As a homeowner, ensuring the safety of your family and property is paramount, and one area that often gets overlooked is garage door safety. Your garage door is the largest moving part of your home and can pose significant risks if not properly maintained and used. At Bel-Ingle, we prioritize safety above all else. Here are five essential garage door safety tips every homeowner should know:
Regular Maintenance Checks:
Regular maintenance checks are crucial for ensuring your garage door operates smoothly and safely. Inspect the tracks, springs, cables, and rollers for any signs of wear or damage. Look out for loose hardware and tighten them if necessary. Lubricate moving parts such as hinges and rollers to keep them functioning correctly. If you notice any issues during your inspection, contact a professional technician for repairs immediately.
Test the Safety Features:
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features such as photo-eye sensors and auto-reverse mechanisms. Photo-eye sensors are located near the floor on both sides of the door and detect any obstructions in the door’s path. Test these sensors by placing an object in the door’s path while closing it. The door should automatically reverse upon detecting the obstruction. Additionally, test the auto-reverse mechanism by placing a roll of paper towels in the door’s path. If the door does not reverse upon contact with the object, it may indicate a malfunction that requires immediate attention.
Keep Remote Controls Secure:
Keep your garage door remote controls out of reach of children and unauthorised individuals. Consider using a keychain remote or a keypad entry system for added security. If you have a smart garage door opener, ensure it is protected with a secure password and enable two-factor authentication if available. This prevents unauthorized access to your garage and reduces the risk of accidents or break-ins.
Educate Your Family:
Educate your family members, especially children, about garage door safety practices. Teach them to never play with the garage door opener or stand underneath a closing door. Emphasize the importance of keeping fingers, hands, and other objects away from the door’s moving parts. Establish clear rules and guidelines for using the garage door safely to prevent accidents and injuries.
Schedule Professional Inspections:
Regular professional inspections by trained technicians are essential for identifying potential safety hazards and ensuring your garage door operates safely. Schedule annual inspections with a reputable garage door company like Bel-Ingle to assess the condition of your door and its components. A qualified technician can detect any issues early on and perform necessary repairs to keep your garage door functioning optimally.
In conclusion, prioritising garage door safety is crucial for protecting your family and property from accidents and injuries. By following these essential safety tips and investing in regular maintenance and inspections, you can ensure your garage door operates safely and reliably for years to come. Remember, when it comes to garage door safety, it’s always better to be proactive than reactive.
