7 min read Roslyn Garage Doors
Your garage door is the largest and heaviest moving object in most homes.often weighing 300-400 pounds or more. While modern doors include sophisticated safety features, they still account for thousands of injuries annually, with children being particularly vulnerable. Understanding and maintaining your door's safety features isn't optional.it's essential for protecting your family.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: - Approximately 30,000 garage door injuries occur annually, Children under 15 account for a significant portion of these injuries, Most injuries are preventable with properly functioning safety devices
These aren't just numbers.they represent families whose lives were changed by preventable accidents.
Every automatic garage door opener sold in the United States since 1993 must include photo eye sensors:
How They Work: - Two sensors mount 4-6 inches above the floor on each side of the door, They project an invisible beam across the doorway, If anything breaks the beam while the door is closing, it automatically reverses
Testing Your Photo Eyes: 1. Start with the door fully open 2. Press the close button 3. While the door is closing, wave an object (like a broom) through the beam 4. The door should immediately stop and reverse 5. If it doesn't, the sensors need adjustment or replacement
Common Issues: - Misalignment (sensors must face each other directly) - Dirty lenses (clean monthly with a soft cloth) - Sun interference (bright sunlight can overwhelm the sensors) - Damaged wiring (check for exposed or frayed wires)
The auto-reverse mechanism provides a second layer of protection:
How It Works: - When the closing door contacts an object, pressure sensors trigger immediate reversal, This protects against the door closing on a person, pet, or object
Testing the Auto-Reverse: 1. Place a 2x4 board flat on the floor under the door 2. Close the door 3. When the door contacts the board, it should reverse within 2 seconds 4. If it doesn't reverse or takes longer, adjustment is needed
Adjustment: Most openers have a force adjustment dial. However, setting it too sensitive causes nuisance reversals, while too much force is dangerous. Professional calibration ensures proper balance.
While not strictly a child safety feature, the manual release is crucial for emergencies:
- Located on the opener rail, usually a red cord, Allows manual operation during power outages, Essential if a child becomes trapped
Child Safety Concern: Keep the manual release cord out of reach of children. They can pull it playfully and then may not be able to lift the heavy door. Some homeowners tie the cord up when children are young.
Automatic lights that activate when motion is detected: - Improve visibility when entering the garage, Deter intruders, Help you spot children or pets near the door
Modern smart openers can automatically close after a set time: - Prevents doors being left open accidentally, Typically includes a warning beep before closing, Can be overridden if needed
Smart garage door controllers allow: - Checking door status from anywhere, Receiving alerts when the door opens/closes, Closing remotely if left open, Viewing camera feeds of the garage
This is particularly valuable for parents who want to know when children arrive home.
Modern garage doors are designed with pinch-resistant joints: - Panel edges are contoured to prevent fingers from being caught, Dramatically reduces hand injuries, Standard on quality doors manufactured recently
If your door is older and doesn't have this feature, upgrade should be considered, especially with young children.
From an early age, children should understand: - The garage door is not a toy, Never run under a moving door, Never touch the door while it's moving, Stay away from wall-mounted controls, Never try to "beat" the closing door, Tell an adult if the door makes strange sounds
A professional inspection ensures: - All safety devices function correctly, Springs and cables are in safe condition, Force settings are properly calibrated, Sensors are correctly aligned, Complete system is operating safely
- Door doesn't reverse when it should, Photo eyes don't stop the door, Door drifts down when disconnected, Strange sounds or jerky movement, Visible damage to springs or cables
If your door was installed before 1993:
- It may lack required safety features, Consider opener replacement for modern safety standards, New doors include pinch-resistant panels, Upgrade is an investment in family safety
The cost of upgrading is minimal compared to the protection provided.
At Roslyn Garage Doors, we take safety seriously. Every installation includes: - Proper safety device installation and testing, Family education on safety features, Documentation of all safety components, Follow-up to ensure continued safe operation
If you have concerns about your garage door's safety features, call us at (509) 287-4351 for a free safety inspection. Your family's protection is worth the call.