Garage Door Repair: Issues That Are Dangerous for Children

Your garage door is probably the largest and heaviest moving part of your home. It’s also one of the most used doors in your home as it’s opened and closed numerous times a day. However, despite the convenience that your garage door offers, it can also be a source of danger to your children if it’s not working properly. If you think there’s a problem with your garage doors, call a professional garage door company for a garage door repair. Here are a few garage door problems that may put your children at risk.

Garage Door Not Closing Properly

A garage door that’s not functioning correctly can cause serious injuries to children. For instance, a door that doesn’t close all the way can create a gap through which children can slip and fall. This gap can also allow pets and other animals to enter, which may pose a threat to anyone at home. Moreover, if the door doesn’t open all the way, it can create a tripping hazard for children and other individuals who may try to navigate around the partially opened door.

Another hazard is the risk of entrapment. If children attempt to crawl under or behind the garage door while it’s closing, they may become trapped between the door and the ground, resulting in serious injuries or even death. Furthermore, if the door’s sensors are not functioning correctly, the door may not detect an object in the way, creating a dangerous situation for children and pets.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, at least 85 children suffered from permanent brain injuries or died from 1975 to 1995 due to accidents from automatic garage door openers. Those garage door openers were manufactured before 1993, and a lot of safety measures have been put in place since then. Still, always err on the side of caution when you have a faulty garage door that isn’t opening or closing properly.

Finally, a garage door that’s not working correctly may not offer the same level of security as a properly functioning door. A faulty garage door can be easily opened by strangers, allowing them access to your home.

Broken Springs

Garage doors are heavy, and they require a lot of force to lift and close. This force is generated by a set of tightly coiled springs that are responsible for supporting the weight of the door. These springs can break over time due to wear and tear, leaving your garage door inoperable.

One of the primary risks posed by a broken garage door spring is the sudden failure of the door. When a garage door spring breaks, it can cause the door to come crashing down, potentially injuring anyone or anything in its path, including your children, pets, or vehicles. If your children happen to be playing near the garage door when it fails, they can suffer serious injuries, such as broken bones or head trauma.

Another risk associated with broken garage door springs is the sudden release of tension. The springs in a garage door are under significant tension and can cause serious injury if they break or release their tension suddenly. If your children happen to be standing nearby when the spring snaps or releases, they can be struck by the flying metal or debris, causing cuts or bruises.

Additionally, a garage door with a broken spring may be difficult or impossible to open, leaving your children trapped inside or outside of the garage. If the garage door is the primary entryway for your children, they may become stuck inside the garage.

Worn-Out Rollers

One of the most common risks posed by worn rollers is a garage door that suddenly falls off its tracks. If the rollers or bearings are worn, they can cause the door to become misaligned. When this happens, the door may come off its tracks suddenly, potentially injuring anyone standing nearby, including your children.

Another risk posed by worn rollers is the inability to operate the door safely. When the rollers or bearings are damaged, they can cause the door to become difficult to open and close, which may result in the door jamming or coming to an abrupt stop. This situation can cause injuries to children who may be near the door when it becomes stuck or when it jams.

Worn rollers or bearings can lead to an increase in the wear and tear of other parts of your garage door, too, leading to further safety risks. As the door becomes more difficult to operate, other components, such as the motor or cables, may become overworked and damaged, creating additional safety concerns for your children.

To ensure that your children are safe and protected, you should regularly inspect and maintain your garage door. If you need new garage doors in Santa Maria, a qualified professional can help.

What Are the Signs You Need New Garage Doors?

Over time, garage doors can become worn, damaged, or outdated, making them less efficient and potentially unsafe. Here are some factors that you may need to consider when replacing your garage doors.

• Age. The average lifespan of a garage door is around 15-20 years depending on the quality and maintenance of the door. If your garage door is approaching or exceeding this age, it may be time to get new garage doors.

• Damage. If your garage door is visibly damaged, such as dents, cracks, or holes, it may not be functioning correctly, compromising your safety and security. In this case, consider a replacement rather than a repair.

• Lack of safety features. Modern garage doors come equipped with various safety features, such as photo-eye sensors and automatic reverse mechanisms. If your garage door lacks these safety features or is not functioning correctly, it’s time to consider an upgrade to a more secure and safe garage door.

• Difficulty opening and closing. If your garage door is becoming more difficult to open and close, it may be due to wear and tear or problems with the motor or track. A new garage door can provide smoother, more reliable operation and prevent potential safety risks.

• Increased energy bills. If your garage door is not insulated or has gaps and cracks that let in cold air, it may be increasing your energy bills. A new, insulated garage door can improve energy efficiency, reducing your energy costs and providing a more comfortable environment for your family.

Need a Garage Door Repair?

If your garage door is having problems, you can find help. A professional garage door company can service garage door openers, door springs, rollers, and cables. It can also help if you have noisy garage doors. Garage door companies provide new garage doors as well. Some available options include steel, aluminum, mosaic, and overlay.

When you need new garage doors in Santa Maria or a garage door repair, contact the team at Precision Door of Santa Maria. It has been serving Santa Maria and the surrounding areas since 1999.