Garage Door Safety: Essential Tips to Keep Your Home & Family Safe
A garage door is one of the heaviest moving parts in your home, and ensuring its safe operation is essential for preventing accidents and injuries. This guide covers garage door maintenance, child safety, risks of DIY repairs, and expert safety tips to keep your home secure.
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Garage Door Maintenance: Prevent Accidents Before They Happen
Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your garage door and prevents malfunctions that could lead to safety hazards. Here’s a checklist to keep your garage door in top condition:
Maintenance Checklist
- Test the Auto-Reverse Safety Feature – Place an object (like a piece of wood) under the door. If it doesn’t reverse when closing, call a professional for repairs.
Inspect & Lubricate Moving Parts – Apply a silicone-based lubricant to springs, rollers, hinges, and tracks every 6 months to prevent wear and tear.
Check the Garage Door Balance – Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it doesn’t stay in place, the springs may be worn out and need professional adjustment.
Tighten Loose Hardware – The constant movement of a garage door can loosen bolts and screws. Check and tighten them to prevent misalignment.
Clean & Inspect the Tracks – Dirt, rust, or debris in the tracks can cause the door to jam or operate unevenly. Clean them regularly and check for bends or misalignment.
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Garage Door Safety for Kids & Families
Children are naturally curious, and garage doors can pose serious risks if not used properly. Follow these garage door safety rules to keep kids safe:
Teach Kids That a Garage Door Is Not a Toy – Never allow children to play with the garage door remote or wall button.
Keep Remote Controls Out of Reach – Store garage door openers in a secure location to prevent children from accidentally opening or closing the door.
Do Not Let Kids Hang on the Garage Door – Hanging on the door can cause serious injury and damage the system.
Test the Photo-Eye Sensors Monthly – These sensors detect objects in the door’s path. Wave an object (like a broomstick) in front of the sensor while closing the door – if it doesn’t stop and reverse, it needs professional repair.
Supervise Pets & Children Near the Garage – Keep them away from the garage door while it’s moving to prevent accidental injuries.
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Why DIY Garage Door Repairs Are Dangerous
While some maintenance tasks (like lubrication and visual inspections) are safe, repairing a garage door yourself can be extremely dangerous. Here’s why you should avoid DIY repairs:
High-Tension Springs Can Cause Serious Injury – Garage door torsion springs are under extreme pressure. If they snap, they can cause severe injury or property damage.
Improper Repairs Can Lead to System Failure – A garage door has multiple components that must be properly aligned and adjusted. A small mistake can cause the door to malfunction or collapse.
Electrical & Sensor Risks – Faulty wiring or incorrect adjustments to safety sensors can cause unexpected door movement or failure.
Warranty & Insurance Issues – Attempting DIY repairs may void warranties on your garage door or opener. Improper repairs can also affect home insurance claims in case of accidents.
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Additional Garage Door Safety Tips
Replace Old or Worn-Out Springs – If your door makes loud noises, moves unevenly, or feels heavy, the springs may be worn out. Have them replaced by a professional to prevent accidents.
Secure Your Garage to Prevent Break-Ins – Burglars often target garage doors. Install a deadbolt, motion-sensor lights, and a smart garage door opener for added security.
Know How to Open the Garage Door Manually – In case of a power outage, familiarize yourself with the manual release mechanism so you’re not locked out.
Upgrade to a Smart Garage Door Opener – A smart opener notifies you if the door is left open and allows you to control it remotely from your phone.
Trust the Experts for Garage Door Safety & Maintenance
At Ottawa Garage Doors & Openers, we provide:
✅ Professional Garage Door Inspections
✅ Safe & Reliable Repairs
✅ New Garage Door Installation
✅ Emergency Service for Malfunctions
🚪 Protect Your Home & Family – Schedule a Garage Door Safety Check Today!