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Garage Door Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

November 28, 2025

Garage doors are the largest moving objects in most homes, and following these garage door safety tips can prevent injury and costly damage. Whether you use your garage door several times a day or only occasionally, it’s essential to understand how to operate and maintain it safely. From ensuring that safety sensors work correctly to keeping children away from moving parts, these precautions protect both your family and your property.

In this guide, we’ll explore key safety practices, common mistakes to avoid, and essential seasonal maintenance checks that Texas homeowners should keep in mind.

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Top Garage Door Safety Tips

Keep Children Away from Controls

Children are naturally curious, and a garage door can be an intriguing mechanism to them. Unfortunately, many accidents occur when children play with remote controls or try to run under a moving door.

To prevent these situations, always keep garage door openers, wall switches, and remotes out of reach of small children. Mount wall switches at least five feet above the ground and educate kids about the potential dangers of moving doors.

Explain that the garage door is not a toy and should only be operated by adults. It’s also a good idea to supervise children anytime they’re near the garage to make sure they stay safe.

Test the Auto-Reverse Feature Monthly

Every modern garage door opener is equipped with an auto-reverse feature that detects obstacles and automatically reverses the door’s movement to prevent injury or damage. This feature can fail over time, so monthly testing is crucial.

How to test it:

Place a solid object like a two-by-four or a roll of paper towels on the ground where the door closes.
Activate the door to close and watch closely.
If the door does not reverse immediately upon contact, disable the opener and contact a garage door professional.

This quick test can prevent serious accidents and ensure your opener complies with modern safety standards.

Never Walk Under a Moving Door

It might be tempting to duck under a closing garage door when you’re in a hurry, but doing so is a serious safety risk. Even with safety sensors in place, mechanical failures can happen, and the door could close unexpectedly.

The weight of a garage door is significant, often exceeding 150 pounds, and can cause severe injuries if it comes down suddenly. Always wait for the door to open completely before entering or exiting, and avoid rushing through while it’s still in motion.

It’s a small delay that could prevent a major accident.

Keep the Door Well-Maintained

Regular maintenance is the best way to ensure long-term safety and reliability. Inspect your garage door visually every few months and look for frayed cables, worn rollers, loose bolts, or bent tracks.

Listen for unusual noises like squeaking or grinding, which can signal parts that need lubrication or repair. Lubricate all moving parts with a high-quality garage door lubricant to keep the system running smoothly.

Clean the photo-eye sensors regularly to ensure they can detect obstructions accurately. A well-maintained door not only lasts longer but also reduces the risk of malfunction that could cause injury or property damage.

Call a Professional for Repairs

Garage doors operate under high tension, particularly the springs and cables that help lift and lower the door. Attempting DIY repairs can be extremely dangerous.

Even experienced handymen can underestimate the force stored in these components, leading to serious injury. If your door isn’t operating properly, call a certified garage door technician.

Professionals have the tools and training to safely repair springs, align tracks, and replace damaged panels. They can also perform a complete inspection to ensure every part of your system functions as intended.

Common Safety Mistakes Homeowners Make

Many homeowners unknowingly take risks when it comes to their garage doors. One common mistake is disabling safety features for convenience, such as holding the door open with a broom handle or overriding the automatic opener. This compromises safety systems designed to prevent accidents.

Another mistake is neglecting regular maintenance. Ignoring squeaks, jerks, or slow response times often leads to larger mechanical issues that could result in injury or expensive repairs.

Homeowners also frequently forget to replace remote batteries or reprogram openers when moving into a new home, which can be a security risk. Additionally, leaving the garage door partially open can invite pests or intruders, while also straining the opener mechanism.

By staying proactive and addressing these habits, you can keep your home safer and extend the life of your garage door system.

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Seasonal Safety Checks for Texas Homes

Texas weather can be unpredictable, with hot summers, cool winters, and occasional severe storms. These conditions can affect your garage door’s performance and longevity.

Spring

Inspect your door for any damage caused by winter cold or moisture. Tighten loose bolts, clean the tracks, and lubricate hinges to prepare for heavy use in the warmer months.

Summer

High temperatures can cause metal components to expand and wood doors to warp. Check the balance of your door and ensure weather stripping remains pliable to maintain energy efficiency.

Fall

This is an ideal time to inspect insulation and test safety sensors before cooler temperatures arrive. Clean away debris and leaves that could obstruct tracks or sensors.

Winter

Look for rust or corrosion that may have developed from humidity or salt exposure, especially near the Gulf Coast. Keeping up with seasonal maintenance ensures your door operates smoothly year-round and protects your investment from Texas’s diverse climate.

FAQ

How Often Should I Inspect My Garage Door?

It’s recommended to perform a visual inspection of your garage door every three months and schedule professional maintenance at least once a year.

Regular inspections help catch early signs of wear, such as frayed cables, misaligned tracks, or uneven door movement.

If your garage door gets daily use, more frequent checks are a good idea. Pay special attention after severe weather events, as high winds or hail can knock components out of alignment.

Can I Test My Garage Door Safety Features Myself?

Yes, many safety features can be tested safely at home.

You can test the auto-reverse function by placing an object under the closing door. Also, check the photo-eye sensors by waving a broomstick in front of them while the door is closing; the door should reverse immediately.

If it doesn’t, clean the sensors and test again. If problems persist, disconnect the opener and contact a professional for repair.

However, never attempt to adjust or repair springs, cables, or tension settings yourself.

Is It Dangerous to Repair Garage Door Springs?

Yes, repairing garage door springs is extremely dangerous and should only be handled by trained professionals.

Springs are under heavy tension, capable of causing severe injury if they snap or are released improperly. Attempting to adjust them yourself could result in lacerations, broken bones, or worse.

If you notice your door opening unevenly or struggling to lift, call a licensed technician immediately. They can safely replace the springs and inspect the rest of your door for potential issues.

Call Denton Overhead Door & Garage Door Repair

Your garage door plays an essential role in your home’s security, functionality, and convenience, but it also requires regular care to ensure safety.

By following these garage door safety tips, keeping children away from controls, testing safety features monthly, avoiding walking under a moving door, maintaining all components, and calling a professional for repairs, you can prevent injuries and avoid costly damage.

Simple actions like inspecting cables, cleaning sensors, and lubricating moving parts go a long way in maintaining a reliable and safe system. Texas homeowners, in particular, should perform seasonal checks to protect against heat, humidity, and storm damage.

Prioritizing these habits will keep your garage door operating smoothly and safely for years to come.

For expert service and peace of mind, trust Denton Overhead Door & Garage Door Repair.

We have proudly served homeowners and businesses for over 35 years, offering same-day service, honest pricing, and unmatched expertise. Whether you need a simple tune-up, a complex repair, or a new installation, our garage door technicians handle all types and brands of garage doors.