Main Garage Door Safety Issues To Look Out For

By Tony Hall

Garage doors make modern life a bit easier, providing protection for your vehicles against outside elements. When attached to an automated opener, they make getting in and out very easy. 

If you take the time and the make the effort to keep your garage door maintained and up to snuff, you can rest easy. However, if not properly maintained or installed, the garage door can create dangerous situations. Below are the top areas that pose the most risks if not maintained.

Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs can be very dangerous if they come loose or break. These springs do all the heavy lifting when it comes to opening and closing the door. The tension in the springs offers a counterbalance to the weight of the door. When you or the garage opener opens or closes the door, the spring carries most of the weight.

Springs can come loose or break when they become worn. When one of the springs breaks, the tension is suddenly released in a violent uncoiling. This uncoiling can cause damage to any vehicles, humans or pets in the way.

A simple test can determine if your garage door springs are nearing the end of their useful life. Disengage the garage door opener by pulling the emergency release lever. Pull the garage door down about half way and let go. The door should stay in place. If it sags downward or is difficult to lift, the springs need immediate professional attention.

Garage Door Safety Sensors

All modern garage door installations have safety sensors installed on both sides of the door about six inches above the floor. Those sensors are there to protect people, pets and property from being crushed as the door comes down. If someone or something comes between the sensors, they signal the garage door to stop coming down and go into full reverse. That keeps the door from hitting your child as he or she comes running in under the moving garage door.

Garage Door Controls

The wall mounted garage door controls should be at least five feet off the floor to keep children from playing with the buttons. It is important to keep garage door remote controls away from children, as well. Children playing with the garage door controls can easily cause property damage or human injury due to garage doors coming up and down unexpectedly.

Garage Door Joints

Some garage doors do not have pinch-resistant joints. It is critical that all members of the family be taught to keep their fingers out of the joints, especially when the door is in motion. The garage door opener is not going to stop and a finger in one of those joints could end up being severely injured or even amputated.

Loose or Worn Parts

When opening or closing the garage door, listen for unusual sounds. That could be the first sign that a part is starting to become loose or worn. Conduct a visual inspection a few times a year to make sure the door's cables, wires and mounting brackets are secure and in good shape. If you find any areas of concern, bring in a professional garage door company immediately.

If you suspect your garage door needs professional attention, contact Willow Creek Overhead Door. We are a full-service garage door company serving Amarillo and the surrounding communities. Whether you are in need of a new garage door or just repairs, we can help.

---

Get A Free Repair Estimate Today

photo credit: mrpuen / Free Digital Photos