A typical garage door is considerably heavy and could cause substantial damage if not used properly. To keep your family and property safe, be sure to follow recommended safety precautions, including the following.

How to Stay Safe When Using a Garage Door

1. Test the Shut-Off Sensor

Your automatic door opener features an electric eye sensor that prevents the door from shutting if something's beneath it. This is an important safety feature, and you occasionally need to test that it's working correctly. Press the button to close the door, and then break the invisible beam beneath it with your foot or a broom handle. The door should close partway before reversing directions. If it doesn't, try readjusting the sensor so it points in the right direction, or replace it entirely.

2. Inspect & Lubricate Moving Parts

Once per month, spend a few minutes inspecting the springs, rollers, hinges, chain, and other moving parts of your garage door. Replace the springs when they show signs of corrosion, which could compromise the amount of weight they can support. Also, lubricate the rollers, hinges, and other hardware with silicone spray or multipurpose oil to ensure they don't seize up and pop out of the track or out of alignment.

3. Keep the Opener Away From Children

Kids love to play with garage door openers, as a press of the button gives them almost magical control over their environment. However, make sure your children don't have access to the remote. Overuse could wear out or jam the motor, and it's safer not to encourage kids to play around heavy objects or powerful equipment.

If you need garage door repair or replacement, contact Felluca Overhead Doors Inc. in Rochester, NY. They offer quality you can trust at a terrific value, specializing in residential and commercial garage door installation, repair, and maintenance. They also sell and install garage door openers. Learn more about the company on their website, or call (585) 467-2391 to arrange a consultation.