Is your garage door acting up? Don’t call for repairs just yet—check your safety features first.
Garage doors are among the heaviest moving objects in your home, and they rely on multiple built-in safety systems to function securely. When one of these features fails or gets overlooked, the door may stop working properly—or worse, pose a serious hazard. Before scheduling a garage door repair, it’s smart to inspect these essential safety features.
🧠 Auto-Reverse Mechanism: Your First Line of Defense
The auto-reverse feature stops and reverses the garage door if it encounters an object while closing. It’s designed to prevent injuries and damage. You can test it by placing a soft object—like a roll of paper towels—under the door. If the door doesn’t reverse when it touches the object, the system may need immediate attention.
This is one of the most important checks before a garage door repair. In fact, federal law requires all garage doors manufactured after 1993 to include this feature.
👁 Photo-Eye Sensors: The Safety Beams at Floor Level
Located near the floor on each side of your garage door, photo-eye sensors send an invisible beam across the door’s path. If that beam is broken—say, by a pet or a child—the door should stop and reverse.
Dirty lenses, misalignment, or damaged wiring can cause this feature to fail. If your door closes despite something in its path, inspect and clean these sensors right away.
🛠 Manual Release Handle: A Critical Backup
The manual release lets you open the door manually during a power outage or emergency. It should be easy to reach and in good working condition. Test it occasionally to make sure you can disengage the door safely if needed.
Safety First, Always
Before calling for garage door repair, take a moment to review these safety features. They protect not just your property—but also your family and pets.
📞 If something feels off, don’t risk it—schedule a professional garage door repair to ensure your system is safe and reliable.
A quick safety check today can prevent a dangerous situation tomorrow.
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