Why Garage Door Safety Matters
Your garage door is one of the largest moving parts in your home, and it plays a crucial role in protecting your family, belongings, and vehicles. A malfunctioning garage door can be a major safety hazard, but testing its key safety features takes just five minutes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a quick, easy safety check to ensure your garage door is operating as it should.
For a more in-depth look at garage door safety, check out our guide on 10 Must-Know Garage Door Safety Tips for Stafford Homeowners.
Step 1: Check the Auto-Reverse Feature
Preventing Accidents with Auto-Reverse
The auto-reverse feature prevents your garage door from closing on an object, person, or pet. If this feature isn’t working correctly, it poses a serious risk of injury or property damage.
How to Test It
- Place a solid object (like a block of wood or a roll of paper towels) in the path of the garage door.
- Press the garage door closer to lower the door.
- The door should stop and reverse immediately upon contacting the object.
If your garage door does not reverse, call a professional immediately to repair the mechanism. Until then, avoid using the door to prevent accidents.
Step 2: Test the Photo Eye Sensors
Ensuring Your Sensors Are Working Properly
Photo eye sensors are located near the bottom of the garage door tracks, typically 4-6 inches off the ground. These sensors send an infrared beam across the doorway. If something interrupts the beam while the door is closing, it should automatically stop and reverse.
How to Test It
- Close your garage door using the remote or wall switch.
- As the door is closing, quickly wave an object (like a broomstick) in front of one of the sensors.
- The door should immediately stop and reverse.
If the door continues closing despite the interruption, the sensors may be misaligned, dirty, or faulty. Try cleaning them with a soft cloth and adjusting them until the small LED lights on each sensor are aligned and lit. If the issue persists, seek professional repair services.
Step 3: Perform a Manual Balance Test
Checking for Proper Door Balance
A properly balanced garage door ensures the motor isn’t overworking itself and helps prevent sudden breakdowns. If the door is unbalanced, it may fall unexpectedly or fail to open correctly.
How to Test It
- Close the garage door and disconnect the automatic opener by pulling the release handle (typically a red cord hanging from the track).
- Manually lift the garage door to waist height and let go.
- The door should remain in place or move very slowly.
If the door slams shut or shoots upward, the springs may be unbalanced, and you should call a professional for an adjustment.
Step 4: Inspect the Emergency Release Handle
Importance of This Test
The emergency release handle allows you to manually open the garage door in case of a power outage or motor failure. Ensuring it works properly is crucial for safety and convenience.
How to Test It
- Locate the emergency release handle (a red cord hanging from the opener rail).
- Pull the handle to disconnect the door from the opener.
- Try manually opening and closing the garage door.
The door should move smoothly without resistance. If the door is difficult to move, there may be an issue with the tracks, rollers, or springs. Lubricate the moving parts or call for professional service.
Step 5: Listen for Unusual Noises
Importance of This Test
Garage doors should operate smoothly with minimal noise. Grinding, scraping, or rattling sounds can indicate worn-out parts or misaligned tracks, leading to potential failures.
How to Test It
- Open and close the garage door while listening carefully.
- Pay attention to any grinding, squeaking, or banging noises.
If you hear anything unusual, it may be time for maintenance. Lubricating the rollers, hinges, and springs can often help, but persistent noises should be inspected by a technician.
Bonus Tip: Regular Maintenance for Long-Term Safety
Performing these tests monthly can help ensure your garage door operates safely and efficiently. In addition, professional garage door tune-ups can extend the life of your system and prevent costly emergency repairs.
Need Help? Call Affordable Garage Door!
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your garage door is in top condition and providing the security and convenience your family needs. Taking just five minutes to check these essential features can save you from unexpected malfunctions and costly repairs down the road.
If your garage door fails any of these tests, don’t take chances. At Affordable Garage Door, we offer expert inspections, repairs, and maintenance to keep your home safe. Call us at (540) 659-4228 or arrange a visit today.
For more detailed safety insights, don’t forget to read 10 Must-Know Garage Door Safety Tips for Stafford Homeowners.
