Summer is upon us, and that means the weather is nice for getting out. The garage door is likely the most used door to your home. So, all of that coming and going from the house means that the garage door and opener are enduring higher use. Like other appliances and mechanical systems in the home, the garage door and opener should be routinely checked for proper operation and safety. June is National Safety Month, and the purpose behind it is to emphasize improving safety at home.
National Safety Month is a great time to make sure your garage door works as smoothly and safely as possible. The large size and weight of an overhead garage door make it one of the most dangerous parts of a home. Educate your family about the dangers of the garage door and how they can prevent accidents and injuries. Here are a few safety reminders from Joe Wilde Company, the industry leader in Wisconsin for garage door repair and maintenance.
Some ways injuries occur is when fingers get caught and compressed between door sections or in the roller tracks as the door is moving. The door lowering on someone can cause even more severe injuries such as concussions or broken bones. Every door should have sensors installed that detect objects, or people, in the path of the door. When an object is detected in the sensors, the door will either stop or reverse its movement. If there is a malfunction in the sensor, or it has stopped working, the door may not stop. Even worse, the Wisconsin winter cold causes metal parts to shrink and the high-tension steel cables to wear, fray, and become brittle. If a spring breaks or a cable snaps, the door can come slamming down uncontrollably, leading to severe or fatal injuries to anyone in its way.
Always move away from the garage door when it is opening and closing. Keep hands and feet away from the door and do not even touch it when it is moving. Never let children hang on or play near the garage door and keep remote controls out of their reach.
If you have already noticed some issues with the door, now is the time to call a professional for a thorough inspection and maintenance before an accident occurs. Over time, the springs rust, crack, loosen and break. Metal parts shrink and break from the winter cold, and rollers should be replaced every several years. The roller tracks warp, separate, or misalign, causing the door to struggle. Doors can even come out of balance. A technician will examine all components of the door and opener, looking at these areas of concern. The technician will lubricate all components, replace any damaged parts, tighten bolts, balance the door, and adjust the tracks to make them level and straight.
Your safety is important to us, and we invite you to call us at 262-782-0500 to schedule your annual garage door maintenance tune-up. Joe Wilde Company understands the dangers present around what is often the largest moving object in a home. Celebrate National Safety Month this June by taking a step towards better garage door safety. You can request a free, no-obligation estimate or fill out our contact form online at joewilde.com/about-us/contact. Our trucks are stocked, and our technicians are ready to perform a maintenance check-up that will keep your door functioning properly all year long to prevent accidents and injuries.