Garage doors have come a long way, thanks to technological developments and heightened public awareness of their dangers. A garage door is an integral part of your home’s safety and security system, not to mention an entry point to your home. This is why it’s so important to ensure that your garage door has essential safety features to keep you, your home and your family safe, whether you’re home or not.
1. Automatic Reversal System
An automated reversing mechanism is a critical safety component that keeps the garage door from slamming on people, pets and objects in its operational pathway. When the door encounters an obstacle, this system will identify it using sensors. To avoid harm or damage, the door will automatically reverse or stop its direction when it senses an obstacle.
There are usually two modes of operation for the automatic reversing system: contact and non-contact. In contact reversal, the door stops closing when it makes contact with an object; in non-contact reversal, sensors detect obstacles before the door even closes. This two-pronged strategy offers all-encompassing safety from mishaps.
2. Manual Release Mechanism
The garage door opener’s manual release is usually a handle or a red rope that hangs from the trolley. By pulling on it, you can operate the door manually instead of using the automated system. This feature lets you disconnect the garage door from the motorized opener in the event of a power loss or mechanical failure, which is a crucial ability in an emergency.
3. Photo-Eye Sensors
The non-contact reversing system isn’t complete without photo-eye sensors. On either side of the garage door opening, you’ll usually find these sensors set up close to the floor. When the door shuts, they send out an invisible beam. If anything comes into contact with the invisible beam, the door reverses its direction. If you have little children or dogs that could run under a closing door, this safety feature is a must-have. To keep these sensors working properly, you need to inspect them regularly and position them correctly.
4. Rolling Code Technology
Rolling code technology is a security measure that can protect against code theft and illegal access. The technology creates a fresh random code every time you use the remote to unlock the garage door. As a result, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for criminals to pick up your remote signal and hack it. Your garage and, by implication, your house will be much safer with this equipment installed.
5. Battery Backup System
You should have more than enough time to enter or leave your garage safely in the event of a power outage thanks to the backup battery, which usually delivers enough power for many cycles of opening and closing. In terms of security, this is more important than being a mere convenience. A malfunctioning garage door poses a serious threat in times of emergency when you need to swiftly exit your home or gain access to your vehicle.
6. Strong and Durable Materials
How sturdy and secure your garage door is depends heavily on the materials used to build it. The best defense against burglars and natural disasters is a sturdy, long-lasting material, such as solid wood, steel or aluminum. To avoid pinch points and other hazards, search for doors that include safety hinges and brackets.
7. Weather Seals and Insulation
Despite their common association with energy efficiency, weather seals and insulation on garage doors serve to enhance both comfort and security. By preventing water entry, effective sealing helps to avoid slippery surfaces and possible falls. Proper sealing also keeps pests from entering the garage. Insulation lessens the possibility of condensation, which reduces the risk of slippery surfaces and decreases mold growth.
8. Proper Balance and Alignment
Significant safety hazards can arise when an imbalanced door unexpectedly closes or doesn’t stay open. As part of your routine maintenance, you should examine the door’s balance and alignment and have an expert make any necessary modifications. A well-balanced door will remain open at different heights without any help.
9. Emergency Lock
Having an emergency lock adds peace of mind when you’re not around for long periods of time. Thanks to this feature, even if someone were to obtain your keypad code or remote, they would still be unable to open the garage door. The ability to remotely secure your garage is also an option with certain current systems, thanks to smartphone-controlled locks. In the event that you leave the door unlocked, this feature can come in handy.
Now that you know the safety features that your garage door needs, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection. Legacy Garage Doors also offers garage door replacements, spring repairs, door opener solutions and more. Call us today to schedule a garage door service for your home in Boise, ID.
