Your garage door features a delicate system of torsion springs, extension springs, and cables among other parts designed to open and close the overhead door with ease. One of the most essential parts of any automatic garage door is the auto reverse feature. This feature causes the door to instantly reverse as soon as it encounters any obstruction — whether inanimate or living.

Why Auto Reverse Is So Important to Garage Door Safety

Helps Prevent Serious Injuries

In 1991, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission — CPSC — established regulations concerning garage door safety following 46 confirmed door-related child deaths between March 1982 to December 1990. These children were between the ages of two and 14. Functional reversing mechanisms were among CPSC provisions to prevent serious and fatal injuries in children, including brain and spinal injuries.

While protecting children from garage doors remains a vital concern for parents everywhere, adults are still at risk of injuries without auto reverse mechanisms. An adult attempting to run out of a garage before the door closes, for example, can trip and sustain serious injuries under the door without a working auto reverse feature in place.

Protects Various Objects From Damage

Not only can auto reverse mean the difference between life and death for children and adults alike, but it can also prevent damage to various items. Tools, bikes, toys, and other items can end up on garage floors and get knocked around. Doors with auto reverse instantly go back up when they come in contact with any foreign object to prevent costly repairs and replacements. This is particularly crucial if the item in question is an expensive tool or favorite toy.

Keep your garage door in outstanding condition by working with Automatic Door Company. Offering over 35 years of industry experience, this premier company provides clients throughout Connecticut’s New Haven and Fairfield counties with wood and steel-insulated garage door installations, repairs, and replacements. Call (203) 795-3577 today to learn about the latest garage door safety features, or visit the website for products from brands such as Clopay®, Amarr®, Haas®, and LiftMaster®. Like the Facebook page for helpful maintenance tips.