Tips on Securing Your Garage Door
Garages are an essential part of every household. While enhancing the appeal of your house, they are also used as workshops, storage areas or parking spaces. A garage door is often overlooked when you try to beef up the security. Securing a garage door requires you to look at every entrance point as vulnerable. Average garage doors open and close about 1500 times a year; it’s one of the largest moving objects in your household and is used every day, giving you ample reason to maintain it. Simple visual inspection should show signs if your garage door needs repair or replacement.
In this blog, Action Door Services Ltd.’s experienced garage door repair and installation professionals discuss in detail on how to secure your garage door.
Tips to Keep Your Garage Secure
- Inspect your garage door each month. Check tracks for debris, dents or obstructions along with the state of hardware including hinges and brackets. Examine cables and wires for fraying or a loss of tension. It’s best to ensure the torsion or extension springs are intact; if any of these appear damaged, contact a professional for inspection or repair. Garage door repair is easy to schedule.
- Avoid repairing cables or springs on your own. These components require special tools for adjustment and improper handling may cause serious injury.
- You can purchase a garage door opener with rolling code technology that changes access codes every time the transmitter is used. Some garage door openers are equipped with timers that close automatically after a preset amount of time along with motion detectors that turn on the lights automatically.
- Check for wireless keypads that activate the garage door opener with a personal identification number. This will allow you to open the door without the use of a key or remote.
- Examine your garage door opener’s reversing mechanism monthly by placing an object in the door’s path. If the door does not reverse after coming into contact with the object, call an expert for professional repair.
- Learn to use your garage door opener’s emergency release feature. You will find the instructions in the owner’s manual. Keep close watch for garage door alerts on your smartphone.
- If you find out your garage door is wood or non-insulated replace it with an insulated door which is secure and easy to operate. Make sure all the safety cables, pulleys and other parts are balanced and aligned to ensure safe use of your new garage door.
- It is not recommended to leave the garage door remote control in your car or with a parking attendant. Best to treat it like a house key or buy a brand specific key chain remote.
- While on vacation for an extended period of time, use a vacation lock on the console switch or unplug the garage door opener unit.
- Always lock the door from your garage to the inside of your house for greater safety and security.
- Make it a habit to check if your garage door is closed at night when you lock your entry door.
- Keep an eye out for corrosion on the mechanical parts of your garage door. Check the frame, locks and other replaceable items.
Signs Your Garage Door Needs Repair
Preventative maintaince will give you an idea whether your garage door needs to be repaired. Look for signs such as squealing, banging or grinding sounds. Another dangerous situation is when the garage door shakes as it opens or closes. Such situations require you to call an experienced professional without delay.
If your garage door is nearing the end of this life span, it’s wise to have it inspected by professionals. If you have any concerns regarding your garage door, contact Action Door Services Ltd. to speak with our experienced garage door repair experts.