Common Garage Door Safety Risks
Understanding the potential dangers a garage door can present is the first step. Below are some of the most common garage door issues that can lead to accidents or expensive repairs:
Faulty Springs Or Cables
Garage doors rely on springs and cables to lift heavy panels smoothly. Over time, these components can wear out, snap, or corrode, causing your door to fall unexpectedly. This poses risks to everyone nearby.
Improperly Functioning Sensors
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety sensors to prevent the door from closing if something is in its path. If the sensors aren’t aligned properly or aren’t working, your garage door may close on people, pets, or items under the door.
Frayed Wiring
Frayed or exposed wiring can prevent the operator system from functioning properly and poses electrical hazards that threaten your home’s safety.
Loose Hinges And Hardware
The hinges and hardware connecting your door system need to be secure to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear. Loose or missing components can cause the door to become unstable or jam unexpectedly.
Signs You Need A Garage Door Safety Inspection
Not sure when your garage door was last inspected? Certain signs indicate it’s time to call a professional for maintenance:
- Unusual Noises During Operation: Grinding, squeaking, or loud banging sounds often signal mechanical problems.
- Sluggish Movement: A garage door that opens or closes unevenly or unusually slow could point to damaged springs or tracks.
- Door Won’t Close Fully: Sensor failure or mechanical misalignment could cause the door to stop before closing fully.
- Difficulty Opening Manually: If it’s a struggle to lift, this signals worn components that need immediate attention.
Routine inspections are a proactive way to identify and resolve these issues before they become safety concerns.
Garage Door Safety Tips
A professional inspection is the most reliable way to ensure functionality and safety. Here are a few components that need to be checked to ensure you maintain a safe garage door system:
Inspect And Test The Sensors
The sensors at the bottom of the door need to be checked for dirt and misalignment. These can be tested by placing an object under the door while it’s closing. If the door stops and reverses upward, your sensors are working.
Check Springs And Cables For Wear
Springs and cables need to be visually inspected for signs of rust, fraying, or damage. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, avoid touching these components yourself, as they’re under high tension.
Lubricate Moving Parts
A garage-door-specific lubricant needs to be applied to hinges, rollers, and tracks to prevent wear and ensure smooth operation.
Inspect Weatherstripping
The rubber strips along the bottom of the door need to be checked for cracks. Replacing worn weatherstripping can protect your home from moisture while improving functionality.
It’s always best to rely on professional technicians with the proper tools and expertise for garage door inspections.
How Our 50-Point Safety Inspection Can Protect Your Garage Door
Garage doors are often overlooked until something goes wrong. At ABC Door Company, we are committed to helping homeowners keep their garage doors safe and in proper working order.
That’s why we are excited to offer our 50 Point Garage Door Safety Inspection during the month of May- just $98 for customers in Albuquerque. If you’re located outside of Albuquerque, you can still take advantage of this offer for only $123.
During this comprehensive inspection, a trained technician will thoroughly examine your entire garage door and operator system, including:
- The entire door and operator system
- Springs
- Hinges
- Cables
- Safety sensors
- Wiring
- And much more
Our technician will lubricate and adjust moving components as needed to optimize performance. If something is worn or broken, we’ll let you know and replace as needed (replacement parts do cost extra). After the inspection, you’ll receive a physical carbon-copy checklist detailing everything we assessed.
Don’t wait until a problem arises to inspect and maintain your garage door. Call us today at 505-884-1166 to schedule your inspection. Our team is here to make your garage door a secure, functional, and lasting part of your home.