Your residential garage door enhances the curb appeal of your house and protects the interior from the elements and intruders. However, it is also important to remember this is a heavy and complicated piece of machinery, say the experts at Automatic Door Company, serving the residents of Milford, CT. In light of this, it’s important to keep a few safety tips in mind. Here, they list three vital ones. 

How to Stay Safe Around a Residential Garage Door

1. Make Sure It Has Safety Sensors

The safety sensors on the door detect objects in its path and will stop it from closing if there’s something in the way. Among other functions, they prevent people from getting hurt. It’s crucial to make sure your door has these. Unfortunately, many older models don’t, so if yours was installed decades ago, swap it out for a new one. While this may seem like a significant investment, it is simply not practical to add sensors to an existing door, and you’ll gain peace of mind knowing you and your family are safe around this heavy piece of machinery.

2. Keep Your Hands Away From It

Did you know thousands of people have their fingers pinched in a garage door each year? Adults and children alike need to be careful around these home features. Your hands should never be anywhere near the door’s joints, especially when it’s moving. If you’re getting ready to purchase a new model, look for one that has a pinch protector.

3. Hire a Professional for Inspections & Repairs

To make sure the door is operating properly, have a technician inspect it once a year. Only a professional has the expertise to check each component and diagnose any issues. Additionally, if the door is experiencing problems like shaking or emitting grinding noises, stop using it and have it looked at right away. A broken garage door is an unsafe one.

For high-quality residential garage door installations and repairs, contact the technicians at Automatic Door Company. For over 35 years, this award-winning business has been serving Connecticut residents. If you’re looking for a new door, they have a wide inventory of top-brand models and will help you find the right one. To learn more, call (203) 795-3577 or visit them online today.