Are garage doors dangerous? Learn about common risks, safety tips, and when to call a professional for help with garage door repair to keep your home safe.
Garage doors are something we use almost every day without thinking much about them.
They open, they close, and they keep our cars and belongings safe. But you have to know that garage doors can be dangerous if they aren’t handled properly.
They’re heavy, have moving parts, and if something goes wrong, they can cause serious injuries or even damage your property.
If you’ve ever had a close call with a garage door or wondered how safe yours really is, this article will help you understand the risks and what you can do to stay safe.
Why Are Garage Doors Dangerous?
You might not think much about your garage door, but it’s one of the heaviest moving parts in your home.
A standard garage door can weigh anywhere from 150 to 400 pounds! That’s a lot of weight moving up and down multiple times a day.
Here are some common risks associated with garage doors:
- Falling Doors: If a garage door suddenly drops, it can cause serious injury to anyone underneath it.
- Faulty Springs: Garage door springs are under high tension. If they snap, they can fly across the garage with enough force to hurt someone or damage your car.
- Pinched Fingers: Many people get their fingers caught in the door’s hinges or panels, leading to painful injuries.
- Malfunctioning Sensors: The safety sensors on your garage door are meant to stop it from closing if something is in the way. If they aren’t working, the door could close on a person, pet, or object.
- Broken Cables: Cables help lift and lower the door. If they snap, the door can become unstable and dangerous.
Knowing these risks is the first step in preventing accidents.
How to Keep Your Garage Door Safe
The good news is that most garage door accidents can be prevented with regular maintenance and some simple safety habits.
Here’s what you can do:
1. Test the Safety Sensors
The small sensors at the bottom of your garage door are there to prevent it from closing on something (or someone). To test them, do this:
- Place an object, like a box, in front of the sensors.
- Try closing the garage door.
- If the door keeps going down instead of reversing, the sensors might need cleaning or adjusting.
2. Check the Springs and Cables
- Look for signs of wear, rust, or fraying.
- If you hear loud noises when the door opens or closes, the springs might be wearing out.
- Never try to fix garage door springs or cables yourself. They are under a lot of tension and can be very dangerous. Call a professional instead.
3. Keep Hands and Feet Away
This might seem obvious, but many injuries happen because people put their fingers in between the panels of a moving garage door.
Teach kids to stay away from the door while it’s moving.
4. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Just like your car needs check-ups, your garage door does, too. If you live in Texas and need help, you can search for Garage Door repair near me to find a professional who can inspect and fix your door before small problems turn into big ones.
5. Don’t Leave the Garage Door Partially Open
Leaving the door halfway open can strain the springs and cables. It can also be a security risk, making it easier for intruders to get in.
6. Listen for Strange Noises
If your garage door starts making grinding, squeaking, or banging noises, something is probably wrong.
It could be loose parts, a problem with the opener, or worn-out springs. Don’t ignore it!
When to Call a Professional
Some garage door problems are easy to fix, like replacing the batteries in the remote. But other issues are best left to the professionals.
Here’s when you should call for garage door repair:
- The door is stuck open or closed.
- The springs look broken or stretched.
- The cables are frayed or snapped.
- The motor is making loud, unusual noises.
- The door closes too fast or unevenly.
If you notice any of these problems, don’t wait. Get a professional to fix your garage door to prevent serious injuries.
For those living in Texas, you can also find garage door repair prosper or garage door repair Celina services to get expert help quickly.
How to Choose the Best Garage Door for Safety
If you’re thinking about replacing your garage door, choosing the best garage doors can make a big difference in safety and durability.
Check out online guides on the best garage doors to find the safest and most reliable options.
Some features to look for include:
- Heavy-duty springs that last longer and prevent sudden breaks.
- Rolling code technology for better security.
- Pinch-resistant panels to prevent finger injuries.
- Auto-reverse sensors to stop the door if something is in the way.
A high-quality garage door might cost more upfront, but it can save you money on repairs and reduce the risk of accidents.
Conclusion
So, are garage doors dangerous? They can be if they’re not well-maintained.
But with regular check-ups, good safety habits, and professional repairs when needed, your garage door can stay safe and reliable for years.
If you ever feel like something isn’t right with your garage door, don’t try to fix it yourself. A broken spring or snapped cable isn’t just an inconvenience—it can be a real safety hazard.
Call a professional for help and make sure your garage door stays in good working condition.
Stay safe, and keep that garage door running smoothly!
