Garage Door Safety Features Every Home Should Have

As one of the largest and heaviest items on any property, safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to any garage door. There are a few different themes to be aware of here, one of which is various garage door safety features that should be present for every home that uses a garage door.

At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we’re here to serve as your one-stop shop for all things garage doors, entry doors, exterior doors, Pella windows and related services around Utah and Idaho. Our convenient locations in Salt Lake City, St. George and Boise allow us access to every part of both states, ensuring we serve the maximum number of clients with varying solutions – including garage door installation experts who will discuss all your garage door’s safety features with you and ensure you’re comfortable with them. Here are some of the top such features to be aware of, plus why they matter and the importance of updating any outdated or damaged garage door safety features.

Safety Sensors

Some of the most important and well-known garage door safety features that every single garage door in operation today should utilize are safety sensors. These sensors are located near the bottom of your garage door, right above the ground. They send out an infrared beam that will break if anything crosses it while the door is closing, which then tells the opener to stop and reverse course immediately.

This may seem like a simple feature, but it’s incredibly important for preventing accidents – especially with children or pets who may not be aware of potential danger. If your garage door doesn’t have safety sensors installed or they are damaged in any way, it’s crucial to have them replaced as soon as possible.

Auto-Reverse Functionality

Similar to safety sensors, auto-reverse functionality is another essential safety feature that should be present on all modern garage doors. This feature allows the door to sense when there is an obstruction in its path and automatically reverses course, preventing any potential damage or injuries.

Auto-reverse functionality operates through the use of pressure sensors that are located on the bottom of the garage door. These sensors are designed to detect any resistance or obstructions in the door’s path while it is closing. If an object is detected, the door will immediately stop and reverse direction to prevent any accidents.

It’s important to regularly test your garage door’s auto-reverse functionality to ensure it is working properly. You can do this by placing a large object, such as a cardboard box, in the door’s path and attempting to close it. The door should stop and reverse as soon as it comes into contact with the object.

Manual Override

Another vital safety feature of garage doors is the manual override function. This allows you to manually open and close the door in case of a power outage or malfunction. The manual override can typically be found on the back or side of the motor unit, and can be activated by pulling on a release cord or turning a key.

It’s important to familiarize yourself with your garage door’s manual override function and test it periodically to ensure it is working properly. In case of an emergency, such as being locked out of your home during a power outage, knowing how to use the manual override can save you from being stuck outside.

Emergency Release Lock

Within the manual override function, there is often a feature called an emergency release lock. This feature allows you to disengage the garage door from the opener and manually lift it open in case of a power outage or malfunction. To use this feature, locate the red cord hanging from the manual override release handle and pull it down to disengage the lock. You can then manually lift the garage door open.

It’s important to note that once you have used the emergency release lock, your garage door will no longer be secured by the opener and can be opened from outside with ease. It’s recommended to only use this function when necessary and always ensure proper security measures are in place before using it.

As you can see, there are several vital safety features that should be present on all garage doors utilized on homes and buildings today. These ensure that everyone on the property, from adults to children and pets, are safe from potential harm and accidents. Additionally, having a well-maintained garage door with functioning safety features can also prevent damage to your vehicle and property.

At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we’re happy to help with all garage door safety features and any questions our clients around Utah and Idaho may have about them. Contact us today!