2024-12-28 9 min read Garage Door Galt
Your garage door is the largest moving object in your home and one of the heaviest. A standard two-car garage door can weigh 300-400 pounds or more. When operating properly, it poses little risk. But when safety features fail or proper precautions aren't followed, serious injuries can occur. Here's what every homeowner should know.
Modern garage doors include several safety mechanisms required by federal law since 1993:
Photo Eye Sensors: These sensors near the bottom of the door frame project an invisible beam across the opening. If anything breaks this beam while the door is closing, it automatically reverses. Test monthly by placing an object in the beam's path.
Auto-Reverse Feature: If the door contacts an object while closing, it should immediately reverse direction. Test monthly by placing a 2x4 flat on the ground under the door.
Manual Release: The red cord hanging from the opener allows you to disconnect the door from the opener in case of emergency or power outage. Know where it is and how to use it.
Monthly testing takes just a few minutes and could prevent tragedy:
Photo Eye Test: 1. Start with the door open 2. Press the button to close 3. Wave an object (like a broom) through the sensor beam 4. The door should reverse immediately
Force Test: 1. Place a 2x4 flat on the ground where the door meets the floor 2. Close the door 3. The door should reverse upon contacting the board
If either test fails, stop using the automatic opener and call for professional service immediately.
Children are naturally curious and may not understand the dangers of garage doors:
- Never let children play with door controls - Mount wall controls at least 5 feet high.out of children's reach - Keep remotes away from children.they're not toys - Teach children to never run under a moving door - Never let children play near the door.especially near the tracks and springs - Explain that fingers can be pinched in door sections
The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System estimates that approximately 20,000 people are treated in emergency rooms annually for garage door-related injuries. Many of these involve children.
Garage door springs are under extreme tension.enough force to lift hundreds of pounds. When they break or are improperly handled, they can cause severe injuries or death.
Never attempt to adjust or replace springs yourself. This is a job for trained professionals with proper tools. Signs your springs may need attention include:
- Door is difficult to lift manually, Door opens unevenly, Visible gaps in torsion springs, Loud bang from garage (broken spring)
If you hear a loud bang from your garage, do not attempt to operate the door. Call a professional immediately.
Your garage door opener is an electrical device that requires proper care:
- Ensure the outlet is properly grounded, Don't use extension cords.have a dedicated outlet installed, Check cords for wear or damage regularly, Unplug the opener before performing any maintenance, During storms, unplug to prevent power surge damage
If your garage is attached to your home, the door between them should be fire-rated. Additionally:
- Don't store flammable materials near the garage door, Keep the door to your home closed when possible, Consider a garage door with fire-rated materials for attached garages, Install a smoke detector in your garage
A garage door can be a security vulnerability. Protect your home:
- Don't leave the door open.even while home, Use a timer to automatically close if left open, Lock the emergency release when away for extended periods, Don't leave the remote visible in your car, Consider smart opener features that alert you to door activity
Regular maintenance prevents many safety issues:
- Lubricate moving parts quarterly, Tighten loose hardware, Check cables for fraying, Test balance annually (disconnect opener, lift door halfway.it should stay in place) - Replace worn weather sealing, Schedule professional inspection annually
Know what to do in emergencies:
- Power outage: Use manual release to operate door by hand - Door won't close: Check photo eye sensors for obstruction or misalignment - Spring breaks: Do not operate door.call professional - Door off track: Do not operate door.call professional
Keep our number saved in your phone for emergencies: 209-230-9376
Garage door safety is about awareness, testing, and maintenance. Teach your family about the potential dangers, test safety features monthly, and keep up with maintenance. When something seems wrong, don't try to fix it yourself.call a professional.
At Garage Door Galt, safety is our priority. We're happy to answer questions, perform safety inspections, and ensure your door operates as safely as possible. Contact us today to schedule a safety check.