2024-01-01 5 min read Chris Anderson
Garage doors are the largest moving objects in most homes, weighing anywhere from 150 to over 400 pounds. While modern garage doors are equipped with multiple safety features, accidents can still happen when these systems aren't properly maintained or when safe practices aren't followed. This guide covers essential safety information every homeowner should know.
Each year, thousands of people are injured by garage doors in the United States. Most injuries fall into these categories:
- Entrapment injuries: When fingers, hands, or limbs get caught in door sections - Impact injuries: When a door falls on someone due to broken springs or cables - Crushing injuries: When safety sensors fail or are bypassed - Property damage: Vehicles or belongings damaged by malfunctioning doors
Understanding these risks is the first step toward preventing them.
Federal law requires all garage door openers manufactured after 1993 to have an auto-reverse feature. This mechanism reverses the door if it encounters an obstruction while closing. Test this monthly by placing a 2x4 flat on the ground where the door closes—the door should reverse upon contact.
These sensors, mounted near the floor on either side of the door, create an invisible beam. If anything breaks this beam while the door is closing, it immediately reverses. Clean the sensor lenses regularly and check alignment monthly.
The red emergency release handle allows you to disconnect the door from the opener in case of emergency or power outage. Make sure all family members know how to use it, but teach children that it's not a toy.
Perform these checks monthly to ensure your garage door is operating safely:
- Check springs, cables, and pulleys for signs of wear - Look for frayed cables or gaps in the spring coils - Inspect rollers and tracks for damage or debris - Examine weatherstripping for cracks or gaps
- Test the auto-reverse with an object (2x4 board) - Check that sensors stop and reverse the door - Listen for unusual sounds during operation - Observe the door's movement for smooth operation
Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. A properly balanced door should stay in place. If it rises or falls, the springs need professional adjustment.
Always wait for the door to fully open or close before walking or driving through. Teach children to stay clear of the door when it's in motion.
The spaces between door panels are serious pinch points. Modern doors often have pinch-resistant designs, but it's still best to use the handle or opener to operate the door rather than placing hands on the sections.
A partially open door is unstable and more likely to cause injury. Either fully open or fully close the door.
Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or death if they break during handling. Always hire a professional for spring-related work.
Treat your garage door opener like a house key. Don't leave remotes in vehicles parked outside and consider using a smartphone app for better security.
- Mount wall controls at least 5 feet high, out of children's reach - Never let children play with or near the garage door - Don't let children operate the door unsupervised - Teach children about the dangers and establish clear rules - Consider keypad or smartphone controls that children can't access
Some maintenance tasks are fine for DIY, but others require professional expertise:
- Lubricating moving parts - Cleaning sensors - Testing safety features - Visual inspections - Tightening loose hardware (not spring-related)
- Spring replacement or adjustment - Cable repair - Track realignment - Opener motor issues - Any repair involving high-tension components
Be prepared for garage door emergencies:
- Keep the emergency release handle accessible - Know how to manually lock the door if needed - Have a flashlight nearby for power outages - Keep our emergency number handy for quick repairs
If your garage door was installed before 1993, it may lack modern safety features. Consider these upgrades:
- Adding photoelectric sensors to older openers - Replacing outdated openers with modern, safety-compliant models - Installing pinch-resistant door panels - Adding battery backup for power outages
At Garage Door Redwood City, safety is our top priority. We can inspect your garage door system, identify potential hazards, and recommend upgrades to keep your family safe. Contact us for a safety inspection—your peace of mind is worth it.