Your garage door is one of the largest moving parts in your home. And when it’s not working properly, it can become a serious safety hazard.
At L & L Overhead Garage Doors, we believe safety starts with education.
Whether you’re a new homeowner or thinking about upgrading an older system, it’s important to understand the features that help protect your family and property.
Know Your Garage Door Safety Features
Modern garage doors are designed with built-in safety features that help prevent accidents. Here are some of the most popular:
Auto-Reverse Mechanism
This feature automatically reverses the door if it detects an object in its path, whether it’s a bike, a box, or someone walking underneath. It’s one of the most important safety measures and has been required on all garage doors manufactured since 1993.
Quick test: Place a small, insignificant object, like a roll of paper towels, under the open door. When you try to close it, the door should reverse as soon as it touches the object. If it doesn’t, it’s time to call a pro.
Photo Eye Sensors
These are the small black boxes near the bottom of the door track on each side. They emit an invisible beam — if anything breaks that beam while the door is closing, the system tells the door to stop and reverse. They’re essential for protecting kids, pets, and belongings.
Tip: Clean the lenses regularly and make sure they’re aligned. If your door won’t close, blocked or misaligned sensors are often the culprit.
Manual Release Handle
This red cord hanging from your opener disengages the door from the motor, letting you open or close it by hand. It’s a critical safety tool during power outages or a mechanical failure.
Important: Only use the manual release when the door is closed. Releasing it when the door is open can cause it to slam shut.
A Safer Option: Regular Maintenance
Garage doors rely on a complex system of springs, cables, rollers, and tracks. When one part fails, the whole system can become unsafe. That’s why regular inspections matter.
Here’s what to check monthly:
- Springs: Look for rust or gaps in the coils. If a spring looks worn or broken, don’t try to replace it yourself — they’re under high tension. Mishandling them can cause serious injury or further damage to the door.
- Cables: Check for fraying or signs of wear. Damaged cables can snap and cause injury.
- Balance: Disconnect the opener and lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, it’s properly balanced. If it falls or feels too heavy, call a technician.
- Noise: Squeaks and grinding sounds often mean parts need lubrication or attention.
Don’t Skip the Professional Checkup
Even with regular DIY checks, it’s smart to schedule an annual inspection with a professional. At L & L Overhead Garage Doors, we know what to look for — and we’ll spot problems before they become dangerous or lead to an expensive repair.
The Bottom Line
Garage door safety isn’t just about convenience. It’s about protecting what matters most: your home and your loved ones.
If you’re unsure whether your system is working safely, or if it’s been a while since your last inspection, L & L Overhead Garage Doors is here to help. With more than 65 years of experience, we’ll make sure your garage door is safe, secure, and running smoothly.
Contact us today to schedule your safety inspection.