Whether you store vehicles and bikes in the garage or use it as the entryway for kids and pets, the door likely sees lots of traffic. A safety checklist can help you spot small issues before bigger problems show up down the road.
Garage Door Safety Checklist
1. Sensor Check
Your residential garage door’s sensors send an invisible infrared beam across the door opening – if dirt blocks that beam or it’s misaligned, the door stops and reverses.
How to check your sensors:
- Open and close your garage door.
- Wave an object (e.g., a broom) under the sensor path.
- See if the door stops and reverses.
2. Check the Auto-Reverse Feature
The auto-reverse feature is an important safety function. Test it by placing a solid object flat on the floor under the door. Close the garage door and see if it senses the object and reverses.
If it doesn’t reverse, stop using it and get it checked. Potential issues include the opener settings, sensors, or door operation.
3. Springs: Look But Don’t Touch
Garage door springs bear the weight of the door, so when they’re worn, rusted, or broken, the door is unsafe. Visually inspect the springs (don’t repair, adjust, or remove them yourself), as malfunctioning springs can cause serious injury.
Signs of wear and tear:
- A visible gap in the spring
- Rust or corrosion
- A stretched or uneven spring
- Loud snapping or banging sounds
- A door that suddenly feels heavy, won’t open fully, or closes too quickly.
4. Watch for Pinch Points
Garage doors have moving sections, hinges, rollers, and tracks that create pinch points where small fingers or objects can get caught – especially vital for families with young kids.
A simple rule: stay clear of the garage door until it’s been fully opened or closed.
5. Out of Reach, Out of Mind
Kids are naturally drawn to buttons and remotes, so it’s important to keep them out of reach and raise wall controls high enough that they cannot be reached or pressed repeatedly. Constant opening and closing wear down parts faster and increase risks.
6. Get Curious About Weird Noises
Your garage door should not grind, scrape, or squeal loudly. These sounds, among others, may indicate worn rollers, loose hardware, track issues, spring problems, or opener strain.
7. Track and Roller Check
If your garage door tracks are bent, loose, dirty, or blocked, the door may not move as safely as it should.
It’s also critical to check both sides of the garage door for loose brackets, rust, shaking, or debris in the tracks. Don’t force the door if it seems stuck or off track. A garage door that has shifted out of place can become unstable and may fall or jam.
8. Drum and Cable Check
Are your garage door cables off track? Replace your garage cable when you have a crooked door, rust, fraying, uneven tension, or cables hanging off the drum. Repairs should not become a DIY project. Call a professional to do the job.
9. Tidy the Garage Floor
Many garage door problems start with everyday clutter that can block the sensors: toys, hockey sticks, scooters, gardening tools, boxes, and bikes.
A clear garage floor helps your door close properly and reduces the chance of damage or injury.
10. Test the Manual Release
Most garage door openers have a manual release cord that disconnects the opener, allowing the door to be lifted by hand during a power outage or opener failure. Before testing, make sure the garage door is fully closed. Pulling the release on an unbalanced door can be dangerous.
If the door feels extremely heavy or does not stay in place when lifted manually, it may have a spring or balance issue.
11. Check the Door Balance
A balanced garage door should move smoothly and stay in place when opened halfway. An unbalanced door puts extra strain on the opener and may close unexpectedly.
To check the door balance:
- Close the door
- Disconnect the opener using the manual release.
- Lift the door halfway by hand
- Let go carefully
If the door stays in place, it’s likely balanced. If it drops, rises, or feels too heavy, the springs may need adjustment.
Do not adjust the springs yourself. Call a trained technician.
12. Inspect the Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping helps seal the bottom and sides of your garage door.
In Calgary, Lethbridge, and Cranbrook, weather changes can be tough on rubber seals. Cold temperatures, wind, sun, dust, and moisture can cause them to crack or pull away.
Damaged weatherstripping can let in cold air, water, pests, and debris. It can also make the door close unevenly.
13. Make Garage Safety a Family Habit
Garage door safety is about daily use and maintenance.
Teach everyone in your home to:
- Stand clear when the door is moving.
- Never run under a closing door.
- Keep fingers away from hinges and panels.
- Avoid touching springs, cables, rollers, and tracks.
- Keep toys and sports gear away from the door opening.
- Tell an adult if the door sounds strange or does not close properly.
These small habits help prevent accidents.
When Should You Book a Garage Door Service?
Some garage door checks are safe to do on your own. Others need a professional.
Book Overhead Door Company™ services if you notice any issues, including damaged spring locks, a crooked or noisy door, or loose or broken hardware.
A quick repair can often prevent further damage.
Keep Your Garage Maintained Year-Round
Your garage door works hard every day. A simple safety check can help you protect your family, your vehicles, and your home.
Contact Overhead Door Company of Calgary™, Lethbridge™, and Cranbrook™ today for garage door maintenance, renewal, or repair to keep your garage door working safely.
