There’s something about May that feels like a fresh start. Between the spring cleaning and the first few outdoor projects of the season, it’s a wonderful time to show your home a little extra love.
Did you know that May is also Garage Door Safety Month? While we use our garage doors every day—often as the main entrance to our homes—it’s easy to forget that they are actually the largest moving parts in our houses. To keep your family safe and your home secure, we’ve put together a simple guide to help you give your garage door the wellness check it deserves.
The Big 4: Look, Listen, Learn, Remember
The International Door Association recommends a simple four-step approach to checking your door. It’s as easy as:
- Look: Take a peek at your springs, cables, and rollers. Do they look worn out or frayed?
- Listen: Does your door open with a smooth hum, or is it making some grumpy scraping and grinding noises?
- Learn: Make sure everyone in the house knows the rules of the road—remotes stay out of kids’ reach, and fingers stay far away from moving sections.
- Remember: If something doesn’t feel right, don’t DIY the heavy lifting. Remember to call in the professionals!
Proactive Tips for a Happy, Safe Home
1. The Paper Towel Test
Modern doors have a built-in auto-reverse feature. To test yours, place a roll of paper towels on the ground in the door’s path. If the door doesn’t head back up the moment it touches the roll, it needs a professional adjustment to stay safe for pets and little ones.
2. Guard Your “Key” to the House
Think of your garage remote like a house key. Try not to leave it on the visor of an unlocked car. For an extra layer of security, we recommend rolling code technology, which changes your entry code every single time you click the button!
3. Safety Lessons for the Kids
It’s never too early to teach the kiddos that the garage door isn’t a toy. Make sure they know never to race a closing door and always to stand back until the door has come to a complete stop.
4. Know Your Manual Release
Have you ever been stuck during a power outage? Find that red emergency release cord and give it a gentle tug to make sure it works. It’s always better to practice this before you’re in a hurry!
5. Treat Your Garage Door to a “Spa Day”
Just like a car, your garage door benefits from a professional tune-up. Once a year, having a technician lubricate the moving parts and check the balance can prevent expensive repairs down the road and keep everything running quietly.
Looking to Amp Up Your Garage Door Safety? We’re Here to Help!
Your peace of mind is our top priority. This May, take a few minutes to walk through these steps—it’s a small investment of time that goes a long way in protecting the people you care about most.
Not sure if your door is performing its best? We’d love to help! Contact Overhead Door Company of Calgary™, Lethbridge™, and Cranbrook™ today. Our friendly experts are ready to ensure your home stays safe, secure, and ready for a beautiful summer ahead.
