As the largest and heaviest moving object in your home, your garage door is a marvel of convenience—but it can also be a significant safety risk. With May designated as National Garage Door Safety Month, now is the perfect time to ensure your system is operating safely for the summer ahead.
According to the International Door Association (IDA), thousands of injuries occur annually due to neglected maintenance. This month, we encourage every neighbor to take 10 minutes to perform these three critical safety checks:
Manual Operation Test
Disconnect door from opener and manually open and close door. If the door is too heavy or stiff, it needs to be serviced. Then reconnect to opener.
The 2×4 Reverse Test
Place a piece of wood or a roll of paper towels flat on the ground in the door’s path. Close the door; it should reverse immediately upon contact. If it doesn’t, your opener’s force settings are dangerously high and require professional adjustment.
Photo-Eye Inspection
Check the electronic sensors near the floor on both sides of the track. Photo eyes should be mounted 4”-6” off the floor. Ensure they are aligned and free of cobwebs. While the door is closing, wave a broom in the path of the sensors—the door should stop and reverse instantly.
The “Look and Listen” Check
Watch the door move. It should be smooth and relatively quiet. Listen for grinding or scraping and visually inspect springs and cables for fraying or rust. Warning: Never attempt to repair or adjust garage door springs or cables yourself; they are under extreme tension and can cause fatal injuries.
Pro-Tip for Families: Mount your wall control button at least five feet above the floor to keep it out of reach of small children and remind them that the garage door is never a toy.
By performing these simple checks this May, you can ensure your “main entrance” remains a safe passage for your family all year long.
