Your garage door is a heavy, hardworking part of your home that takes a lot of wear and tear. But it’s also one of the most overlooked hazards on your property.
Garage doors cycle up and down thousands of times a year. That’s a lot of movement for something that weighs hundreds of pounds. All it takes is one worn part, a loose spring, or an overlooked detail for things to go sideways: sometimes literally.
If you want your garage door system to do its job, it pays to give it a little attention. In this guide, you’ll find 10+ simple garage door safety tips and best practices to help you avoid surprises and keep costly repairs off your to-do list.
Table Of Content
Your Garage Door Safety and Security Matter10+ Best Practices and Safety Tips
Be Aware of Garage Door Installation Scams
Bonus Tips for Garage Door Care
Keep Your Garage Door Safe and Reliable
Your Garage Door Safety and Security Matter
A garage door is a massive, motorized piece of equipment that can cause serious problems when neglected, such as:
- Physical injuries can occur if the moving garage door drops unexpectedly or gets jammed mid-cycle
- Property damage to vehicles, bikes, or anything in the way
- Security risks if your garage becomes an easy entry point
Most homeowners don’t realize how much they use their garage doors until something goes wrong. A routine garage door safety inspection is the best way to spot and resolve small problems before they escalate.
Regular inspections can help you:
- Identify worn or damaged parts before they fail.
- Make sure safety features, like the auto-reverse, are working properly.
- Keep the door properly balanced to reduce strain on the garage door opener.
- Protect your family, property, and peace of mind.
Now, garage door safety is an ongoing habit. You need to check its condition, make sure the garage door remote is secure, and teach your family how to use it safely. Up next, we’ll walk you through 10+ best practices and safety tips that can keep your garage door system running smoothly and securely for years to come.
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10+ Best Practices and Safety Tips
You don’t need to be a pro or set aside a whole weekend—just a few quick habits here and there will keep your garage door safe and problem-free. Treat this list as your go-to garage door safety cheat sheet.
1) Never Allow Children to Play with Garage Doors or Controls
Garage doors aren’t toys. While children may be tempted to ride up or dash under a closing door, serious injuries can happen in seconds if a child’s hand, foot, or head gets caught in it.
Teach children that garage door controls are off-limits, and always supervise little ones near the garage. Make “no playing with the garage door” a house rule, just like you would with the stove or electrical outlets.
2) Keep Remote Controls Out of Reach of Children
Leaving garage door remotes within easy reach is a recipe for trouble. Store remotes on a high shelf or keep them with your car keys so children can’t use them as toys or let themselves (or others) in and out without your knowledge.
This simple garage door tip helps prevent accidents, keeps your home more secure, and stops kids from triggering the door at the wrong time.
3) Regularly Test the Auto-Reverse Feature and Safety Sensors
One of the most important garage door safety tips is to test the auto-reverse function. Place a roll of paper towels or a block of wood on the floor under the door. When closing, the door should reverse the moment it touches the object.
Also, clean the safety sensors with a soft cloth and check their alignment. If the door doesn’t reverse or the sensors seem faulty, replace them or call for garage door repairs in Reno, NV, right away.
4) Visually Check Springs, Cables, and Rollers for Wear and Tear
Springs, cables, and rollers are critical to garage door safety. Once a month, look for signs of wear: frayed cables, rust, broken garage door springs, or bent rollers. Never try to fix these parts yourself: DIY repairs can be extremely dangerous due to the high tension involved.
If you notice any damage, call for emergency garage door repair services immediately. It’s the safest way to keep your door running properly and avoid serious injury.
5) Lubricate Moving Parts Regularly
Friction is the enemy of any moving part. Use a silicone-based lubricant on rollers, hinges, springs, and tracks every six months. Do not use heavy grease since it can gum up the tracks.
Regular lubrication is one of the best garage door tips for preventing squeaks and extending the life of your hardware. Set a reminder on your calendar so you don’t forget to do this.
6) Tighten Hardware and Check Door Balance
A garage door rattles itself loose over time. With the door closed, snug up roller brackets and hinge bolts using a socket wrench. Be sure to turn only until they’re firm: do not strip them.
Next, pull the release cord to disconnect the opener, then lift the door halfway by hand. If it stays put, the balance is good. If it drops or shoots up, the springs may need adjustment. An unbalanced door strains the opener and shortens its life, so call a technician to get it rebalanced.
7) Keep the Garage Door Opener Codes and Keys Secure
Factory codes are easy targets for tech-savvy thieves. Change them the day you install the garage door opener. Many models now ship with garage door security features like rolling-code tech that switches the signal every time you hit ‘close’.
Don’t hand out the PIN unless necessary, and if you give a temporary code to a contractor, delete it once the job is complete.
8) Upgrade Security Features and Use Locks
Modern garage door openers send alerts to your phone, let you shut the door from anywhere, and log every open-and-close event. Pair one with a motion-activated camera aimed at the door and a sturdy manual lock bar you can slide in place when you’re away for a while. These layered garage door security features create a visible deterrent and give you real-time peace of mind.
9) Don’t Leave the Garage Door Open Unattended
An open garage door is an invitation for trouble. Even a quick run to grab the mail gives thieves a chance to swipe tools or scope out bigger targets. Last year alone, there were 839,563 reported cases of burglary in the United States. Many of these break-ins start with something as simple as an open or unsecured garage door system.
Get in the habit of closing the door every single time you leave and remind people at home to do the same. You can set phone reminders or install an automatic closing system for peace of mind.
10) Educate Everyone in the Home on Proper and Emergency Use
Walk every family member through basic garage door opener buttons, manual release, and where to stand while the door moves. Keep a contact card for your trusted repair tech taped near the wall switch.
During power outages, show how to pull the red release and lift the door evenly with two hands. A five-minute family drill now beats a frantic scramble later.
11) Schedule Regular Professional Garage Door Safety Inspections
No matter how handy you are, a yearly visit from a qualified tech is worth the money. Technicians look for issues you might miss, like worn torsion springs or subtle balance problems. They’ll check the opener, sensors, and all garage door safety features to make sure everything is working right. Annual garage door safety inspections help you catch problems early, keep your warranty valid, and save money on repairs down the line.
Learn more about garage door safety!
Be Aware of Garage Door Installation Scams
The garage door industry is filled with honest professionals, but it also has its share of shady operators. These scammers take advantage of homeowners who don’t know what fair pricing looks like or who need emergency repairs fast. They use scare tactics, inflated prices, or fake credentials to trick people into overpaying for poor-quality work or work that never gets done.
Here are some common signs of a garage door installation scam:
- Surprisingly low or high quotes
- No credentials or license
- Pushy sales tactics
- Large upfront payments
- Unmarked vehicles and no business address
To protect yourself, get multiple estimates and compare prices. Always check online reviews, ratings, and the company’s licensing status. Never pay the full amount before the job is done and insist on a written contract and warranty. Finally, choose local residential or commercial garage door services with a proven track record. They’re much less likely to disappear once the job is finished.
Bonus Tips for Garage Door Care
Garage door safety and maintenance go beyond basic repairs. Use these bonus tips to keep your door secure, energy-efficient, and trouble-free.
1) Keep the Garage Door Entry Door Locked for Extra Security
Your garage may be secure, but the door that connects it to your home can be a weak spot. Always lock this door, even if you’re just running a quick errand. For better security, consider a deadbolt or smart lock. It adds another layer of protection if someone manages to get inside the garage.
2) Use Frosted or Covered Windows
While garage windows are great for natural light, they also give outsiders a view of what’s inside. Keep your tools, bikes, and other valuables out of sight by using frosted window film or shades.
3) Inspect Weather Sealing for Insulation and Pest Prevention
The weather stripping around your garage door does more than just block drafts. It also keeps out pests and helps maintain your garage’s temperature. Check the bottom seal, side seals, and top trim for cracks or wear. Replace them as needed to keep your garage secure and comfortable.
4) Avoid Storing Items Near Door Movement Tracks
Storing bikes, tools, or boxes near the garage door tracks is an accident waiting to happen. These items can block the door’s path, damage rollers, or even cause the door to jam. Clear the area around the tracks for smooth, safe operation.
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Keep Your Garage Door Safe and Reliable
A garage door does a lot more than open and close on command—it helps protect your family, your belongings, and your home’s security. Giving it regular attention is one of the smartest moves you can make as a homeowner. By following these simple safety habits, you’ll steer clear of costly surprises and help prevent accidents before they happen.
If you’re unsure about your garage door’s condition or think it needs a professional inspection, don’t take chances. Let Thompson Garage Doors handle it. With years of experience and a reputation for reliable service, our team can keep your garage door in top shape.
Call us today for a free inspection or repair quote.