won’t even function effectively.
A lot of garage door features are put in place to keep your properties and home from being broken into or vandalized. Learning to keep these features functional ensures it stays safe for you and your family.
How do you ensure your Garage door is safe?
Conduct regular maintenance with a Garage door company
Hiring a skilled technician who can check your garage door for damages and ensure that the door is operating in optimum condition is good safety practice. Sometimes you may observe something odd about its device mechanism, but without the expertise of the technician, you wouldn’t know what you’re looking at. Or how serious it is. These professionals are in the best position to make repairs and replacements without creating more problems for you.
Test the safety features
From time to time, test the safety features installed to ensure they still work properly. For example, test the remote system and the sensors installed to reverse the door movement in case of an obstruction (such as a person or object) in the way. These sensors must respond quickly to prevent accidents and injury.
Check your Garage door regularly
The number one most common way of keeping just about any machinery in good working condition is conducting regular checks on it. Ask any engineer. Ensure your door is in good condition and working properly. Do this by looking it over at least once a month. Since a garage door is in constant use, check for wear and tear. Check the safety features, springs, cables, the lock, and other structural parts in the mechanism device.
Unplug when not in use for a long time
In situations when it is not in use for extended periods such as a vacation, it is a safe practice to unplug it. It is an important safety practice because you will be overriding the remote system and automatic opening controls so the door doesn’t open without restoring it to power. This will protect children who may be around and avoid accidents when you’re not around.
Garage Door Professional near you
Having a Garage door professional on hand (or in your contact books) is your first and surest path to its safety. They are also great at introducing you to new safety features and devices that you can use on your garage door to avoid problems and keep your personal belongings safe. This is a contact to keep on your phone: Dave Moseley Door Services 856-275-7766.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I inspect my garage door?
Inspect your garage door at least once a month. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed cables, damaged springs, or structural issues, to address potential problems early.
What safety features should I test regularly?
You should test the remote system and sensors, especially those designed to reverse the door’s movement if an object or person is detected. These features are crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring smooth operation.
What should I do if my garage door is not in use for an extended period?
Unplug the garage door opener if you’re not using it for a long time, such as during a vacation. This prevents unauthorized access and ensures the door cannot be opened accidentally.
How can a professional help with garage door safety?
A professional technician can identify and repair issues you might miss, ensure all components are in good condition, and recommend new safety devices to enhance the door’s functionality and security.
What signs indicate I need professional garage door repairs?
Common signs include unusual noises, slow or jerky movements, failure of safety features like sensors, or visible damage to springs, cables, or other parts.
