An average garage door can weigh up to 400 pounds which makes it the largest, heaviest moving object in virtually every home. Garage doors have come a long way in terms of safety, but you can provide even more protection for you and your family by following these safety guidelines.
First, never attempt to bypass or disable the garage door safety sensors. The photoelectric sensors mounted near the bottom on either side of the garage door opening are designed to detect an obstruction in the path of the garage door. When an obstruction such as a child, pet, or vehicle is detected, the garage door opener automatically reverses direction and opens.
Second, the springs are arguably the most dangerous component of any garage door. Garage doors springs are under very high tension and garage door spring repairs and adjustments should only performed by a trained garage door service professional.
The same goes for the cables. These are attached to the bottom of the garage door and are connected to the springs through the lift assist system. Have these cables replaced by a garage door professional when they become frayed or worn.
Garage door replacement and new garage door installation should only be performed by a trained garage door technician. Not only are the garage door springs dangerous to handle, but an improperly installed garage door poses a serious risk of severe injury or even death. The garage door can come off the tracks and injure someone, and even on the tracks, improper installation or adjustment can lead to a falling garage door.
Finally, have your garage door serviced annually by a professional garage door repair service. Regular service will help keep the garage door operating smoothly and ensure that the door’s safety features are working correctly and adjusted properly.
