7 min read Garage Door Sharon Center
Your garage door is likely the largest moving object in your home, weighing anywhere from 150 to over 400 pounds. While modern garage doors provide convenience and security, they also present potential safety hazards if not properly equipped and maintained. At ${BUSINESS_INFO.name}, we've made family safety a priority throughout our ${BUSINESS_INFO.yearsExperience}+ years serving ${BUSINESS_INFO.city} and Northeast Ohio. Understanding the crush prevention systems available today can help you protect what matters most.your family.
Garage door safety wasn't always a priority. Before 1993, garage doors caused numerous injuries and fatalities each year, particularly among children who would become trapped under closing doors. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) responded by mandating that all garage door openers sold after January 1, 1993, include auto-reverse mechanisms. This single regulation has saved countless lives and continues to protect families today.
However, older homes may still have pre-1993 openers that lack these essential safety features. If your garage door opener was installed before 1993, upgrading isn't just a convenience.it's a critical safety measure for your family.
The auto-reverse mechanism is the primary crush prevention system in modern garage door openers. When the closing door encounters an obstruction, it automatically stops and reverses direction, preventing injury or property damage. Two technologies work together to accomplish this:
Mechanical Auto-Reverse: This system monitors the force required to close the door. If the door encounters resistance.such as a child, pet, or object.the motor senses the increased force and immediately reverses direction. The sensitivity can be adjusted to match your door's weight and operating characteristics, but it must be set properly to function effectively.
Photoelectric Sensors: These are the small devices mounted near the floor on either side of your garage door opening. One sensor transmits an invisible infrared beam to the other. If anything breaks this beam while the door is closing.whether a person, pet, bicycle, or toy.the door immediately stops and reverses. These sensors provide an additional layer of protection that doesn't require physical contact with the door.
Safety features only work if they're functioning properly. We recommend testing your auto-reverse systems monthly using these simple procedures:
Testing the Mechanical Auto-Reverse: 1. Place a 2x4 board flat on the floor in the door's path 2. Close the garage door using the opener 3. When the door contacts the board, it should immediately reverse 4. If it doesn't, the auto-reverse force needs adjustment
Testing the Photoelectric Sensors: 1. Begin closing the garage door 2. Wave a broomstick or similar object through the sensor beam 3. The door should immediately stop and reverse 4. Check that the sensor lights are illuminated and properly aligned
If either test fails, stop using your garage door immediately and call a professional. Continuing to operate a door with faulty safety features puts your family at risk.
Beyond the basic auto-reverse systems, modern garage door openers offer additional safety features that further protect your family:
Timer-to-Close: This feature automatically closes your garage door after a set period, preventing the door from being left open accidentally. It includes audible and visual warnings before closing and works in conjunction with the photo sensors.
Manual Release: Every opener includes an emergency release cord that allows you to manually open the door during power outages or if the opener fails. Ensure every family member knows how to use this feature.
Motion-Activated Lighting: Many openers include bright LED lights that activate when motion is detected, improving visibility and safety in and around the garage.
Battery Backup: Openers with battery backup continue to function during power outages, ensuring you're never trapped in or out of your garage during emergencies.
Rolling Code Technology: While not a crush prevention feature, rolling code technology prevents break-ins by changing the opener code each time the door is operated, making it virtually impossible for thieves to capture and replay your signal.
Children are at greatest risk from garage door accidents because they may not understand the danger or may see the garage door as a toy. Take these steps to protect young family members:
1. Teach children that garage doors are not toys. Never allow children to race under a closing door or hang from the door.
2. Keep remotes out of reach. Wall buttons should be mounted at least 5 feet from the floor, and portable remotes should be kept away from children.
3. Supervise garage activities. When the garage door is in use, make sure an adult is present to watch for hazards.
4. Test safety features regularly. Make monthly testing part of your household safety routine.
5. Choose bright-colored doors. Children can better see doors that contrast with their surroundings.
If your garage door opener lacks modern safety features, or if your safety systems aren't functioning properly, upgrading is essential. At ${BUSINESS_INFO.name}, we install state-of-the-art garage door openers with comprehensive safety features. Our certified technicians can evaluate your current system and recommend upgrades that will protect your family for years to come.
We stand behind our work with a ${BUSINESS_INFO.warrantyYears}-year warranty and offer ${BUSINESS_INFO.responseTime} throughout ${BUSINESS_INFO.serviceAreas.slice(0, 5).join(", ")}, and surrounding communities. Don't compromise on safety.call ${BUSINESS_INFO.phone} today to schedule a safety inspection or discuss upgrading your garage door opener.