Learn about the most dangerous garage door accidents and how to avoid them. For expert assistance, trust Garage Door Repair in Seattle WA to keep your garage door safe.
Do you know that garage doors have injured roughly 30,000 Americans in just one single year? Those accidents are horrific and, at times, even fatal. While garage doors provide ease in our lives, they can also be hazardous if not cared for properly. This blog will cover the most fatal garage door accidents, their causes, and how to prevent them. This information is essential for both homeowners and tenants alike. If you ever need assistance, don’t hesitate to call garage door repair in Seattle WA for professional help.
Garage Door Repair – Crushing Injury: Weight of Danger
Tip: Check sensors regularly to avoid a crushing incident from occurring.
Some garage doors weigh more than 200 pounds. If these doors or their sensors fail, then crushing injuries are most likely to occur. Children and pets are especially vulnerable. Imagine what a heavy door suddenly falling shut can do. Therefore, inspect and maintain your garage door sensors regularly to ensure they function correctly. The sensors should stop the door from closing if something crosses its path. However, if the sensor is displaced or damaged, it will not prevent the door, and injury will result.
Spring Failures: The Hidden Risk
Tip: Avoid DIY garage door spring repairs at all costs.
In most cases, spring-powered garage doors glide up and down effortlessly. But, if their springs break, they can turn into lethal missiles. The tension in torsion springs is so muscular that they may even kill if they snap. Therefore, only professionals should be allowed to fix springs. Since spring tension is difficult to handle, do-it-yourself fixes might result in severe accidents. For safe, high-risk repairs, seek specialists like garage door repair in Seattle WA to handle the job correctly.
Falling Doors: The Sudden Drop
Tip: Regularly test door balance to avoid a sudden fall.
Unbalanced or uncared-for garage doors may fall unexpectedly. Also, this type of accident can lead to severe injury or even death. Over time, wear and tear may offset the door’s balance, increasing the chances of a fall. Unhook the opener and raise the door halfway to check for balance. If the door moves, it’s time to call in a professional. Periodic maintenance checkups can save your family from this potential catastrophe.
Finger Pinching Injuries: Beware
Tip: Try not to touch the doors when opening or closing them.
Where panels of garage doors touch, pinch points are formed. Fingers caught at pinch points can suffer painful injuries, especially in toddlers, who might not understand the danger. Modern garage doors often have pinch protection, but older ones may not. Also, teach your family about the risk, and consider replacing your door with a safer model if it lacks these features. Always keep fingers and hands away from moving doors to avoid these injuries.
Garage Door Opener Failures: Technology Can Fail
Tip: Regularly test your opener to ensure it’s working correctly.
Garage door openers are convenient but can be dangerous when they malfunction. Injury or death may happen if an opener fails and does not reverse the door’s movement when obstructed. To ensure your opener is functioning correctly, test its auto-reverse feature regularly. This mechanism automatically reverses the door if it touches an object during its downward path, thus avoiding accidents. If it doesn’t work, this is the time you’ll want to have it fixed. Furthermore, a quality garage door opener will help your family avoid accidents and keep everyone safe.
Remote Control Abuse: Not a Toy
Tip: Keep garage door remotes out of the reach of children.
Garage door remotes are convenient, yet they can be lethal if misused. Children might see the remote as a toy and keep opening the door without understanding the dangers. Should there be someone in its path when the door closes, accidents could quickly happen. Always keep remotes beyond children’s reach. Keypad entry systems are much safer than handing out remotes to family members. Keeping remotes out of reach minimizes the chance of accidental operation and related injuries.
Neglect Can Kill
Tip: Regular inspections catch problems early.
Neglecting maintenance is one of the most common mistakes made with garage doors. As parts wear out, become misaligned, or break, accidents occur. Professional inspections can detect these flaws well before they become serious concerns. Furthermore, lubricating moving parts, checking the balance, and testing the sensors and opener are essential maintenance tasks. Or look for professionals offering garage door repair in Seattle WA. You can prevent accidents by keeping up with regular maintenance instead of inviting them.
Manual Lifting: Avoid the Strain
Tip: Use the emergency release carefully, and don’t lift heavy doors alone.
You might have to manually open the garage door in case of a power loss. However, lifting large doors can be difficult and poses a risk of physical injury or accidents if the door slides down. While the emergency release is helpful, it should be used with caution. Never try to raise a large or jammed door on your own. Seek help instead, or at least wait for professionals. Be very cautious and take necessary precautions to avoid mishaps resulting from manual lifting.
Poor Wiring: Electrical Hazards
Tip: Check your garage door’s wiring for wear regularly.
Shocks and fires are critical disasters that garage door wiring issues can cause. Short circuits may occur when frayed or broken wires touch other components. Since it’s relatively easy to spot, regular examination can help detect these problems early. If you notice exposed cables or erratic door operation, fixing them immediately is essential to avoid accidents. Also, ensuring that your garage door’s electrical elements are in good condition is crucial for safety.
Hazardous Installation
Tip: Ensure that a specialist installs the garage door.
Improper installation of a garage door can result in numerous safety hazards. Furthermore, an incorrectly placed door can operate erratically; it might jerk or even fall off the rails, injuring people or pets. That’s why it’s essential to have specialists install your garage door properly and safely. Poorly fitted doors are dangerous, so don’t cut corners when installing.
DIY Repairs: Risky
Tip: Trust specialists for complex repairs.
Many people need to learn the dangers involved in fixing their garage doors. DIY repairs of high-tension springs or heavy parts can result in a worse situation or even injury. Fixing a garage door without the proper equipment and knowledge can be disastrous. Repairs are much safer and more effective when left in the hands of a professional.
Obstructed Tracks: Keep Them Clear
Tip: Keep tracks free from debris for a clear path to ensure smooth operation.
Garage door tracks can become clogged with dirt, debris, or even small objects, causing the door to malfunction. When the tracks are blocked, the door might get stuck or fall off, leading to accidents. Cleaning the tracks and removing any obstacles is a simple way to solve this problem. Regularly inspecting the tracks and clearing away debris can ensure the door runs smoothly and safely.
Conclusion: Be Safe and Seek Professional Help
Garage doors ensure convenience but can become perilous if not correctly maintained or used. The hazards range from crushing injuries to spring failures. The only way to keep your family safe is by following regular maintenance and safety suggestions. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t try to DIY—call in a professional instead. Remember, safety comes first. For further questions, please get in touch with Garage Door Repair in Seattle WA. It’s worth it for your security and peace of mind.