Your garage door is an essential moving part in your home, and it plays an important role in your home’s security. If it is not properly maintained, it can also become a serious hazard. In areas like Christiansburg, VA where seasonal weather and daily use can add stress to mechanical systems, understanding garage door safety is critical. This guide covers everything you need to know to keep your garage doors safe, secure, and in proper working order throughout the year.
Why Garage Door Safety Matters
Garage doors weigh hundreds of pounds and open and close multiple times a day. A faulty spring or a misaligned sensor can quickly turn that convenience into a dangerous situation. According to the U.S. Safety Commission, garage doors cause thousands of injuries each year, and these often involve children or pets.
That said, fluctuating weather conditions can exacerbate the situation. Cold winters, summer humidity, and strong winds can speed up the wear on moving parts. Considering that you will likely store tools, bikes, and vehicles in the garage, it becomes clear that a malfunctioning door poses a safety risk.
Perform Visual Inspections Regularly
Make it a habit to inspect your garage door monthly. Look for frayed cables, rusted hardware, or loose bolts. Pay attention to how the door opens and closes to make sure it is not shaking, squeaking, or struggling to function. If you notice uneven movement or loud noises from your garage door, your garage door may have a problem with its springs or tracks. This can compromise the safety of the door’s moving components, which can be dangerous to your family.
Test the Auto-Reverse Feature
All garage doors made after 1993 have an auto-reverse safety feature installed. This feature prevents the door from closing on a person or a pet. You can test this safety feature out by placing a box or a roll of paper towels under the door. When the door closes, it should automatically reverse. If it does not, the sensors might be dirty or misaligned. Clean the sensors to get them working again and make sure they are in the proper position. If the issue persists, call us to inspect the system.
Keep Garage Door Openers Out of Reach
Children are often curious, and pressing the buttons on garage door openers can be tempting for them. Always mount wall controls at least five feet off the ground and store remote controls in a secure place. Teach your children never to play with the garage door or its remote. Modern garage door openers often come with smartphone apps that allow you to control and monitor the door remotely. This is helpful when you are away from home or need to check if the door was accidentally left open.
Schedule Seasonal Maintenance
Changing seasons bring specific maintenance needs. Cold temperatures cause metal components to contract, and summer humidity increases the risk of rust. Before winter and again in spring, schedule a maintenance session with our team at Halls Garage Doors. This allows us to lubricate all of the moving parts of your garage door with a silicone-based spray. This includes hinges, rollers, and tracks.
We can also check the door’s balance by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door halfway. If it doesn’t stay in place, the springs may need adjustment. Do not attempt to repair the springs yourself, as they are under high tension and can easily injure you. Always have one of our technicians do this process.
Make Sure Your Garage is Secure
An unsecured garage is an invitation for burglars. Keep the garage door closed when not in use and consider installing motion-sensor lighting outside the garage. If you have a door leading from the garage to your home, treat it as if it were a front door. Make sure your garage door has a deadbolt and remains locked when not in use.
Install a Backup System
Power outages are not uncommon, especially during snowstorms or summer thunderstorms. A battery backup system makes sure that you can still operate your garage door when the power is out. This is especially important if your garage is the main point of entry to your home. Many newer openers come with built-in backups that are battery-powered, but you can easily add one to most existing systems.
Know When to Replace Your Garage Door
If your door is more than 15 years old, has sustained significant damage over the years, or no longer closes properly, it may be time for a replacement. Garage doors often experience wear and tear that can lead to safety concerns. If your garage door breaks down, makes loud noises, or moves unevenly, these signs can point to internal damage in the door. Visible signs also signal that the door may be beyond simple repairs.
If your current door lacks weather sealing, struggles with drafts, or simply looks outdated, a replacement may be the smarter long-term investment. Modern garage doors offer a multitude of improved safety features and enhanced security that are beneficial to your home. Newer models have energy-efficient insulation to help you regulate your garage’s temperature more effectively.
Smart Garage Door Technology: Safety and Convenience Combined
Modern smart garage door systems will enhance the safety and security of your family’s home. These systems connect to your home Wi-Fi and give you full access to your garage from anywhere. If you’ve ever driven away and wondered whether you left the garage door open, a smart opener eliminates that worry. Most models send notifications, and some allow you to set custom alerts or automatic timers. This means you will never accidentally leave the garage open overnight or when you go on vacation.
For added safety, many smart openers feature live camera feeds, motion detection, and voice control. These tools allow you to monitor your garage and even speak commands without touching a button. Smart garage door systems are great for families. You can provide digital access to trusted family members or service providers without having to hand out keys or remotes. This is perfect for letting in a dog walker or repair tech when you’re not home. If your garage door is more than a decade old or lacks features that could keep your home more secure, consider upgrading it to provide you and your family with a boost in protection.
Contact Halls Garage Doors for Reliable Garage Door Operation
Your garage door is a vital part of your home’s safety and daily routine. By following these tips and scheduling maintenance sessions twice a year, you can avoid accidents and prevent costly garage door repairs. We take pride in providing quality service since the 1980s. Our decades of experience make us one of the most trusted companies for high-quality doors at a competitive price.
Investing now saves you a lot of trouble later and keeps your family safe for years to come. Contact Halls Garage Doors today, as we are the most trusted garage door company in the New River Valley area.
