In light of June being garage door safety month, we at Trinity Fireside have decided to provide a list of helpful tips to prevent possible injuries and complications that can occur. This is not a list that covers all manufacturer’s doors, but tends to be the most common issues that homeowners run into.

GARAGE DOORS
The springs on a garage door can be the most dangerous part of the door itself. Over time these springs wear out and need to be replaced in order to prevent them from breaking and causing injuries. Doors that have two springs should have both replaced at the same time. This will not only avoid injury but will continue to allow your door to work efficiently and properly. When the springs are squeaky, try lubricating first and if the noise persists call a technician for maintenance.


DON’T FORGET THE CABLES
Check the cables alongside the spring system for worn or frayed cords. When worn, these cables are at a higher risk of breaking and can cause injury. Call a trained technician to replace the cables when needed. When a garage door has extension springs, a safety cable should be used to contain the springs. Extension springs are under high tension and can cause injury if it breaks.

KEEP IT SMOOTH
Garage doors should open and close smoothly whether old or new. When doors move awkwardly up and down, it may mean that the spring system is out of balance. Similar to balancing tires on a car, balancing springs prevents wear which allows for long term use. Also, when purchasing a new door, it’s tempting to use the old garage door track in order to save a few dollars. However, each door is different in weight, size, and material. For safety, longevity, and ease, it’s best to replace the track to match the new door. Then the two will function as one.

WATCH YOUR FINGERS
Many homeowners pinch their fingers each year when pulling down a garage door to close. If the door does not have pinch-resistant joints, they should have lift handles or suitable gripping points on both sides of the door. Even for those with an opener, it’s best to have door handles in the event that the electricity goes out or if the opener isn’t working.

Installing a garage door on your own can be dangerous. It’s safest to have a trained technician install and to annually check/maintain your garage door. Each door is manufactured differently. It’s important to read the manual and to store it nearby when needed.
Make sure your garage door is safe this month! Visit https://trinityfireside.com/steel-garage-doors/ to view our selection of garage doors!