Day after day, homeowners rely on their garage doors to provide convenient access to the outdoors and protect their valuables. But while reliable garage door service is something people count on, it’s important not to forget that it’s a heavy piece of machinery working hard to do its job. As such, Automatic Door Company in New Haven County encourages everyone with a residential garage door to review the best safety practices to keep themselves — and others — out of harm’s way.

Whether you just had a garage door replacement or have had the same entrance for several years, it is important to stay aware of the risks this resource presents. For example, tension springs can break and hefty doors can malfunction, causing unpredictable injury or death. Fortunately, you can reduce these hazards by keeping the following tips in mind:

• Stay Cautious About Entry: When a garage door is opening or closing, it is better to be safe than sorry and avoid the area until it's completely lifted or shut. Even if your garage door has a sensor that can interrupt operation, taking these precautions can prevent the heavy door from trapping or falling on someone. Keeping small children away from doors — as well as garage door openers — is especially important, as their smaller size can allow them to be picked up and injured by the lifting mechanism.
• Avoid Touching Springs & Cables: The springs and cables that manipulate and hold the garage door are connected under tremendous amounts of tension. While the introduction of torsion springs has improved overall risk, they can still be fairly dangerous when handled. To avoid breaking your fingers or getting snapped by a broken spring or cable, it is essential that you always call a professional garage door service to make adjustments.
• Keep Up With Maintenance: Specific garage door maintenance requirements should be defined by your user manual, but in general, there are a few tasks you should take on every year. For one, the door should be cleaned to prevent deterioration caused by dirt and debris. It’s also important to lubricate the components as needed to provide a smooth operation for your door. If possible, give your door a complete visual inspection to make sure the mechanical components aren’t deteriorating and that the door is balanced.

If you do suspect problems, it's best to leave garage door repairs to the professionals. With more than three decades of garage door service in Milford and Orange, CT, Automatic Door Company will thoroughly review your doors functionality and deliver swift and safe solutions. To schedule a service or inspection appointment, call (203) 795-3577 or visit them online. You can also find the company on Facebook.