Your garage door is more than just an entryway to your home. It’s a crucial part of your family’s safety and security. A well-maintained garage door prevents accidents, extends the life of your door, and gives you peace of mind. Let’s explore key garage door safety tips for New Zealand homeowners to keep your family safe and property secure.
Keep Your Garage Door in Check with Regular Maintenance
A properly maintained garage door is a safe one. Over time, wear and tear can lead to mechanical failures, which could pose a risk to your home and loved ones. To help your garage door stay in top condition, follow these maintenance tips:
- Inspect Your Door Monthly: Look for visible damage to springs, cables, rollers, and pulleys. If you notice any fraying or wear, contact a professional.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Keep your garage door running smoothly by applying lubricant to hinges, rollers, and tracks every few months or when needed.
- Check for Loose Hardware: Frequent use could loosen bolts and screws over time. Tighten them to maintain structural integrity.
- Balance Your Door: A properly balanced door will stay in place when lifted halfway. If it falls or rises too quickly, the springs may need adjustment. Since these springs are under high tension, it’s best to have a professional service them.
- Consult the Owner’s Manual: Learn how to use the garage door’s emergency release feature so you’re prepared in case of a power outage or mechanical failure.
Test Safety Features Like Auto-Reverse Systems
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features designed to prevent accidents, but these systems need to be checked periodically to ensure they are functioning correctly. One of the most important features to test is the auto-reverse system.
Here are two ways to test it:
The Object Test
Place a solid object, such as a wooden block, under the garage door. Press the close button. If the door does not reverse immediately upon hitting the object, the auto-reverse function may need servicing.
The Sensor Test
Dominator recomends garage doors have photoelectric sensors near the bottom of the tracks. Wave an object, like a broom, in front of the sensors while the door is closing. The sensors may be misaligned or malfunctioning if the door doesn’t immediately stop and reverse. If either test fails, consult a garage door technician to repair or replace faulty components. These safety features are essential for preventing injuries and damage to your vehicle or belongings.
Teaching Kids Garage Door Safety Basics
Children are naturally curious, and a moving garage door can seem like an exciting plaything. However, it’s vital to teach them that garage doors are not toys and should always be used with caution. Here are some essential garage door safety rules for kids:
- Keep Hands and Fingers Away: Garage door panels and tracks can pinch fingers, leading to serious injuries. Teach children to keep their hands clear when the door is moving.
- Never Play Under a Moving Door: Kids should understand that standing or playing under a garage door while it’s in motion is dangerous.
- Don’t Touch the Remote or Wall Button: Only responsible adults should operate the garage door. Keep remotes out of children’s reach and ensure they understand that pressing the wall button isn’t a game.
- Use the Door Properly: Teach children to wait until the garage door is fully open before walking or riding a bike through the doorway.
By teaching these habits early, you can help prevent accidents and ensure that your garage door is used safely by all members of your family.
Extra Safety Measures for a Secure Home
Beyond regular maintenance and safe operation, consider these additional security steps:
Use Vacation Mode
While on holiday, unplug the garage door opener unit or activate vacation mode, which disables all remotes except one. This feature comes standard with our Garage Door Openers and helps prevent unauthorised access.
Update Your Garage Door Opener Security
If your garage door opener doesn’t have rolling-code technology, change the manufacturer’s standard access codes on the opener and remote control. Rolling-code technology, such as Dominator's Tri-TranTM 128, updates the access code each time the opener is used, preventing code grabbing by thieves. If your model lacks this feature, consider upgrading to a newer, more secure garage door opener.
Secure Your Remote Control
A worrying trend in home invasion involves burglars gaining access by stealing garage remotes from vehicles. Never leave your remote in the car or with a parking attendant. Instead, attach it to a keychain and always lock the door leading from the garage into your home.
Make Garage Door Safety A Priority
If you suspect an issue with your garage door’s safety mechanisms, don’t wait. Contact a professional for an inspection. A small fix today can make all the difference. Even if your door is in an acceptable shape, an expert can identify potential trouble areas or make suggestions on making your garage door area even safer. For expert advice and quality garage door solutions, visit Tremaine Garage Doors.
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