Keeping your family safe is your first priority.
Most people go to great lengths to protect their home, installing security systems, placing locks on the doors and windows, stopping just short of hiring an armed guard – yet they don’t give their garage door a second thought.
Your garage door can be a major point of vulnerability, especially if it’s in disrepair.
Let’s look at the factors involved in keeping your garage door safe and functioning at optimum levels.
Springs
Worn out springs on your garage door can be a big safety hazard. If your door is older, your best bet is to have the springs inspected by a professional garage door company. If your door has two springs and only one is damaged, it’s wise to go ahead and replace both. Maintaining the springs will help to extend the life of your door.
You might notice a squeaky noise coming from the springs. Once you’ve made sure it’s not a family of mice making their home in your garage, spray some lubricant on the springs and see if it makes a difference. If the squeaking persists after using the lubricant, you’ll need to call in the professionals.
Cables
The cables attach the spring system to the bottom brackets on each side of your garage door. Take a look at them and note any areas that are frayed or worn. If you notice anything amiss, call a qualified garage door company to come out and inspect them for you.
This isn’t a job you should try to do yourself due to the great amount of tension the cables are under and the likelihood of injury for someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing.
Sticky door
Your door may be unsafe if it doesn’t open and close in a smooth motion. Even if your garage door is older, it should still move easily on the track. It’s possible that your spring system could be off balance, creating a potential hazard if one were to break. Have your garage door evaluated by a professional because it just might be time for a replacement.
Pinching panels
One of the most common garage door-related injuries is fingers getting pinched between the panels. Whether the door is moving automatically or you’re opening or closing it manually, fingers should be clear of the areas where the panels move. The safety handles are there for a reason! Especially if you have young children, it may be a good idea to invest in a garage door that has pinch-resistant joints.
Tamper-resistant brackets
Many newer doors will be installed with tamper-resistant brackets that prevent a novice from loosening the brackets. Remember the high-tension that the springs and cables are under? Check with a reputable company if you notice any issues with the brackets on your garage door.
Track
When you purchase a new garage door, resist the temptation to save a buck by trying to keep your old track. Your new door probably won’t fit the old track anyway, Plus, even if it appeared to, it would be a big safety hazard. The track is made to work in sync with the garage door as a total system. It’s important that you have the track that’s specifically designed for your new door.
Maintenance
As time goes on, the parts of your garage door can wear out and need to be replaced. Regularly maintaining the moving parts will extend the life of your door and keep you and your family safe.
Eventually, you will need to replace the door. When that time comes, you’ll want to find a company that can help you find the garage door that best suits your needs and has the right safety features.
How long has it been since you’ve had routine maintenance done on your garage door?