June 22, 2016

Is your garage door opener really safe?

Is your garage door opener really safe?

Usually, when we push the button on garage door opener remote, we assume that the door is going to open the way it should. After all, our garage door is usually the main point of entry that we use to get into our home. Even the kids, when they come home from school, enter the house via the garage, the exterior keypad.

It’s an easy system, but the trouble is that sometimes we take it for granted. We forget that our garage door is the biggest moving object in our home. We assume that it is working safely and properly, but we hardly ever check it.

We should. There are actually four steps that we should do at least twice a year to make sure that our garage door is working safely and effectively. If you are not following these steps, you need to start. Here they are.

Step 1: Do a visual check

  • Go to the back of your garage, and then walk forward. Are the horizontal tracks are properly aligned? If they are not parallel, and they are leaning toward one another, you have a problem. You also need to be sure that any tracks are properly anchored by means of bolts to their metal supports.
  • Now, take a look at the door hinges, and make sure that all the screw are tight. Also examine the rollers to make sure that they are exhibiting no signs of ware, and are rolling smoothly in the tracks. If they are sliding, that could be dangerous.

Step 2: Deactivate the door opener

  • Find the red emergency release cord, take hold of it, and walk toward the back of the garage in order to disconnect it from the door opener.
  • Using the lift handle, raise the door. If it seems very heavy, then chances are that the spring system is not working as it should. Properly working, you should feel no more than ten pounds of resistance – more indicates a problem.
  • Remember that the automatic door opener is supposed to replace human strength. Most automatic door openers should be able to lift at least 250 pounds. What this means is that if it malfunctions, you could end up with all that weight coming down on you. So if you suspect a problem, don’t try to use your garage door. Call us so that we can fix it for you – this is not something that you want to try on your own.

Step 3: Reversal

  • To check the reversal, reconnect the garage door opener, and once it clicks in place, use the remote to open the door.
  • Garage door openers made post‑1986 will have a photoelectric, safety system as well as a mechanical one. Openers made before 1986 will only have a mechanical system. and the other mechanical. If the opener was made in 1986 or earlier, then you have only the mechanical safety system.
  • A mechanical system is tested by:
    • placing a 2 × 4 or other piece of wood on the threshold of the;
    • closing the door by means of the remote control;
    • ensuring that the door reverses when it hits the wood;
    • adjusting the control button if the door does not hit the piece of wood.
  • The photoelectric system is tested by:
    • identifying the two units, located 4‑5 inches from the ground, on each side of the door;
    • lowering the door using the remote;
    • placing a foot in front of either unit as the door lowers;
    • ensuring that the door stops and reverses in a fraction of a second;
    • keep in mind that if a wire should happen to be cut, or the photoelectric beam badly aligned, you may not be able to open or close the garage door

Step 4: Lubrication

  • If you have a chain driven door opener, do the following maintenance :
    • lubricate the chain with a petroleum-based lubricant;
    • wipe away any lubricant that is left over;
    • use white grease or oil on gear and sprocket assembly of the motor;
    • also lubricate the far end of the trolley with white grease or oil.
  • If you have a metal‑reinforced, belt‑driven opener, do not lubricate.

Control your kids

Kids love to play with mechanical things – door goes up, door goes down, door goes up, door goes down

Don’t let them do that. Kids should use garage door remote openers only under adult supervision. Ideally, the control panel that regulates the access door to the home should be situated at about five feet, above the reach of children, and should never be used by children who are too young to be allowed unsupervised access to the house.

Children should also be kept away from the garage door when it is being opened or closed. If you have children who are of an age where they can come in and out of the house without your supervision, you should still make sure that they understand that they should not give the access code to anyone without yhour express permission.

A Word on Accidents

Accidents can occur with automatic garage door openers. They are, however, preventable. Your children can learn how to use an automatic garage door safely by watching this video. It shows the basic rules. If you want to know more, you can check out www.garagedoorcare.com, which is the website that shows the safety standards garage doors.

Do you need a garage door opener or accessories? Need a maintenance call? You can reach us at 717-901-4056. You can also get a free quote here. If you’re building or renovating, then, click here to learn how to design a great garage door!

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