Despite multiple uses a day, your garage door is probably one of those things that you forget about until something doesn’t work. Garage door safety is an essential part of our work in building and installing doors; your work is maintaining your door and knowing when to call. Together, we can keep our garage doors efficient and safe!
Your Part In Garage Door Safety
An older or damaged door can be more than just an eyesore in the neighborhood. It can become dangerous if left unchecked. After installation, you become the responsible party for your door, which means knowing what to look for. Regular inspections can be the difference between a minor repair on your door and an expensive replacement. And, if done regularly and correctly, it could even extend the life of your door.
This checklist from C.H.I. does a great job of outlining a quick, regular check for homeowners. Their main points include inspecting the hardware, testing door balance, ensuring the reverse mechanism works, and testing the force setting. If you have kids or small animals, keep them clear of closing doors and only test the door’s operations while you can see it (sorry app users!).
Common Issues and How To Avoid Them
Most common garage door safety issues occur from regular wear and tear. But the extreme weather shifts in Central Oregon can accelerate those issues! These are the most common safety concerns and how to avoid them:
Broken Springs and Cables
Garage springs and cables help the door open and close smoothly. However, the more you use them, the faster they can wear out due to the constant pressure applied. What’s more, springs can become an extreme safety hazard with the risk of a door falling on you or your vehicle. Avoid issues with a monthly check of springs and cables and yearly professional maintenance.
Malfunctioning Sensors or Openers
Ever had a door stop midway even though the area looked clear? That’s usually a sensor issue. The safety sensors (i.e., little glowing dots at both ends of the garage) will stop working when something is blocking them — even if it’s the corner of a box. Openers should be properly installed and operated for safety. If they stop working, have a professional take a look.
Worn Rollers
Rollers need to be replaced about every five to seven years, but you can keep on top of them by regularly inspecting for cracks or signs of wear. Regular maintenance could also include lubricating the rollers, especially if they’re squeaking or grinding.
Damaged Panels or Weather Stripping
You’ll know if you have a damaged panel (and your car can probably tell the tale, also). But broken panels can cause doors to be misaligned andunsafe to operate. Harsh weather can also cause cracking and damage to panels and weather stripping, so be sure to give your doors a monthly once-over and call if you see damage.
If you’re a visual learner, our team loves these safety videos.
Garage Door Safety Is Our Top Priority
When you work with Central Oregon Garage Door, you get a trusted team of professionals available to help long after installation. Follow these garage door safety tips for your regular checks and get in touch with our team for door repair or service!
