Garage Door Safety & Security Tips

Garage doors are one of the most frequently used entryways in both homes and businesses, yet many people overlook the safety risks they can pose when neglected or improperly maintained. At Elite Garage Door & Gate Repair Of Seattle, we’ve seen firsthand how small oversights can lead to major accidents.

A garage door isn’t just a heavy moving barrier, it’s a system of high-tension components like springs, cables, and motors that can cause serious harm if not properly handled. That’s why our team is committed to educating customers and providing fast, professional service to prevent injuries, enhance security, and prolong the life of your garage door system.

2. The Risks of a Malfunctioning Garage Door

When a garage door malfunctions, the consequences can be serious. Broken springs can snap violently, doors can come off their tracks and crash down unexpectedly, and failing sensors may cause the door to close on objects or people. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports more than 30,000 garage door injuries each year in the United States.

These injuries include lacerations, fractures, and even amputations. Malfunctions are often caused by worn-out parts, lack of maintenance, or improper installations. Recognizing early warning signs and scheduling timely service is the key to preventing accidents. If you hear unusual noises, experience jerky movements, or notice slow responses, it’s time to call a professional.

3. Emergency Response Across Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia

Garage door issues don’t always happen during business hours—that’s why our technicians are available for rapid emergency dispatch, often arriving within 45 minutes throughout Seattle, Tacoma, Lynnwood, Olympia, and surrounding areas. Whether your door is stuck open in the rain or won’t close at night, we know how urgent these situations can be.

Not only does a faulty garage door compromise security, but it also exposes your home or business to theft, weather damage, and safety hazards. Our vans are fully stocked to handle common emergencies like Broken Springs, misaligned tracks, opener failures, and safety sensor issues. With Elite Garage Door, help is always just a call away.

4. Visual Safety Inspections You Can Perform

You don’t need to be a technician to spot early warning signs. Performing monthly visual inspections can help identify wear before it turns into failure. Here’s what to look for:

• Springs: Check for rust, stretching, or separation between coils.
• Cables: Look for fraying, kinks, or slack.
• Rollers & Hinges: Inspect for wobbling, uneven wear, or missing parts.
• Tracks: Ensure they’re aligned and free of debris or dents.
• Hardware: Check if screws and bolts are secure.
  Remember—do not touch or attempt to adjust springs or cables. These are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury. If you see any of the above issues, schedule a professional inspection immediately.

5. Lubrication & Routine Maintenance

A well-maintained garage door system not only lasts longer but also operates more safely and quietly. Every few months, you should:

• Apply a silicone-based lubricant to rollers, hinges, tracks, and springs.
• Wipe away excess grease or buildup that can attract dust or grime.
• Tighten bolts and brackets to ensure all hardware remains secure.
• Clean photo-eye sensors with a dry cloth to maintain safety features.
  Proper lubrication reduces wear and tear on the motor and moving parts, preventing overheating, friction damage, and jerky door movement. It’s one of the easiest ways to ensure your door continues working reliably for years.

6. How to Test Garage Door Balance

An unbalanced garage door can strain your opener and significantly increase the risk of mechanical failure. To test the balance:

1. Disconnect the opener by pulling the emergency release cord.
2. Manually lift the door halfway and carefully release it.

• If the door remains in place, it’s properly balanced.
• If it rises or falls, it likely needs spring adjustment.
  A door that slams shut or is difficult to lift may have issues with spring tension or cable alignment. Balancing should never be done by untrained individuals—it requires precise tension control and can be extremely dangerous.

7. Child Safety Around Garage Doors

Children are naturally curious, but garage doors are not toys. Each year, numerous injuries occur when children become trapped or caught in garage door systems. To protect your family:

• Educate kids to never play with remotes or wall buttons.
• Keep remotes out of reach—consider keychain or visor-mounted models.
• Install wall-mounted openers at least 5 feet high.
• Remind children never to run under a moving door.
  Also consider adding pinch-resistant panels and tamper-resistant bottom brackets for added safety. A simple conversation can prevent a life-altering accident.

8. Garage Door Opener Security Settings

Your garage door is a main entry point into your home—treat it like you would your front door. Today’s garage door openers come with advanced security features such as:

• Rolling-code technology that changes the access code after every use.
• MyQ® and smart opener systems that let you monitor and control your door remotely.
• Auto-lock mechanisms that activate once the door is closed.
• Manual emergency release features in case of power failure (only accessible from inside).
  Be sure to regularly change keypad codes, enable app notifications, and update firmware for smart systems to stay protected from hacking or unauthorized access.

9. Annual Professional Safety Inspections

While homeowner inspections are helpful, Professional Annual Safety Inspections are essential. A technician will:

• Test spring tension, door balance, and opener force settings.
• Inspect and adjust safety sensors.
• Check all moving parts for wear, alignment, and lubrication needs.
• Examine the door panels, seals, and weatherstripping.
  At Elite Garage Door, we provide detailed inspections and offer affordable tune-up packages that help catch small issues before they turn into major repairs. Annual maintenance is a small investment that ensures long-term safety and security.

10. Contact Elite Garage Door for Expert Help

If you would like to speak to a highly trained and qualified technician about further garage door safety information, contact us on 1.206.934.1234. We are happy to provide more information and advice at any time.