How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend having your garage door professionally serviced at least once a year. During this annual maintenance visit, our technicians will lubricate all moving parts, inspect springs and cables for wear, test safety features, adjust the door balance, and tighten any loose hardware. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your garage door by 5-10 years and helps prevent costly emergency repairs. However, if you notice any unusual sounds, slow operation, or visible damage, don't wait for your annual service – contact us right away. Early intervention often prevents minor issues from becoming major problems. Between professional services, we recommend you: • Visually inspect springs and cables monthly • Test the auto-reverse feature monthly • Keep the tracks clean and free of debris • Apply lubricant to hinges and rollers every 3-4 months • Check weather stripping and seals seasonally

What should I do if my garage door won't open or close?

If your garage door won't operate properly, here are some troubleshooting steps you can safely try before calling for service: **Check the basics first:** • Ensure the opener is plugged in and receiving power • Replace the batteries in your remote control • Make sure nothing is blocking the photo-eye sensors (located near the bottom of the door tracks) • Check that the manual lock (if equipped) isn't engaged **If using a remote:** • Stand closer to the door and try again • Try using the wall button – if it works, the remote may need reprogramming or replacement • Check for interference from nearby electronics **If the door won't close:** • Look for obstructions in the door's path • Clean the photo-eye sensors with a soft, dry cloth • Ensure the sensors are aligned (both should have steady lights) **When to call a professional:** • If the door is making grinding or scraping noises • If you notice broken springs or frayed cables • If the door opens but won't close (or vice versa) • If the door moves unevenly or appears crooked IMPORTANT: Never attempt to repair or adjust springs or cables yourself. These components are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury. Our team is available 24/7 for emergency repairs.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A typical garage door installation takes between 4-6 hours, though this can vary based on several factors: **Standard installation (4-6 hours):** • Removing the old door and hardware • Installing new tracks, springs, and hardware • Mounting the new door panels • Installing the opener (if replacing) • Testing and adjusting for proper operation • Cleaning up and hauling away old materials **Factors that may extend installation time:** • Custom or oversized doors • Structural modifications needed • Complex opener programming (smart features, keypads) • Poor condition of existing frame or header • Weather delays (for safety reasons) **What you can expect during installation:** Our team arrives with all necessary materials and tools. We'll protect your flooring and walls during the work and perform a complete cleanup when finished. Before leaving, we'll demonstrate how to operate your new door and opener, explain the warranty coverage, and answer any questions you have. **Preparation tips:** • Clear vehicles and items from the garage • Ensure we have access to electrical outlets • Let us know about any concerns with the existing structure • Have someone available to answer questions during installation Contact us at 360-468-8664 to schedule your installation and receive a detailed estimate.

Essential Garage Door Safety Tips Every Family Should Know

Name: Garage Door Olga
Address: 13 Pleasant St, Olga, WA, 98279, US
Telephone: 360-468-8664
Price range: $$

2023-12-05 7 min read Sarah Williams

# Essential Garage Door Safety Tips Every Family Should Know

Your garage door is the largest and heaviest moving object in your home. Weighing between 130 to 400 pounds or more, a garage door in motion carries significant force. While modern garage doors are equipped with safety features, accidents can still happen, particularly when doors are poorly maintained or used improperly. This guide covers essential safety tips that every family should know to prevent injuries and keep everyone safe.

Understanding the Risks

Before diving into safety tips, it's important to understand why garage door safety matters:

- Weight: A standard two-car garage door can weigh over 300 pounds - Force: A closing door can exert hundreds of pounds of force - Speed: Doors typically move at about 7 inches per second - Moving parts: Springs, cables, rollers, and tracks all present potential hazards

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports thousands of injuries related to garage doors each year, with children being particularly vulnerable.

Safety Features: Know Your Door

Modern garage doors are required to have specific safety features. Understanding these features is the first step to keeping your family safe.

Auto-Reverse Mechanism

All garage door openers manufactured after 1991 are required to have an auto-reverse feature. When the door encounters resistance while closing (such as an object or person in its path), it should automatically stop and reverse direction.

Test it monthly: Place a 2x4 board flat on the ground in the door's path. The door should reverse when it touches the board. If it doesn't, the opener needs adjustment or repair.

Photo-Eye Sensors

Since 1993, garage door openers must have photo-eye sensors. These sensors sit about 6 inches off the ground on either side of the door. If the beam between them is interrupted, the door will not close or will reverse if already closing.

Keep them clean and aligned: Wipe the sensors with a soft cloth monthly and ensure they're properly aligned. If your door won't close and the opener light blinks, the sensors are likely the issue.

Manual Release

Every automatic garage door has a manual release, usually a red cord hanging from the opener's trolley. This allows you to disconnect the door from the opener to operate it manually during power outages or emergencies.

Know where it is and how to use it: Practice using the manual release so you're prepared if you need it. Remember that when disconnected, the door won't have the controlled movement of the opener.

Essential Safety Rules for Families

Rule 1: Never Stand or Walk Under a Moving Door

This is the most important rule, and it applies to everyone, adults, children, and pets. Always wait for the door to completely stop before walking underneath it. A door that appears to be functioning normally can still fall unexpectedly due to spring failure or other issues.

Rule 2: Keep Children Away from Controls

Garage door openers and wall controls should be treated like any other potentially dangerous appliance:

- Mount wall controls at least 5 feet from the ground, out of children's reach, Keep remote controls away from children, Never let children play with openers or treat them as toys, Teach children that the garage door is not a toy

Rule 3: Watch the Door Until It Closes Completely

Whether you're entering or leaving your garage, always watch the door until it's completely closed. This ensures:

- No one is in the door's path, The door closes properly (a door that reverses unexpectedly may have a problem) - Your home remains secure

Rule 4: Never Attempt to Race Under a Closing Door

This should be obvious, but it bears repeating. Never try to run, drive, or bike under a closing garage door. The few seconds you save aren't worth the risk. If you've already activated the door to close, use the opener to stop and reverse it.

Rule 5: Keep Fingers Away from Section Joints

The joints between door panels are pinch points that can cause serious injuries. When the door is moving, these sections come together with significant force. Teach children to keep their fingers away from these areas at all times.

Maintenance for Safety

Regular maintenance isn't just about keeping your door working smoothly, it's a safety issue. Here are key maintenance tasks that impact safety:

Monthly Safety Tests

Perform these tests every month:

1. Auto-reverse test: Use the 2x4 method described above 2. Photo-eye test: Wave an object in front of the sensors while the door is closing 3. Balance test: Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door to halfway, it should stay in place 4. Visual inspection: Look for worn cables, rust, loose hardware, or damaged components

Annual Professional Inspection

Have a professional inspect your door at least once a year. They will:

- Test and adjust all safety features, Inspect springs, cables, and hardware, Lubricate moving parts, Identify potential problems before they become dangerous

Special Considerations for Families with Children

If you have children, take these extra precautions:

- Educate them early: Teach children about garage door safety as soon as they're old enough to understand - Supervise: Never leave children unsupervised in the garage when the door is operating - Clear the area: Keep toys, bikes, and other items away from the door's path - Consider smart features: Modern openers can send alerts to your phone and allow you to monitor the door remotely

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

Despite all precautions, problems can occur. Here's what to do:

If someone is trapped under the door: Don't try to lift the door yourself, call 911 immediately. If the door has a manual release, use it carefully.

If the door won't open or close properly: Stop using it immediately and call a professional. Don't try to force the door or make repairs yourself, especially anything involving springs or cables.

If you hear unusual sounds: Any grinding, scraping, or popping sounds warrant professional inspection before continued use.

Conclusion

Garage door safety is a family responsibility. By understanding how your door works, teaching safety rules to everyone in the household, and maintaining the door properly, you can prevent accidents and injuries.

At Garage Door Olga, safety is our priority. If you have any concerns about your garage door's safety features or operation, contact us at 360-468-8664. We offer free safety inspections and can ensure your door is operating safely for your family.

Back to Blog