Garage Door Safety Month
Garage Door Myths: What Every Homeowner Should Know
Did you know that the largest moving object in your house is your garage door? May is Garage Door Safety Month — a timely reminder to ensure your garage door is working safely and reliably. Unfortunately, many homeowners hold misconceptions about garage door safety and maintenance, potentially putting themselves, their family, and their property at unnecessary risk. Haas Door and our network of professional garage door dealers around the country believe it's important to clear up these myths, helping you make informed decisions and maintain the peace of mind you and your family deserve.
Myth #1: "My Garage Door Looks Fine. It Doesn't Need Maintenance."
Appearances can be deceiving. A garage door might seem functional at first glance, but underlying problems, such as worn-out parts, frayed cables, and unbalanced spring systems, may be present. Overlooking these issues can lead to sudden malfunctions, which pose a risk to you and your family. Regular inspections can prevent these hidden hazards and ensure your door operates safely and smoothly.
Myth #2: "Garage Door Repairs Are Simple DIY Projects."
While some maintenance tasks, such as oiling a squeaky hinge or visually checking sensors, are manageable for homeowners, most garage door repairs are best left to professionals. Garage doors are heavy, with a residential single-wide door weighing an average of 132 pounds and a double-wide door weighing an average of 256 pounds. These doors operate under high tension, and attempting complex repairs without proper training and equipment can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. Always consult a professional service technician from a licensed installer/serviceperson to ensure safe, reliable repairs.
Myth #3: "All Garage Doors Have Similar Safety Features."
Not all garage doors are created equal, especially regarding safety mechanisms. Older garage doors often lack essential safety features such as photo eye sensors, which became a requirement in January of 1993 as a part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 1990. Another example is that older doors with extension springs may not have safety cables to contain a broken spring, whereas current doors with torsion springs contain all that energy. Modern garage doors, like those from Haas Door installed by our dealer partners, incorporate advanced safety technologies designed specifically to protect users from harm. Upgrading an outdated garage door can significantly enhance the safety of your home, and more importantly, your family’s safety.
Myth #4: "Garage Door Openers Don't Need Testing if They Work Daily."
Just because your garage door opener works daily doesn't mean it's functioning at its safest. It's essential to routinely test the auto-reverse safety feature by placing a roll of paper towels in the door's path. If your door doesn't immediately reverse upon contact, it's a sign the safety mechanism requires adjustment or repair by a qualified technician.
Myth #5: "It's Safe to Walk Under a Moving Garage Door."
This common misconception can lead to serious injuries. While modern doors have safety sensors designed to prevent accidents, no system is foolproof. It's best practice to always wait for your garage door to fully open before passing beneath it.
Haas Door's Commitment to Your Safety
At Haas Door, safety is a priority. Regularly inspecting your garage door and debunking myths that surround garage door safety and maintenance are essential steps toward a safer home. If you have concerns about your garage door or it's been some time since your last safety check, Garage Door Safety Month is the perfect opportunity to schedule a professional inspection.
Stay safe, stay informed and trust the professionals at a Haas Door dealer partner to ensure your garage door continues operating safely and efficiently for years to come. Locate the nearest professional Haas Door dealer at
https://www.haasdoor.com/locations.
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