7 min read A2Z Garage Doors
Your garage door should stop and reverse instantly when it hits an obstacle. If it doesn't, your family is at risk. Testing your garage door safety in Windsor takes 10 minutes and could prevent a serious injury. Here's what every homeowner needs to know about keeping this powerful machine working right.
A garage door weighs 300 to 500 pounds and moves with real force. When safety features fail, that weight becomes a hazard. The auto-reverse mechanism is your first line of defense. It should engage within 2 inches of contact with an object, child, or pet.
Most homeowners assume their door is safe because it opens and closes. That assumption is dangerous. Safety features degrade over time. Springs lose tension. Sensors accumulate dust. Cables stretch. Without testing, you won't know there's a problem until someone gets hurt.
Professional safety inspections catch these issues before they become emergencies. If you want a comprehensive evaluation, we offer detailed garage door safety inspections throughout Windsor and the surrounding area.
The photo eye sensors are small but critical. Located on each side of your garage door opening near the ground, they create an invisible beam. If anything breaks that beam while the door closes, it should reverse immediately.
Here's how to test it:
Roll a ball or cardboard box under the descending door. The door must stop and reverse. If it doesn't, don't use the door. Call a professional today. A malfunctioning photo eye is a safety failure, plain and simple.
Clean the photo eye lenses monthly with a soft cloth. Dust and spider webs block the beam and cause false reversals. This simple maintenance prevents both safety problems and frustrating false stops.
We recommend understanding all your garage door safety features so you know what to look for between professional checks.
**Need garage door safety in Windsor today?** Call 720-513-2958. we cover same-day service across the area.
Modern garage door openers have a manual reversal feature. This is your backup safety system. With the door fully open, press the close button. Before it travels six inches, push the button again to stop it. Now press close once more. The door should reverse direction immediately.
If the door doesn't reverse smoothly, the reversal mechanism needs adjustment or repair. This isn't a DIY fix. Springs and cables are under enormous tension. One mistake causes injury or equipment damage.
This test should happen every three months. Mark it on your calendar. If anything feels wrong during testing, stop and call a professional. Your instinct is usually right.
Curious hands and garage doors don't mix. Children can pinch fingers, get caught in cables, or be struck by a moving panel. Beyond the auto-reverse and photo eye, create physical safety barriers.
Install garage door safety locks if you have young children. Keep remote controls out of reach. Educate kids that a garage door is not a toy. Never let children play underneath or near a closing door.
The photo eye test matters especially for child safety. If it fails, a small child crawling under the door won't trigger a reversal. Test it weekly if you have kids in your home.
Some tests reveal problems you can't fix yourself. If the door doesn't reverse, if sensors are misaligned, if springs look frayed or damaged, call Garage Door Company Windsor. We handle safety repairs the right way, with proper tools and experience.
Same-day service is available for safety emergencies. Don't delay. A malfunctioning garage door puts your home and family at risk every single day it operates improperly.
Ready to ensure your door is safe? Schedule a free quote and let us assess your system.
Windsor winters bring ice and freezing temperatures. Cold stiffens cables and makes springs brittle. Spring thaw causes expansion and contraction. Summer heat does the same.
Test your door's safety features each season. What worked fine in spring might fail in winter. Colorado's climate is tough on garage door systems. Plan for it.
Test the auto-reverse and photo eye monthly. Perform the manual reversal test quarterly. Get a professional inspection annually. This schedule keeps your system safe year-round.
Most garage door springs last 7 to 9 years with proper maintenance. Regular testing catches problems before springs fail catastrophically. Prevention costs less than emergency repair and keeps everyone safer.
Safety isn't something to cut corners on. It's the foundation of everything we do at Garage Door Company Windsor. We take pride in getting it right.
If you haven't tested your garage door safety in Windsor this month, do it today. If something fails the test, call us at 720-513-2958 for same-day service.
How often should I test my garage door auto-reverse? Test the auto-reverse mechanism monthly. Roll an object under the closing door. The door must stop and reverse within 2 inches of contact. If it doesn't, stop using the door immediately and call a professional.
What does the photo eye do, and why is it important? Photo eyes are infrared sensors on each side of the door opening. They create an invisible beam. If broken during closing, the door reverses. This prevents objects and people from being struck. Clean the lenses monthly to maintain function.
Can I adjust my garage door springs myself? No. Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled. Always hire a professional for spring adjustments, replacement, or repairs. This is one area where DIY creates real danger.
What should I do if my garage door doesn't reverse? Stop using the door immediately. Don't attempt repairs yourself. Call a professional garage door company. A non-reversing door is a safety hazard that requires expert diagnosis and repair.
How much does a garage door safety inspection cost? Costs vary based on your system and what's checked. We offer free estimates. Call 720-513-2958 or contact us online for a quote specific to your door.