How safe is your garage door opener?

We take it for granted that our garage door will open without a problem, simply by pressing the door opener remote. Increasingly, homeowners use their garage door as the main entry for their house, with the kids using the exterior keypad to get in when coming home from school.

Unfortunately, we too often forget that the garage door is the largest moving part of our home. When was the last time you took a few minutes to assure yourself that it was working safely?

Here are the four step we advise you to follow to make sure that you aren’t putting your safety or that of your loved ones in jeopardy. This garage door opener maintenance procedure should be performed twice a year, once in the spring and then again at the end of the fall.

Step 1: visual inspection

• Let’s start inside the garage. Place yourself at the back of the garage and see if the horizontal tracks are parallel and not tilted toward each other. Are the bolts holding the horizontal tracks to the slotted metal supports firmly attached?
• Move toward the door. Take a look at the hinges. Are the screws securely attached? Look at the rollers. Are they in good shape? Do they roll in the tracks instead of sliding?

Step 2: deactivate the door opener

• Now, pull the emergency release cord toward the rear. In most cases, this cord is red. You have now just disconnected the garage door from the door opener that pulls and pushes it.
• Raise the door using the lift handle that is either installed on the bottom or second section of the door. Be sure to bend your knees if the handle is located on the bottom section.
• Was it difficult to lift? Did you know a well-balanced door weighs between 8 to 10 lb. (3.5 to 4.5 kg)? This is called its dead weight. Your spring system serves as a counterweight to the door, which is what allows you to easily open the door with just one hand.
• If it seems much heavier to you, it is most likely because your spring system isn’t working correctly and should be changed.
• Don’t forget that your door opener just replaces human strength. You should know that some openers (e.g. ¾ HP) are calibrated to lift a weight up to 250 lb. (110 kg). However, they can also push 250 lb. (110 kg) down, which can put you at a very significant risk.
• Don’t try to correct a problem like this yourself. We advise you to stop using your garage door and to call us immediately.

Step 3: reversal test

• Reconnect the door with its opener. Be sure that it clicks into place correctly.
• Use your remote to open the door.
• If your door opener was manufactured after 1986, it is equipped with two safety systems: one is mechanical and the other is photoelectric. If it was manufactured before this time, you have only one mechanical reversal system.
• To test the mechanical system :
  • place a piece of wood, like a 2 X 4, on the threshold of the door, in the path of the door;
  • press the button on the remote to close the door;
  • when the door hits the piece of wood, it should reverse direction;
  • if it doesn’t, the button that controls the descent of the door must be adjusted. This button is located on the housing of the motor and has a downward pointing arrow on it.
• To test the photoelectric system:
  • these are two small units placed on each side of the door opening, about 4 to 5 in. (10 to 15 cm) from the ground;
  • stand near your garage door and once again, press the button to lower the door;
  • while the door is lowering, pass one of your feet in front of one of the two units (the light beam is invisible);
  • your door should stop for a fraction of a second then reverse direction immediately;
  • be aware that this reversal mechanism can completely block the operation of your door if the beam is misaligned or a wire is cut.

Step 4: lubrication

• If you have a chain drive door opener :
  • apply a little petroleum‑based oil on the chain;
  • wipe off the excess with a cloth;
  • apply a little white grease or oil on the motor’s gear and sprocket assembly;
  • do the same thing to the other sprocket located at the other end of the trolley.
• If you have a belt drive opener (rubber belt reinforced with metal):
  • no lubrication is needed;
  • when the door opener is installed, the technician applied enough grease to ensure the proper working of the door opener for many years.

Important warning: your door opener is not a toy

• Only let children use your remote control in your presence.
• The same goes for the control panel located near the access door to the house. It should be placed at a height of at least 5 ft. (1.5 m).
• Never use this panel (or button) to close the door, then run to exit the garage. Most accidents with garage doors occur in this sort of situation.
• Tell your children to stand away from the door when it is in operation.
• Finally, stress with them the importance of not telling the 4‑digit access code for opening and closing the door to their friends.

Keep in mind this basic rule: it’s better to be safe than sorry. We invite you to watch this video explaining the basic garage door opener safety rules to respect. Also, visit the garage door industry web site: www.garagedoorcare.com.

So, for whatever needs you have for a garage door opener and accessories, or simply for an annual maintenance check-up for your garage door, you can click here to get a free quote, or click here to start by building your perfect garage door! You can also call us at 978-342-3344.