May is Garage Door Safety Month, a crucial time to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining, inspecting, and ensuring the security of one of the largest moving parts of your home—your garage door. A properly functioning garage door not only provides convenience but also enhances your home’s security and safety for the entire family. At Banko Overhead Doors, we are committed to educating homeowners on garage door safety and providing high-quality solutions to keep homes protected.
Why Garage Door Safety Matters
Garage doors are often overlooked when considering home safety, yet they pose significant risks if not maintained properly. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that garage doors cause over 30,000 injuries annually, including pinched fingers, crushed limbs, and other serious accidents. Children and pets are especially vulnerable, making regular safety checks essential.
Beyond physical safety, garage doors also play a critical role in home security. A weak or malfunctioning garage door can provide an easy entry point for intruders. Ensuring your garage door is sturdy, well-maintained, and equipped with modern security features is key to protecting your home.
Top Garage Door Safety Tips for Your Family
1. Test the Auto-Reverse Feature
Modern garage doors come with an auto-reverse feature that prevents the door from closing if something is in its path. To test it, place a solid object, such as a wooden block, under the door. If the door does not immediately reverse upon contact, schedule a professional inspection.
2. Keep Remote Controls Away from Children
Garage door remotes may seem like toys to young children, but they can pose serious risks. Store remotes out of reach, and educate children about the potential dangers of playing with the garage door.
3. Keep an eye on the Springs, Cables, and Rollers
Garage door springs and cables are under high tension and can cause severe injuries if they snap. If you notice fraying or wear, NEVER attempt to touch or fix yourself, to avoid bodily hard. ALWAYS contact a professional technician rather than attempting DIY repairs.
4. Schedule Regular Maintenance
A yearly inspection by a certified garage door technician ensures that all components are working correctly and safely. Preventative maintenance helps identify small issues before they turn into costly repairs.
5. Never Leave the Garage Door Partially Open
Leaving the garage door partially open invites security risks and creates an unsafe environment where the door could unexpectedly close. Always fully open or close the door to prevent accidents.
6. Secure Your Garage Door Remote
Avoid leaving your garage door remote in your car, especially if parked outside. Consider using a keychain remote or installing a smart garage door opener with app-controlled access.
7. Upgrade to a Smart Garage Door Opener
Smart technology, such as myQ powered-Wi-Fi enabled garage door openers, allows homeowners to monitor and control their garage doors remotely. These systems send alerts if the door is left open and provide live video feeds for added security.
Avoiding Scammer Garage Door Companies
Another critical aspect of garage door safety is ensuring you hire a trusted, reputable company for repairs and installations. Unfortunately, there are fraudulent companies that scam homeowners by overcharging, providing low-quality parts, or failing to complete the work.
Signs of a Scammer Garage Door Company:
- No Physical Address: Beware of companies that do not have a verified business location.
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics: If a technician insists on immediate, expensive repairs, get a second opinion.
- No Online Reviews or Poor Ratings: Check Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites for customer feedback.
- Unbranded Vehicles or Unprofessional Technicians: Reputable companies have clearly marked service vehicles and trained professionals.
At Banko Overhead Doors, we pride ourselves on transparency, integrity, and top-quality service. Our technicians are highly trained, background-checked, and committed to providing honest assessments and fair pricing.
Banko Overhead Doors: Your Trusted Garage Door Experts
When it comes to garage door safety, choosing a reliable provider is just as important as regular maintenance. Banko Overhead Doors has been serving Florida homeowners for over 35 years, offering high-quality garage doors and security solutions tailored to your needs.
Our Safety-First Product Selection Includes:
- Hurricane-Rated Garage Doors: Built to withstand Florida’s extreme weather conditions, protecting your home from storm damage.
- Insulated Garage Doors: Improve energy efficiency and noise reduction while reinforcing security.
- Wi-Fi Enabled Garage Door Openers with Cameras: Our openers, powered by myQ technology, allow you to monitor and control your garage door from anywhere, providing added security and peace of mind.
Make Garage Door Safety a Priority This May
Garage Door Safety Month is the perfect time to take action. Follow safety guidelines, schedule inspections, and ensure you’re working with a trusted provider like Banko Overhead Doors. A safe, secure garage door not only protects your home but also gives you peace of mind knowing your family is safe.
Schedule your garage door safety inspection today! Contact Banko Overhead Doors to learn more about our safety-focused solutions and expert services.
