Garage Door Safety Tips
All garage door operators must re-open the door within 30 seconds of the start of movement in the downward direction if the mechanism senses that the door did not fully close to the garage floor.
Your garage door is arguably the largest moving feature of your home. Because it is centrally located and used so heavily, every year these doors are the source of numerous injuries. As a result, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has many recommendations, as well as legal standards for safety concerning garage doors. Unsecured doors are also the number one entrance point for thieves to enter the home, creating yet another safety concern. Here are some garage door safety tips, that when correctly followed, will surely deter theft and keep your family free of injury.
To Deter Theft
- Never leave the garage door opener in your car. If you leave your opener clipped to your vehicle’s sun visor, a thief could easily break into your can and open your garage door. Consider using a key chain operator. If you insist on storing it in the car, keep it out of plain view.
- Get a padlock for your throw latch. Installing a lock is a simple, inexpensive safety measure. Be sure to secure it when you will be away for a while, such as a vacation.
- Obscure your garage door windows. It is common to hang blinds or curtains on windows in the garage for privacy, but don’t forget about the door. Curtains and blinds are not necessarily safe, but consider obscuring the windows with tinting or obscuring film.
To Ensure Safety
- Perform regular and proper maintenance. Make sure all mechanical parts are free of corrosion. Scheduling annual professional inspections will ensure all parts are in proper working order.
- Make sure the door is properly balanced. A properly operating garage door must be balanced. A balanced door will stay in place when stopped in any partially opened position. A severely unbalanced garage door could unexpectedly crash to the floor possibly striking an individual.
- Install motion detection devices. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends installing sensors that will halt garage door operation should a person or pet cross the threshold. These need to be installed four to six inches above the ground.
If you have any concerns about garage door safety, contact Door Tech. Our technicians are up-to-date on the latest recommended garage door safety tips. We will help you formulate a strategy including products, maintenance, and repair to ensure your family’s ultimate safety.