Garage Door Safety 101: Protecting Your Home and Family

Your garage door is the largest moving part in your home, and while it provides convenience and security, it can also be a safety hazard if not properly maintained. A malfunctioning garage door can lead to injuries, damage to property, or even security threats. That’s why understanding garage door safety is crucial for every homeowner.

From garage door sensors not working to garage door spring safety, there are multiple factors that can impact the reliability and security of your system. In this guide, we’ll walk you through common garage door safety risks, how to prevent accidents, and the best ways to improve your home’s security.

Whether you’re dealing with a garage door repair in Oklahoma City or just looking for garage door safety tips, this guide will help you take the right steps to protect your home and family.

Many homeowners don’t think about garage door safety until something goes wrong. However, a poorly maintained garage door can become dangerous over time. Here’s why regular maintenance and safety checks are important:

✔ Prevents Injuries – Thousands of garage door-related injuries occur each year, from pinched fingers to doors suddenly closing.

✔ Improves Security – Burglars often target garage doors as a weak point to gain entry into homes.

✔ Extends the Life of Your Garage Door – Regular garage door maintenance helps prevent costly repairs and keeps your door operating smoothly.

✔ Reduces Unexpected Repairs – Identifying small issues early can help you avoid expensive emergency garage door repairs later.

Many of these risks can be prevented with regular maintenance and professional inspections. In the next sections, we’ll break down the most common garage door safety hazards and how to fix them.

Your garage door is designed to be strong and reliable, but over time, certain components can wear down or malfunction, creating potential safety risks. From garage door sensors not working to broken springs and security vulnerabilities, these issues can lead to accidents or make your home an easy target for intruders.

Here are some of the most common garage door safety hazards and what you can do to fix them.

Garage door sensors are designed to prevent the door from closing on objects, pets, or people. These sensors send an infrared beam across the opening of your garage. If the beam is interrupted, the door should automatically stop and reverse.

🔴 Signs Your Garage Door Sensors Aren’t Working:

• The garage door won’t close or closes partially and reverses.
• The sensor lights are blinking or not aligned properly.
• The door closes even when an object is in its path.

🔧 How to Fix It:

✔ Check for Obstructions – Remove dust, dirt, or objects blocking the sensor’s path.

✔ Realign the Sensors – If they appear misaligned, gently adjust them until both indicator lights are solid.

✔ Clean the Lenses – Dirt or debris on the sensor lenses can interfere with the infrared beam.

✔ Test the Auto-Reverse Feature – Place an object (like a roll of paper towels) under the door and see if it reverses when closing.

⚠ If the sensors still don’t work, you may need a garage door repair in Oklahoma City to replace them.

Garage door springs play a critical role in lifting and lowering your door. They are under high tension, and if they break, the door can slam shut suddenly, posing a serious risk to people and vehicles.

🔴 Signs Your Garage Door Springs Are Failing:

• The door feels heavy and struggles to open.
• You hear loud banging or snapping sounds from the garage.
• The door opens unevenly or doesn’t open at all.
• You see gaps or separation in the springs.

🔧 How to Fix It:

🚫 Do NOT attempt to fix garage door springs yourself—they are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled.

✔ Schedule professional spring replacement with a garage door repair expert in Oklahoma City.

✔ Consider upgrading to high-cycle springs for longer-lasting performance.

Kids and pets don’t always recognize the dangers of a moving garage door. Even with safety sensors, accidents can happen if proper precautions aren’t taken.

🔴 Common Dangers for Kids and Pets:

• Playing near a closing garage door can result in pinched fingers or injuries.
• Pulling the emergency release cord without supervision.
• Running under the door before it fully closes.

🔧 How to Improve Garage Door Safety for Kids:

✔ Teach children to stay away from the garage door when it’s moving.

✔ Keep remote controls out of reach and educate kids about safe operation.

✔ Test the auto-reverse feature monthly to ensure sensors work properly.

✔ Install a garage door opener with rolling code technology to prevent unauthorized access.

By taking these precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk of accidents and keep your family safe.

A garage door isn’t just an entryway—it’s also a potential security risk if not properly secured. Burglars often target garage doors as a weak point to gain access to homes, especially if they’re outdated or lack modern security features. Strengthening garage door security can help protect your home and belongings.

Here are some key ways to enhance your garage door security and prevent break-ins.

Many homeowners focus on front door security but forget that garage doors are often a bigger target. Intruders can gain entry by manipulating outdated locks, exploiting weak panels, or using stolen garage door opener codes.

🔴 Common Garage Door Security Risks:

• Old garage door openers using fixed codes (easy for burglars to hack).
• Weak or damaged panels that can be easily forced open.
• No manual lock or secondary locking mechanism.
• Leaving garage door remotes in cars, making them easy to steal.

🔧 How to Improve Garage Door Security:

✔ Upgrade to a smart garage door opener with rolling code technology (changes codes after every use).

✔ Reinforce garage door panels to prevent forced entry.

✔ Install a side lock or deadbolt for extra security when away for long periods.

✔ Keep garage door remotes inside your home instead of leaving them in vehicles.

✔ Add motion-sensor lighting around the garage to deter intruders.

By making these small but effective changes, you can significantly reduce the risk of garage door break-ins.

One often-overlooked safety feature is having a backup battery for your garage door opener. If the power goes out due to storms, outages, or winter weather, an electric garage door won’t function—leaving you locked in or out of your home.

🔴 Why You Need a Backup Battery:

• Ensures you can still open and close your garage door during power outages.
• Provides extra security and convenience in emergency situations.
• Works automatically, so you won’t have to manually disengage the door.

🔧 How to Ensure Your Backup Battery Works:

✔ Test your battery every few months by unplugging the opener and trying to open the door.

✔ Replace backup batteries every 1-2 years or as recommended by the manufacturer.

✔ Upgrade to a newer garage door opener if your system doesn’t support a battery backup.

Investing in a backup battery means you’ll never have to worry about getting stuck in or out of your garage during an outage.

Regular garage door maintenance is key to keeping your system safe and functional. Over time, safety sensors, springs, and auto-reverse mechanisms can wear down, leading to potential hazards. Conducting routine safety checks ensures that your garage door continues to operate smoothly and securely.

Here’s how often you should test your garage door safety features and what to look for.

Homeowners should perform a simple safety inspection every month to catch small issues before they turn into bigger problems.

🔧 What to Check Monthly:

✔ Garage Door Sensors – Place an object (like a roll of paper towels) under the door and see if it stops and reverses.

✔ Auto-Reverse Feature – Try closing the door and gently push against it—it should immediately stop and reverse.

✔ Garage Door Springs – Look for gaps, rust, or signs of wear in the springs.

✔ Cables and Tracks – Check for fraying, misalignment, or loose parts that could lead to failure.

✔ Remote and Wall Controls – Make sure remotes, keypads, and wall buttons respond properly.

🛠 Pro Tip: If you notice any issues, schedule a garage door repair in Oklahoma City before the problem gets worse.

While homeowners can perform basic safety tests, some problems require professional expertise. Ignoring warning signs could lead to expensive repairs or unexpected failures.

🔴 Signs You Should Call a Professional:

• Your garage door moves slower than usual or struggles to open.
• You hear grinding, squeaking, or banging noises when operating the door.
• The auto-reverse feature doesn’t activate properly.
• Springs, cables, or rollers look damaged or rusted.
• The garage door is uneven or sagging on one side.

When in doubt, it’s always best to have a professional inspect your garage door for safety and performance.

To ensure your garage door stays in top condition, scheduling annual professional maintenance is highly recommended. A trained technician can:

✔ Lubricate all moving parts to reduce wear.

✔ Adjust tension in springs and cables for smooth operation.

✔ Test all safety features and recommend repairs if needed.

✔ Inspect for structural issues that may compromise performance.

📆 When to Schedule Maintenance:

• At least once a year for general upkeep.
• Before winter and summer to prepare for temperature changes.
• After noticing any performance issues to prevent costly repairs.

Having your garage door checked by a trusted garage door repair expert in Oklahoma City ensures it remains safe, functional, and long-lasting.

A well-maintained garage door provides security, convenience, and peace of mind. Whether you’re dealing with garage door sensors not working, worn-out springs, or safety concerns, professional inspections can help prevent accidents and costly repairs before they happen.

At Total Door Solutions, we specialize in garage door maintenance, repairs, and safety inspections to keep your door operating smoothly and securely.

While DIY maintenance is helpful, some garage door safety issues require expert attention. Professional technicians can:

✔ Identify hidden safety hazards before they cause problems.
✔ Test and adjust all moving parts to ensure proper function.
✔ Fix misaligned sensors, worn-out springs, and track issues before they lead to failure.
✔ Provide security upgrades such as stronger locks, backup batteries, and smart openers.

Regular garage door maintenance in Oklahoma City can extend the lifespan of your system and improve home safety.

If it’s been a while since your last garage door inspection, now is the perfect time to schedule one. Whether you need routine maintenance, repairs, or a complete safety assessment, our team at Total Door Solutions is ready to help.

A safe garage door means a safer home. Don’t wait for a problem—let Total Door Solutions keep your door in top shape.

• Contact Us Today!
• Phone: 405-822-3113
• Website: www.totaldoorsolutionsok.com
• Schedule a Consultation: Click Here

Follow us on social media for more inspiration and updates:

• Facebook: Total Door Solutions
• Instagram: @totaldoorsolutions
• Threads: Total Door Solutions