As June approaches, the Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) puts on an annual event called Garage Door Safety Month. Keeping this in mind and noting that the weather is improving, now is a great time for a maintenance check. By taking the time to do these things now, you can keep your family and home safe and avoid more expensive repairs in the future. So let us get ahead of the game and learn why garage door safety is important in this blog.

Why Is Garage Door Safety Important?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says that more than 20,000 people get hurt by their garage doors and must go to the emergency room annually. Some of these garage door accidents are injuries due to springs, fingers caught in tracks, and other dangers that are a real concern. Yet, sad to say, there are also reported deaths due to entrapment when a door collapses. Of course, nobody likes to think about serious injury or death caused by a garage door malfunction. But the fact remains that many homes have garages, and accidents can—and do—happen. To keep everyone safe, you should take certain steps and do regular maintenance checks to ensure your garage door works safely and well all year.

A homeowner fixing a safety sensor on their garage door

How to Keep Your Garage Door Safe

Pay attention and practice the following garage door safety to avoid such tragedy. 

Visual Inspection 

Watch out for old garage doors! First, check for wear and tear on the inside and outside parts. For example, if the springs are worn, they could break, and you might get hurt. Then, have garage door specialists check if you are unsure what to do. They will tell you if the garage door springs need replacing.

Test Your Garage Door Safety Sensors

Ensure the garage door sensors are not letting your door close on something blocking its way. Try to check these parts at least once a month. Taking a few moments now can save you a lot of worry.

Test Your Door’s Balance

Ensure the garage door is easy to open and stays open when you lift it. You should be able to put the garage door in any position and have it stay in balance. If not, talk to a garage door repair expert about fixing it.

Maintain Optimal Force Configuration

Home garage door openers have a force setting for safety. First, put a 2×4 piece of wood on the ground under the door when it is open. Then, start shutting the door. When the door hits the wood, the garage door opener should reverse and open the door. This test will make sure the force setting is working properly.

Testing for garage door safety using a wood block

Keep Garage Door Opener Out of Reach of Children

The most important safety tip is to keep your garage door opener out of the wrong hands. Keep very young children from playing with remotes. Keep these remote controls out of children’s reach so they will not be tempted to play with the buttons.

Keep Your Garage Door Safe With Safety Practices

Safety is the most important thing for any person using garage doors. Whether you are hustling off to work or returning for the day, make sure you are taking the necessary steps to keep your home and loved ones safe. Simply follow the above strategies to guarantee that your garage always works at its best.

Garage Door Maintenance Near Me

Are your garage door issues proving to be too much to handle? Titan Garage Doors NE offers reliable and professional service for garage doors of all shapes and sizes. We specialize in garage door maintenance and garage door replacement, offering a wide range of new garage door brands and parts, including garage door openers. Our team of garage door experts is dedicated to providing you with superior customer service and top-notch workmanship. Whether you need a minor fix or a major remodel, we will work with you hand in hand to find the best option. So do not hesitate to contact us today for a free quote.