Top Garage Door Safety Features Homeowners Should Consider

When choosing a new garage door, prioritizing safety features is essential to safeguard the home, family, and possessions from accidents and intrusions, ensuring enhanced security and minimizing potential hazards.

Garage door safety is vital to protect a home, loved ones, and belongings from accidents and intrusions. When selecting a new garage door, it's crucial to consider various safety features designed to enhance overall security and minimize potential hazards. Here are some top garage door safety features a homeowner should consider:

Auto-reverse mechanism

The auto-reverse mechanism is a safety feature that immediately and automatically reverses the direction of the garage door when it encounters an obstruction while closing. It uses sensors or pressure-sensitive strips placed on the door's path to detect objects in its way. The door will reverse its direction if an object is detected to prevent injuries or damage. Ensuring the proper functioning of the auto-reverse mechanism is critical for preventing accidents and protecting people or objects in the door's path.

Photo-eye sensors

Photo-eye sensors are another essential safety feature found in modern garage doors. These sensors are usually located near the floor on opposite sides of the door opening. If the invisible beam is interrupted by an object during operation, it signals the door to stop or reverse its operation. They serve as an additional layer of protection, immediately responding to potential obstructions. To maintain their effectiveness, regularly check the alignment of the photo-eye sensors and remove any obstructions.

Manual release

A manual release is a crucial safety feature that allows a homeowner to disengage the garage door opener in case of a power outage or malfunction. A pull cord or handle typically operates this feature, enabling a homeowner to open or close the door manually. It is a backup option when the automatic opener is not functional, ensuring a homeowner can still access the garage. Homeowners should regularly familiarize themselves with how to operate the manual release mechanism so that a homeowner can safely operate the door when needed.

Rolling code technology

Rolling code technology is an advanced security feature in modern garage door openers. It generates a new code every time the door is operated, making it almost impossible for intruders to intercept or duplicate the signal. This technology provides an additional layer of security, protecting against code theft or unauthorized entry into the garage. With rolling code technology, a homeowner can rest assured that only the remote control can operate the door, enhancing the garage's security.

Safety cables

Safety cables are essential for garage doors with extension springs. These cables run through the springs and are attached to the wall or ceiling. In the event of a spring failure, safety cables prevent the broken spring from snapping and causing potential injury or damage. Safety cables act as a safeguard, holding the spring in place when it breaks, minimizing the risk of it flying off and preventing the door from collapsing. Ensuring that safety cables are correctly installed and in good condition is vital for maintaining the safety of the garage door system.

Secure remote control

Many garage door openers now offer rolling code technology or encryption on their remote control systems. This helps prevent unauthorized access to the garage by ensuring that only the remote control can trigger the operation of the door. Secure remote control systems add an extra layer of protection against potential break-ins or thefts, ensuring the garage is secure.

Manual safety locks

Some garage door models are equipped with manual safety locks, which provide additional security when the family is away on vacation or for an extended period. When engaged, these locks prevent the door from being opened manually or by the garage door opener. It adds an extra layer of security to the garage, giving a homeowner added peace of mind, knowing that even if an intruder gains access to the remote control or the opener system, they won't be able to open the door without physically unlocking the manual lock.

Motion-activated lighting

While not directly related to operational safety, motion-activated lighting near the garage door can increase the safety and security of the property. A well-lit area deters potential intruders and provides improved visibility when entering or exiting the garage. Motion-activated lighting ensures that the area around the garage door is well-illuminated, making it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to approach undetected.

When choosing a new garage door or considering upgrades to the existing one, it's important to prioritize these safety features. Consult a reputable garage door professional who can guide a homeowner in selecting a door that incorporates these safety features and complies with industry standards. By investing in a garage door with robust safety features, a homeowner ensures the protection of loved ones and belongings while enjoying peace of mind that the garage is secure.

Lucky Boy Garage Door is a licensed, locally-owned and operated company providing hinge replacement, remote replacement, garage door drum replacement, bent door panel replacement, weather seal replacement, and insulated garage door services in Phoenix. We also offer new doors and opener solutions. Call us at (480) 906-4474.