Garage doors provide several benefits, from sheltering your car to offering protected storage space for your belongings. When it comes to safety, there are a few precautions you should take to ensure the door is in optimal working condition. Here are a few tips for keeping your household safe.

How to Make Sure Your Garage Door Is Safe

1. Perform a Monthly Inspection

To ensure all of the components of the garage door are working properly, conduct a visual inspection every month. Look at the cables, springs, and pulleys for damage or signs of wear.

You should also check the safety sensors. They serve the critical function of alerting you to any obstructions in the way of the door. Over time and with continued use, they can begin to malfunction.

To check the sensors, open the door and place a soft object on the ground underneath it. Then, try closing the door.

If it stops at the object and goes back up, the sensors are working properly. If not, you’ll need to have them professionally repaired or replaced.

2. Don’t Reveal Your Passwords

When it comes to garage safety, password protection is critical. Resist the temptation to share it with too many people, as it may end up in the wrong hands. Many newer garage door models will allow you to set a one-time password, which can be convenient if you’re trusting a loved one to bring in a package when you’re out of town.

3. Keep the Doors Fully Closed When Not in Use

You may want to leave the door slightly ajar to air out the garage and reduce any musty smells. Unfortunately, even a slightly open garage door can attract wild animals seeking shelter. Keep the door fully closed when you’re not around, and save any ventilation for when you’re doing yard work or can otherwise easily see the garage.

If you’re in need of a garage door service you can trust, look no further than Overhead Door Co Of Lycoming County, a division of Schrader Architectural Products. As "the Genuine, the Original Overhead Door Company," they’ve remained a dependable supplier of cost-effective garage doors throughout Williamsport, PA, since 1965. They offer a range of garage doors in a variety of materials and styles, including aluminum, wood, fiberglass, and vinyl. Call (570) 326-4749 to discuss options, or visit their website to check out their beautiful inventory of residential overhead doors.