It’s June — Happy Garage Door Safety month! It’s fitting the one month of the year specifically designated for garage door safety awareness is right at the beginning of summer. That’s when the outdoor fun really begins — when we start to treat our garages like outdoor extensions of our living rooms. But most people don’t think about how dangerous their garage doors really are. In fact, about 12,000 injuries every year are caused by garage doors, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. After all, the garage door is probably the heaviest moving object in your home. Here are several safety tips for the whole family to keep in mind.
Inspect Your Door Regularly
Far too many homeowners don’t pay attention to their door until something goes wrong. But worn out parts on a garage door can actually be very dangerous. Take a few minutes every month and visually inspect the parts and functioning of your door. Take a look at the springs for any signs of wear and tear, slack, rust or brittleness. Test the balance of the door. Examine the tracks and make sure they are straight. Disconnect the door from the opener and manually open and close it a few times, paying close attention to its mechanics. If you notice anything amiss — call a professional.
Have a Professional Service Do an Inspection Once a Year
In addition to a monthly self inspection, it’s also a good idea to have a professional inspection done every year. This way, they can look for any issues you might have missed. They can also clue you in to future repairs you’ll need before they are an emergency. A garage door repair tech can also give you pointers on how to improve the functioning of the door so it lasts longer.