Garage doors are designed with safety in mind. In fact, all new garage doors incorporate photoelectric “eyes” that stop and reverse in the event of a person or object passing. If you want to be absolutely sure the sensors are working, place a roll of paper towels under the door, and lower it. When the door hits the towels, it should reverse. If it doesn’t, you may need to have it serviced.
It’s important to note a professional should inspect and make any repairs, but you can follow a few tips for everyday use of the door:
- Ensure the door opens and closes smoothly. If not, the springing system may need to be adjusted or replaced.
- Be on the lookout for loose brackets on the garage door. They can cause serious injury if loosened or removed.
- Do you best to determine the age of garage door springs. They can cause damage or injury if they wear out and break.
- Check for any frayed or worn cables.
- Use the red emergency cord to release the garage door locking mechanism if the power is out.
An annual visit from a trained garage door technician can keep your door operating safely and smoothly. But proper maintenance and care can deter additional visits.