Understanding the Safety of Your Garage Door Opener

Safety of your garage door

With a click, it lifts or shuts the garage door, but how often do you stop to consider whether your garage door opener is as safe or up to date as it could be? Most of us don't, in spite of the fact that it is the main entrance into our homes and one accessed via an exterior keypad by family members of all ages.

So, when was the last time you dedicated a few moments to checking up on the safety and function of your garage door opener? If you cannot recall, don't worry - we have four simple steps that can ensure you are as safe and secure as possible.

As the largest moving piece of our home, the garage door needs to have twice annual safety and maintenance done to ensure the best results. We always suggest springtime and early winter as the right moments to do the four following steps:

Step 1: Visual inspection

There are several areas to consider, visually, and they include:

  • The horizontal tracks - These are best seen by taking a stance at the back of the garage and looking at them to see that they are parallel and not tilted toward each other. Also, look at the bolts holding the tracks to the slotted metal supports. Are they also firmly attached?
  • The hinges - Are the screws set tightly and firmly attached. What about the rollers? They must be in good shape and clearly capable of rolling - not sliding - along the tracks.

Step 2: Deactivate the door opener

There are several areas to consider, visually, and they include:

  • Pulling on the emergency release cord on the garage door or the opener itself. In most cases, the emergency cord is red and allows you to. You disconnect the garage door from the door opener.
  • Try to raise the door (using the handle on the door) with just one hand. If the handle is towards the floor, bend at the knee and lift with the legs rather than the back.
  • Is it too heavy to lift? This indicates a problem, because the spring system is meant to balance the door, making it feel like only Did you know a well - 8 to 10 lb. (3.5 to 4.5 kg) of dead weight. A spring system works as a counterweight, allowing you to open the door with just one hand, and if it is too heavy to do this, it is likely that you need new springs.
  • Never attempt to correct this issue yourself. Instead, stop using the door and give us a call. After all, a garage door opener replaces the human need to lift around 250 pounds (110 kg) or to push that much weight back into place to close the door - even a ¾ HP is dangerous if not working properly.

Step 3: Reversal test

Once the emergency system is checked, it is time to see if the other security systems are at work. Do this by:

  • Reconnecting the door to the opener, locking it firmly into position.
  • Opening the door with the remote control and leaving it open.
  • Note: Doors made after 1986 have two safety systems in place. There is the mechanical and then there is the photoelectric. If your door has only the mechanical reversal system, it is more than 20 years old, and you should consider an update.
  • Testing the mechanical system:
    • With the door still open, lay a 2" x 4" across the threshold;
    • Use the remote to close the door, and when the door bumps into the wood, it should stop and reopen as a safety precaution;
    • If it does not open, you must adjust the descent control. You can do this using a specially marked button on the housing of the opener's motor. This is a button, usually, with an arrow pointing downward on it.
  • Testing the photoelectric system:
    • You will see two photoelectric sensors on each side of the door. They should be at four to five inches (10‑15 cm) off the ground;
    • Now with the door open, stand with your feet close to the door and hit the button to close the door;
    • As the door descends, extend a foot out to pass in front of the sensors. You may see a light on each of them and it should blink when your foot passes in front of it;
    • The door should stop immediately and then reverse direction.

If this is a success, your photoelectric system is working find. Note that the reversal mechanism can stop the door from operating if the lights are misaligned or one of the wires severed.

Step 4: Lubrication

Now that safety is tested, consider the importance of lubrication for enabling the door to operate smoothly and efficiently. There are two ways to approach this:

  • If your system is chain driven:
    • Use petroleum‑based oil to coat the chain;
    • Remove excess oil with a rag;
    • Use some grease or oil on the motor’s gear and sprocket assembly;
    • Repeat with the sprocket located at the other end of the trolley.
  • If you have a belt drive opener (rubber belt reinforced with metal), you won't have to lubricate for safety because the installer will have done this and used enough lubricant to last many years.

Important warning: your door opener is not a toy

Adults might understand the dangers of garage doors, but most kids have no idea of the hazards they pose. These tips will ensure optimal safety:

  • Allow children to use the garage remote strictly in the presence of adults. This also applies to the exterior control panel near the door leading into the house. To keep it out of easy reach, it should be placed at a height of at least 5 ft. (1.5 m).
  • Teach children to stand at a distance from the door when it is in use.
  • Most garage door accidents occur when this panel is used to shut the door, and then the owner or operator dashes to the door to exit. Never use the panel this way.
  • Lastly, keep the 4‑digit access code for opening and closing the door a guarded secret, and teach children to give it to no one.

It is always so much better to be safe rather than sorry. To ensure you are fully educated about garage door opener safety, we encourage you to watch this video, and to pay a visit the garage door industry web site: www.garagedoorcare.com.

Do you think it is time for a new garage door opener or other accessories? Maybe you just want annual maintenance for your garage door, you can click here to get a free quote, or click here to start by building your perfect garage door! You can also call us at 508-875-3508.

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