7 Garage Door Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Keep your garage door safe

Run through these once or twice a year — most take only a minute.

• Test the auto-reverse. Place a roll of paper towels or a 2x4 flat on the floor in the door's path; the door should reverse on contact. If it doesn't, call a pro.
• Check the photo-eye sensors. Wave an object through the beam near the floor as the door closes — it should stop and reverse. Keep the sensors clean and aligned.
• Never place fingers between door sections. Teach kids the same. The gaps between panels can pinch hard as the door moves.
• Don't DIY the springs. Springs and cables are under extreme tension and are the leading cause of serious garage door injuries. Leave them to a professional.
• Keep the remote away from kids. A garage door isn't a toy; store remotes and keypads out of small hands.
• Listen for new noises. Grinding, popping, or scraping usually means worn rollers, loose hardware, or a lubrication issue — easy to fix early, costly if ignored.
• Schedule an annual tune-up. A yearly inspection catches worn parts before they fail and keeps every safety feature working.