Like any large machine, your automatic garage door must be handled with care, or else accidents can happen. If something goes wrong with your door’s operation, or if you just aren’t careful when it comes to upkeep, the results can be expensive at best and dangerous at worst. Fortunately, such accidents can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions. Here are a few things you can keep in mind to minimize the chance of mishaps occurring!
Test Your Sensors Frequently
Your garage door's ocular sensors, designed to detect moving objects in the way of the door, can be finicky. Firstly, you should make sure that the sensors are aligned and functioning properly. Depending on the manufacturer, there may be LED signals to show when the 'eyes' are and aren’t in contact, but you can also test them by placing an object like a broom between the sensors and attempting to close the door. Most doors will have a contact sensor which makes them open again if the panel comes in contact with an object; you can test this sensor the same way.
Keep Your Kids Away
Many accidents happen when children get their hands on a garage door’s remote control, or play around the door while someone is operating it. Make sure to keep the remote out of reach. Additionally, doors with collapsible panels have been known to catch or pinch children's fingers.
Open Or Closed, Not Both
One of the most dangerous things you can do is leave your garage door half open. If you accidentally trigger the opener, its very easy to close the door again when you meant to resume opening it, or vice versa, and if a person or pet moves underneath during this time, the sensors will have less time to detect them. If you get into the habit of leaving the door half open, you’re also liable to forget it like that, creating an opportunity for thieves and burglars. Don’t let dangerous habits creep up on you!
Maintenance Is Essential
By far the most dangerous parts of an automatic garage door are the springs. These metal parts are placed under enormous amounts of pressure, and a broken or misaligned spring can snap free, causing serious injury or damage. This is why its of critical importance to have your garage door mechanism looked at by a professional at least once or twice a year; a bad spring can be hard for the untrained eye to recognize - you should never try to tamper with one without proper training.
To get some professional help with your springs, or to learn more about any other aspect of garage door safety, contact Garage Door Repair Pasadena and let us assist you.