5 Arizona Garage Door Safety Tips

Even though modern garage doors are significantly more secure and efficient than those clanky death traps of the past, it’s still important to take precautions. After all, your garage door is still one of the largest and heaviest moving components of your home! And according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 30,000 injuries result from accidents involving garage doors each year. A staggering number of the victims are children. 

So, there’s no better time than the present to assess your door and see if you are in need of Phoenix garage door repair. But even with a door that seems to be functioning well on the surface, there are various safety measure you should take. Here are the top five garage door safety tips every homeowner needs to know:

1. Make Sure the Safety Sensors are Working Properly

If you have an electronic garage door (which you do unless the house/door are very old), then it most likely has safety sensors. Though almost unnoticeable, these little sensors are typically located at least six inches above the ground on either side of the door opening. When working properly, they stop the door from closing the moment movement is detected underneath. Additionally, all garage doors manufactured after 1991 have what’s known as an “auto reverse” mechanism, that makes the door stop and immediately start reversing its motion the moment it touches something in its path. 

Of course, like most pieces of equipment, these sensors can wear out over time and lose their ability to sense movement as readily (or not at all). It is important to check them frequently and repair or replace them as needed. 

2. Inspect the Cables and Springs

Just like sensors, your garage door’s springs and cables will wear out over time. If you notice any squeaking, rattling, or jerking movement (or lack of movement at all), be sure to take a look. Even if everything looks fine on the surface, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect the door to see if anything needs to be repaired or replaced. Even old garage doors should always operate smoothly, so be sure to take a look if it is not.

It’s worth noting here that whenever a spring is replaced on one side of the door, the other side’s spring should be replaced as well even if it appears to be in good condition. This will help ensure that there are no unsafe discrepancies. 

3. Never Put a New Door on an Old Track

Some people try to save money and cut corners by installing new garage doors on older pre-existing tracks. However, this is just asking for trouble down the line. Doors and tracks are built to go together, so you should always install them together to ensure the perfect (and safe) fit. 

4. Don’t Share Passwords and Keep Remotes in Safe Places

It’s crucial that you keep both your garage door password / key code and your remote controls secure. Doing so will not only help prevent unwanted entries / break-ins, but it will also help prevent people from tampering with your door settings. And of course, always make sure that the remotes and key pad is out of reach of young children. 

5. Teach Family Members How to Operate the Door Safely

Kids in particular often become fascinated with the movement of garage doors. Sadly, this is why so many children are involved in garage door accidents every year. This is also why it is so important for them (and every member of your family) to learn to operate the garage door carefully and safely. Even if the door has caution sensors that detect movement below them, nobody should be standing in or near the door’s path when it is being opened or shut. Make sure everyone realizes the door is in no way a toy.  Live in the Phoenix metro area and want to learn more about garage door safety, or are you in need of a new garage door or service? It’s always best to go with the professionals to make sure the job is done correctly. Call the pros at Lincoln today at 602-955-4144. Or, stop by our Tempe location to chat with us in person. We’ve been providing quality Phoenix garage door repair for years, and we want to help every resident avoid accidents. Your garage door should be a welcome, useful part of your home. Let’s make sure it’s safe!