Did you know that June is Garage Door Safety Month?
Every June, the International Door Association (IDA) and Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) makes safety a focus for garage door owners. We’ve listed some things to check to make sure your garage is as safe as it can be.
- Visually inspect all the moving parts on your garage: Look for frayed cables, broken springs, loose screws, loose brackets, bent or broken rollers, etc. Contact a qualified garage door repair professional if you notice any cable or spring damage. These are not do-it-yourself repairs.
- Make repairs promptly: For many homeowners, the garage door is the most often used entrance to the home, which means it’s important to have your door repaired quickly if anything goes wrong. If you find there are issues with your door, call your local garage repair company for repairs and inspections.
- Test garage door movement: Whether the garage door is old or new, a checkup is needed to be sure that the door is balanced on its tracks, is able to reverse smoothly, and has no sign of damage, loose cables or worn out functions. If your door doesn’t open or close smoothly, the spring system may need to be adjusted/replaced. An unbalanced springing system can cause injury and premature wear & tear on other door components.
- Test the spring tension of your door: If you have an automatic opener, close your door and pull the red cord on your opener to disconnect it. Then open the door halfway. If it does not remain still, your spring(s) are either broken or need to be adjusted. Do not try this test when the door is open, and do not allow pets or children under the door when these tests are being done. If your door spring appears to be unbalanced or broken, do not adjust or remove standard torsion springs yourself. Contact a qualified garage door repair professional.
- Test garage door safety features: Use a basketball or a paper towel roll to test the garage door’s auto stop and reverse function by rolling it under the door while the door is moving. If the garage door is properly functioning, it should immediately stop and reverse when the basketball interrupts the photoelectric safety beams. If not, the door needs to be repaired right away.
- Educate children on proper garage door function & safety: Curiosity can lead to injury, so explaining and showing how the garage door operates and the safe way to use it can go a long way toward keeping them safe. Also, remember to keep garage door remotes away from small children
- Emergency garage door release feature: Mostly for maintaining function if your garage door opener stops working, this mechanism can also help save a life in worst-case scenarios. Refer to your owner’s manual to brush up on its function.
- Don’t leave your garage door open: Keep out theft, and even mice and rodents byh making sure to keep your door closed (even when you’re home).
- Keep the garage well-lit and organized: Avoid tripping over your storage in the dark. Be sure a separate light (aside from the automatic light that turns on when the door opens and shuts) is present.
- Be prepared for summer storms: If your garage door was installed prior to 1992, make sure it meets current building code requirements for safety and wind load in your geographic region. Garage doors play a critical role in preserving a home’s structural integrity during high wind events including hurricanes and even some tornadoes.
