Your garage door is more than just an entryway to your home. It’s a crucial part of your family’s safety and security. A well-maintained garage door prevents accidents, extends the life of your door, and gives you peace of mind. Let’s explore key garage door safety tips for New Zealand homeowners to keep your family safe and property secure.
A properly maintained garage door is a safe one. Over time, wear and tear can lead to mechanical failures, which could pose a risk to your home and loved ones. To help your garage door stay in top condition, follow these maintenance tips:
By keeping up with these simple maintenance and inspection tasks, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and ensure your garage door operates safely.
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features designed to prevent accidents, but these systems need to be checked periodically to ensure they are functioning correctly. One of the most important features to test is the auto-reverse system.
Here are two ways to test it:
Place a solid object, such as a wooden block, under the garage door. Press the close button. If the door does not reverse immediately upon hitting the object, the auto-reverse function may need servicing.
Dominator recomends garage doors have photoelectric sensors near the bottom of the tracks. Wave an object, like a broom, in front of the sensors while the door is closing. The sensors may be misaligned or malfunctioning if the door doesn’t immediately stop and reverse. If either test fails, consult a garage door technician to repair or replace faulty components. These safety features are essential for preventing injuries and damage to your vehicle or belongings.
Children are naturally curious, and a moving garage door can seem like an exciting plaything. However, it’s vital to teach them that garage doors are not toys and should always be used with caution. Here are some essential garage door safety rules for kids:
By teaching these habits early, you can help prevent accidents and ensure that your garage door is used safely by all members of your family.
Beyond regular maintenance and safe operation, consider these additional security steps:
While on holiday, unplug the garage door opener unit or activate vacation mode, which disables all remotes except one. This feature comes standard with Dominator Garage Door Openers and helps prevent unauthorised access.
If your garage door opener doesn’t have rolling-code technology, change the manufacturer’s standard access codes on the opener and remote control. Rolling-code technology, such as Dominator's Tri-TranTM 128, updates the access code each time the opener is used, preventing code grabbing by thieves. If your model lacks this feature, consider upgrading to a newer, more secure garage door opener.
A worrying trend in home invasion involves burglars gaining access by stealing garage remotes from vehicles. Never leave your remote in the car or with a parking attendant. Instead, attach it to a keychain and always lock the door leading from the garage into your home.
If you suspect an issue with your garage door’s safety mechanisms, don’t wait. Contact a professional for an inspection. A small fix today can make all the difference. Even if your door is in an acceptable shape, an expert can identify potential trouble areas or make suggestions on making your garage door area even safer. For expert advice and quality garage door solutions, visit Dominator, New Zealand’s trusted garage door safety and security experts.
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