Ever wondered if your garage door is as safe as it should be?
It’s easy to overlook, but garage doors are heavy, powerful, and potentially dangerous if not properly maintained. Many homeowners don’t realize that a small issue like a misaligned sensor or a worn spring can lead to serious accidents.
To help keep your family and property safe, follow these quick tips:
Test the auto-reverse function, keep remotes out of children’s reach, check sensor alignment, and never try to fix springs yourself.
And that’s just the beginning. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 must-know garage door safety tips that are simple to follow but make a big difference to keep your home secure.
Key takeways
- Every year, around 30,000 people are injured in garage door-related accidents, many of which could be avoided with basic safety measures and regular checks.
- Using your garage door several times a day causes wear over time. Keep an eye (and ear) out for strange noises, misaligned sensors, or anything that just doesn’t feel right.
- For expert help, schedule a professional inspection with Upstate Doors to keep your system running safely and smoothly.
10 Must-Know Garage Door Safety Tips for a Safer Home
Your garage door is a key entry point to your home. That’s why keeping it safe and well-maintained is a must. Let’s dive into 10 essential garage door safety tips that every homeowner should know.
1. Make Maintenance a Monthly Habit
Your garage door goes through a lot like opening and closing multiple times a day adds up quickly. Just like any hardworking machine, it needs consistent care to stay safe and reliable.
Here’s what to check every month:
- Springs & cables: Look for rust, fraying, or stretched-out sections. These parts can wear down over time, which may lead to sudden serious injury if not repaired.
- Rollers & tracks: Make sure they’re clean, dent-free, and well-lubricated.
- Weather stripping: Swap it out if it’s cracked or peeling to keep out drafts, dirt, and pests.
Staying ahead of wear and tear can keep your door running safely and extend its lifespan.
2. Don’t Skip the Safety Sensor Test
Modern garage doors come with built-in safety features but they only work if they’re functional.
Quick test:
Place a roll of paper towels under the closing door. If it doesn’t reverse instantly, your photo-eye sensors might be misaligned or dirty. Wipe the lenses gently and realign if needed.
3. Practice Safer Garage Door Habits Daily
How you and your family interact with your garage door matters.
- Keep remotes out of reach: Treat them like house keys and never leave one in an unlocked car or accessible spot.
- Use secure PINs for keypads: Choose strong, unique PINs to keep your garage door keypad secure. Avoid sharing the codes with others unless it’s really needed to protect your home.
- Don’t DIY repairs: Garage doors are heavy and under intense pressure especially the springs and cables. Let certified technicians handle those jobs to avoid serious injuries.
4. Make It Kid-Safe
Little ones are naturally curious, but garage doors aren’t playgrounds.
- Teach them early: Show kids how the door works and explain why it’s dangerous to play near it.
- Secure wall controls: Install safety covers and place them out of children’s reach.
- Childproof the space: Lock interior doors leading to the garage and consider smart upgrades like pinch-resistant panels or app-controlled access.
5. Keeping Pets Safe Around Garage Doors
Pets don’t know the dangers of garage doors, so it’s important to keep them safe. Here’s how:
- Watch Your Pets: Always keep an eye on pets when the garage door is moving. Make sure they’re not in the way before opening or closing it.
- Use Motion Sensors: Motion detectors can stop the door from closing if a pet walks under it.
- Consider a Pet Door: If your pet goes in and out of the garage often, a pet door gives them a safe way to come and go without needing to open the big door
6. Use the Emergency Release Safely
If the power goes out or the opener stops working, the emergency release lets you open the garage door by hand. But it’s important to use it the right way.
Always make sure the door is fully closed before pulling the release handle. If the door is open, it could come crashing down and cause injury.
To be safe, read your garage door manual for step-by-step instructions. If you’re unsure, have a professional show you how it works. It’s better to learn now than during an emergency.
7. Check the Auto-Reverse Feature Regularly
One of the most important safety features on modern garage doors is the auto-reverse function. It’s designed to stop and reverse the door if something gets in the way but it doesn’t help if it’s not working properly.
That’s why a quick monthly test is so important. Just place a soft object, like a roll of paper towels, under the open door. Press the button to close it. If the door doesn’t stop and go back up, the sensors may be dirty, misaligned, or faulty.
It only takes a moment to test, and doing this simple check can help prevent injuries or accidents down the line.
8. Unplug the Garage Door Opener Before Leaving for Vacation
If you’re heading out of town for more than a day or two, it’s smart to unplug your garage door opener. Why? Because even when you’re not home, the motor remains powered and can still be activated whether by accident, signal interference, or even attempted break-ins using universal remotes.
Disconnecting the power adds an extra layer of security while you’re away. It’s a simple step that takes just a few seconds, but it gives you peace of mind knowing your garage door won’t open.
If your opener is connected to a smart home system, you can also disable remote access through the app for added safety.
9. Keep the Door’s Path Clear
Always keep the area where your garage door opens and closes free of clutter. Toys, boxes, or anything left lying around can get in the way or mess up the sensors, which could cause damage or even accidents. Plus, a clean space just makes everything run smoother.
10. Call the Pros When Something Feels Off
Your garage door will usually “tell” you when it needs help.
If you notice:
- Grinding or squeaking sounds
- Shaky movement or delays
- Sudden reversals without reason
…it’s time for a professional inspection. These could be signs of worn parts or internal issues that are unsafe to ignore.
How Can I Make My Garage Door Safer?
Now that we know why garage door safety matters and what precautions to take, let’s look at some practical ways to make your garage door more secure:
- Add a Garage Door Defender: This is a strong attachment you can install on the edge of your garage door. It makes your door tougher and adds extra protection against break-ins.
- Choose a Safe Garage Door: While most garage doors are built strong, some are safer than others depending on their material and how they open. Roller doors, for example, are often seen as one of the safest options.
- Keep the Photo Eyes Aligned: These sensors are at the bottom corners of your door and make sure it closes properly. Keep them clean, lined up, and free from anything blocking the door from shutting all the way.
Keep Your Family Safe with Upstate Doors
Whenever you have any issues with your garage door, the safest choice is to call a professional garage door service for repairs. Whether you need routine maintenance, tips to make your garage safer, or want to upgrade your current door system, the experts at Upstate Doors are ready to help you quickly!
Final thoughts
Now you know about the garage door safety tips to keep your garage door working smoothly and protect your home. Regularly checking your door’s parts and testing safety features can prevent accidents and extend the life of your system.
Keeping the area clear and making sure kids and pets stay safe around the garage door are important steps everyone should follow. And if something ever feels off, don’t hesitate to call a professional.
At Upstate Doors, our skilled technicians are ready to help with maintenance, repairs, or upgrades. With the right care, your garage door will stay safe and reliable for years to come.
FAQs
Can I do garage door maintenance myself?
You can handle basic tasks like cleaning sensors or checking for loose parts, but repairs involving springs or cables should always be left to professionals.
Is it safe to leave the garage door slightly open?
No. Leaving it open even slightly can invite pests, reduce home security, and may interfere with safety sensors.
Should I replace an old garage door even if it still works?
If your garage door is over 15 years old, upgrading can improve safety, energy efficiency, and give you access to smart features.
Which Safety Accessories Can Help Make My Garage Door Safer?
You can enhance garage door safety with accessories like motion-sensor lights, pinch-resistant panels, automatic locks, smart garage door openers, and safety sensor covers.
These tools help prevent accidents, improve visibility, and give you more control over who can access your garage.
