There are a few recognized safety hazards when working with overhead garage doors, including the possibility of the door getting stuck or slamming closed. But one safety issue that is rarely discussed is garage door opener light covers. For many models, these light covers pose a significant fire hazard. To prevent any damage to your property, keep an eye out for the following issues.

The garage door opener's light is usually mounted on the side of the device and encased in an opaque, plastic cover. While this cover may seem to attach firmly to the unit on all sides, on many models, the top is actually open, allowing debris and small animals to enter the cover. Because the cover is opaque, it’s unlikely that you will notice any issues without opening it up.

The warm, sheltered area inside the light cover is very inviting to birds as a nesting site. They may even build directly on top of the light bulb, which is the biggest issue. An ordinary household light bulb under these circumstances gets hot enough to light the nest on fire—and in a garage, which may be full of flammable materials, this small blaze can quickly become a big problem.

To prevent any issues with birds' nests or other debris, remove the light cover periodically to clean inside and check for signs of animal activity. If you do notice any problems, take steps to discourage nesting in the area, such as installing visual or perch repellents. You can also lower your fire risk by replacing a normal light bulb with an LED version, which doesn't get as hot.

Safety is an important consideration for homeowners with overhead garage doors. To keep your family and house free from harm, schedule repairs promptly, opt for regular maintenance, and check for anything flammable in the light cover.

If you would like to upgrade your garage door to a design that is less likely to pose fire risks, the team at Superior Overhead Door can help. These knowledgeable experts provide garage door installation and repair services in Oxford, CT, and they boast a wide selection of durable, attractive doors for any home. To learn more about the work they do, give them a call today at (203) 881-2207 or visit them online.