Garage Door Safety

Safety is an important aspect of your new or renovated garage door(s). Automatic garage doors are dangerous, and in fact can be deadly to anyone struck or trapped by a closing door, especially young children. Other than simple maintenance, any adjustment, replacement, or installation of garage doors and springs should be left to trained professionals.

Please see the information below on related safety items and tips provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the National Safety Council and the Industry Coalition for Automatic Garage Door Opener Safety.

Garage Door System Safety - An Automatic Decision

A garage door is the largest moving object in the home. They are often operated by electric door openers. Canadian hospitals participating in an injury reporting program recorded that 77.6% of garage door injuries occur at a person's own home and that 37.7% of injuries occur during the summer months of June through August. 59% of injuries involved caught, cut or crushed fingers or hands, and 23.5% involved a garage door coming down on a person. Most injuries and fatalities happen when children find access to garage door opening devices and are trapped under a door that does not automatically reverse. Over 85 children have died or suffered severe brain injuries involving automatic garage doors since 1974.

Proper installation, operation, maintenance and testing are necessary to provide safe, trouble-free operation. An improperly adjusted garage door or automatic opener can exert deadly force when the door closes. This could lead to serious injury or death from being hit by a closing garage door or from being trapped under the door. Approximately 1,000 people are sent to hospital emergency rooms every year, with major injuries related to attempting to work with torsion springs, which are under severe tension.

Safety is Everyone's Business

A few simple precautions can protect your family and friends from potential harm. With a safely designed garage door, detailed instruction to family members, warning labels in key locations, and regular maintenance, the risk of injury from garage doors can be dramatically reduced.

Please take a few minutes to read the following safety and maintenance information. Refer to your garage door and opener's manual for details specific to the model you own, then check the operation of your garage door and automatic opener.

Garage Door Openers Are Not Toys

Do Not stand or walk under a moving door. Do not let children or adults play "beat the door". It is dangerous and can result in serious injury or death. Adults should set a good example. Know how to use the emergency release, in case someone is pinned by the door.

Do Not let children play with or use the transmitters or remote controls. Install activation buttons at least six feet above the floor. Keep the remote control up and out of your child's reach or keep it in a locked car. Also consider retrofitting your door with keypad switches, which discourage use by children. Mount and use the button where you can clearly see the moving garage door.

Teach Your Children About Garage Door and Opener Safety
Garage door openers are not toys. Careless operation and allowing children to play with or use garage door opener controls can lead to tragic results. Discuss garage door safety with your children. Explain the danger of being trapped under the door. Set a good example for children. Make it a rule in your family to never walk beneath a closing door. Also, after activating a garage door, remember not to drive or walk away until the door is completely closed.

When using the push button or transmitter, keep the door in sight until it completely stops moving. Teach children never to play under or near an open garage door.

Teach children to keep their hands and fingers clear of section joints, hinges, tracks, springs and other door parts. Contact with a moving door or its hardware could cause serious injury. These injuries can also happen with garage doors that don't have automatic openers.

Routine Maintenance Can Prevent Tragedies

Take a few minutes to inspect and test your complete garage door system. Make monthly inspection and testing a part of your regular routine. Safety is everyone's business. Make garage door and garage door opener safety automatic in your home.

Monthly Maintenance Checklist:

Garage Door Opener

  • Reversal Test
  • Force Setting Test
  • Additional Safety Devices

Garage Door

  • Visual Inspection - Springs, Rollers, Pulleys, Cables and Track
  • Lubrication
  • Door Balance

Consult owner's manual for additional recommended maintenance for your models of door and opener.

Testing & Maintaining Garage Door Openers

There are routine safety and maintenance steps that you should follow once a month. Review your owner's manual for the door opener. If you do not have an owners manual, look for the opener model number on the back of the power unit and request a manual from the manufacturer.

Reversal Test
Make sure your opener has a reversing feature. If a reversing feature is not present, it should be replaced. Garage door openers manufactured after January 1, 1993 are required by federal law to have advanced safety features which comply with the latest U.L. 325 standards: Contact your manufacturer or installer for additional information.

Test the reversing feature every month.

  • First, test the balance of the door (consult your owner's manual or see instructions below). If the door is properly balanced, then proceed.
  •  Your door should reverse when it comes down on a roll of paper towels. With the door fully open, place a roll of paper towels on the floor in the center of the door. Do not test by using a firm object such as a block of wood; this does not indicate whether a door would reverse without causing injury to a child in its path.
  • Doors failing the paper towel test should be disconnected until they are professionally serviced. If the door cannot be sufficiently adjusted, replace it with a model that meets current safety standards.

Force Setting Test
Test the force setting of your garage door opener by holding the bottom of the door as it closes. If the door does not reverse readily, the force may be excessive and need adjusting. See your owners manual for details on how to make the adjustment. Test the reversing feature after any adjustment.

Additional Safety Devices
Many garage door openers can be equipped with additional safety devices. Consider adding a photo eye or edge sensor as an extra measure of safety to prevent against entrapment. Keep in mind that adding more safety devices will not make an old opener meet current U.L. standards.

Make sure the additional safety devices, such as photo eyes or edge sensors, are properly installed and adjusted (see owner's manual).

Testing & Maintaining Garage Doors

Perform routine maintenance steps once a month. Review your owner's manual for the garage door. If you don't have a manual, look for the model number on the back of the door, or check the lock handle, hinges, or other hardware for the manufacturer's name and request a manual from the manufacturer.

Visual Inspection
Look at the garage door springs, cables, rollers, pulleys, and other door hardware for signs of wear. If you suspect problems, have a qualified person make repairs.

Warning - Springs are under high tension. Only qualified persons should adjust them.

Garage door springs, cables, brackets, and other hardware attached to the springs, are under very high tension and, if handled improperly, can cause serious injury. Only a qualified professional or a mechanically experienced person carefully following the manufacturer's instructions should adjust them. The torsion springs (the springs above the door) should only be adjusted by a professional. Do not attempt to repair or adjust the torsion springs yourself. Encourage your family member to leave major maintenance to a garage door expert.

A restraining cable or other device should be installed on the extension spring (the spring along the side of the door) to help contain the spring if it breaks.

Never remove, adjust or loosen the screws on the bottom brackets of the door. These brackets are connected to the spring by the lift cable and are under extreme tension.

Lubrication
Regularly lubricate the moving parts of the door. However, do not lubricate plastic parts such as plastic rollers and plastic idler bearings. Consult the door owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendation.

Door Balance
Periodically test the balance of your door.

  • Start with the door closed
  • If you have a garage door opener, use the release mechanism so you can operate the door by hand when doing this test
  • You should be able to lift the door smoothly and with little resistance. It should stay open around three or four feet above the floor. If it does not, it is out of adjustment. Have it adjusted by a qualified service person.
Video

How to Select a Garage Door
Watch this video for ideas on what to look for in your next garage door.


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"I would like to thank Les for his expertise on our recent garage door installation. Les walked into the garage and stated that he had been here before. Ironically, he noticed the red sticker on the and his name on the old door stating that he installed it back in 1999. We were the same occupants of the house back then as well.” Fraser Maher

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"All is great! Thank you so much. It looks great too. I will talk The Door Company up to anyone who needs a new garage door. Thanks again.” R. Fabich

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"I wanted to pass along how happy I was with the service The Door Company provided today April 3, 2013. Your technician Dan arrived promptly at 1000hrs even though I was told it could be anytime between 1000hrs and 1200hrs. He demonstrated a professional attitude and a good work ethic. He was able to repair our garage door when other companies told me I would have to replace the entire door (without even seeing it) demonstrating true consideration for me the customer. I would be confident to recommend your company to my friends in the future. Thank you again for a wonderful experience.” Satisfied Customer in Kanata, Ontario

"I am writing to compliment your company and more specifically Dan Robillard for a job well done today. A cable snapped on our garage door yesterday afternoon…..called this morning at 7:00 and had Dan here by 11:00 and the door was fixed and he was on his way by 11:30 or so.
Well done….thank you for the quick turnaround! ” T. O'Neal, Kanata

"Absolute first rate experience. Derick provided excellent service.” Harry Foster, Aylmer

"Thank you for all the efforts you and your troops put in on this supplier issue. It is a pleasure working with you.” Len Quinn, Bower Construction

"The young lads that did the work were absolutely astonishing and I am "over the moon" with their work and my new garage doors.” Gary Read

"Thanks for setting up the appointment on the same day as my other family member. It made scheduling a lot easier. Jeff was great - he was fast and efficient. So thanks to you and your staff on a job well done!” James Flindall - Kanata

"I wish to take a minute to thank your installer [Derick] for his professional and high quality services. He did a fantastic job installing and adjusting the garage door and my husband and I wanted to acknowledge his work well done. Thank you for your good work. Keep it up.” M. Simard, Gatineau

"Great job with helping me pick out the right door for my house, and the installer was super polite and did a great job with the install! The garage doors look amazing! Thank you The Door Company!”

"Thank you for getting the dock leveler installed. Your installers [Steve & Remi] are very patient and professional considering this is such a hectic site, and all are stressed because of the tight schedule. Thank-you all!” VCL Construction

"Door is a 10 out of 10 and the service is outstanding. Highly recommended.” Denis Meyers, Orleans

"Wanted to say how pleased we are with the doors Corinne, and with Josh who's work was excellent - can't say enough about him. I'd hire him in a minute if he wasn't so happy at the job he has.” D. Champagne

"We are so very happy with the door and opener you installed.” Debbie Armstrong

"I wanted to send a sincere note of thanks to you and Corinne for taking such great care of my parents – they were very impressed with Corinne’s visit yesterday. They commented that she clearly “knew her stuff” and that she made the process very easy for them.” Gavin Mosley

"I called two door companies yesterday and you were the first to reply and look after me promptly. Your kindness and promptness is greatly appreciated and I have already passed your name along to others. You can't beat word of mouth advertising for great service...thanks again!” Sharon

"The crew you sent out today was very personable, diligent with attention to detail and jovial. They worked efficiently and upon completion after days of work, they left a clean site. Every establishment has a "complaint department" but not a "compliment dept". While I'm quick to speak up if I'm treated unjustly I also diligently follow up where credit is due.” S. Goonetilleke

"I just wanted to say thank you for the exceptional service provided by the two technicians who came to our house yesterday. I placed a service call on Monday just before 7 am and your crew showed up in the afternoon. Excellent response. Professional manner and very competitive price. I will recommend your company to anyone who needs garage door related work.” Cristian Tabra

"Really happy with your service. Allen was very helpful and professional.” J. Ries

"Corinne was terrific in helping take a design ‘idea’ to reality. Style, colour, windows, trim, you provided it all. We love our doors and would recommend your company to anyone.” George Coyle

"Please say thank you to Dan R. for a job well done. Blessings.” Joan

"Jay was a terrific representative, very polite and I'm really happy with today's install. Thank you.” Patricia Weinstein, Toronto

"Very pleased with Dan R changing our spring. He’s a hard worker. Definitely feel we made the right decision in calling your company.” Jeff Clark

"Please pass along my appreciation to Jeff. The door looks great and I was very impressed on how quickly it was installed and how very clean he left the job site, which is great since I have young kids.” Thanks, Matthew

"I want to express my thanks and gratitude to the technician that fixed my garage door problem. He was on time, courteous, very knowledgeable and very professional. He was able to figure out the problem and fix it very quickly. He also helped with my questions regarding my garage door opener. Best part was that there was no charge. Thank you very much!” Brian T

"My garage door spring was replaced this afternoon and I am very pleased with the service. The technician arrived within the window specified and the price was exactly as outlined. The technician was very courteous and happy to answer my questions. The cost to repair the door is fair and an excellent value. Thanks again for your prompt and excellent service.” Larry MacFadyen

"The new man-doors are great - your guys did a marvelous job.” Bill - Carleton Electric

"I learned about your company from one of my colleagues at work and following such an outstanding service, I will recommend your company to anyone who needs garage door related work.” All the best, C. Tabra - Manotick

"Thank you so much. Someone came out and fixed us up right here on the spot. How fantastic! He told us our garage doors will probably outlive us - always nice to hear” Lisa Bussell - Greely.

"Thank you for the exceptional service provided by the two technicians who came to our house yesterday. I placed a service call on Monday just before 7 am and your crew showed up in the afternoon. Excellent response. Not only did they fix the broken spring, but they also fixed the garage door opener for the other garage door, in a professional manner and at a very competitive price.” Cristian Tabra

"I really appreciated the prompt service and how the pleasant young gentleman who came to service my door took the time to explain the problem.” John Burke

"My garage door looks great! I am impressed with Les who was a very efficient and professional installer.” Larry Wilson

"Thank you for the quick response and great work when servicing my commercial door!” Bob Gifford, Gifford Automotive, Ottawa, ON

"The installation is amazing! Such a pleasure to work with professionals!” Gary Schafer, Tamarack Developments Corporation

"THANK YOU! It's difficult to find anyone these days who will give you the time of day unless there is a sale to be had. I boast about my garage door opener frequently and now I can throw in the company as well as the product. Thanks again!” S. Richardson, Holland Landing, Ontario

"I recently had two doors & openers installed by The Door Company. The professional installers arrived on time, and completed the job as promised & within budget.” Dave Peterson, Ottawa, ON

"Matt was meticulous, fabulous and tidy. It was a pleasure having him install our doors. Like that he was willing to do a little extra.” Chris Troughton, Ottawa, ON

"Super job! Your professional, friendly people were a pleasure to deal with. I was delighted my doors were installed far ahead of schedule. Your super fellow Matt tidied up the existing opener wiring and programmed the new opener to work on the same code. As a business owner I appreciate the turnkey approach with minimal effort on my part.” Cindy Watson, Ottawa, ON

"My wife and I (who are senior citizens used to criticizing!) are greatly pleased with our garage door installation. Chris arrived at the expected time and professionally completed the job. My hats off to you Chris. If this company hires people like him as a rule, I'm sure future customers will be equally satisfied.” Roy Leslie, Capmbellford, ON

"Thank-you. My garage door is as good as new. Dawson's service was great!.” Andrew Goodman

"We are very pleased with the quality and appearance of the new garage doors we recenlty had installed. They look great and the metal capping on the wood trim is very well done. A really nice touch was that the door opener was reinstalled correctly with new solid bracing and it operates better than it did before. Thank you!” Stew & Janet Nicol

"We would also like to compliment the men who installed our garage doors for their care, craftmanship, attention to detail and their pleasant co-operative service. We would feel very comfortable recommending your company to others.” Stew & Janet Nicol

"I am very impressed with Les' work, professionalism and friendliness. I also greatly appreciate that The Door Company installed my door so quickly from the time I placed my order.” Jocelyn Potyka

"Thank you again for the excellent customer service. Your team was very professional and extremely detailed in their work. I would not hesitate in recommending your company.” Angelo Gatto

"My door installation was extremely well done and my garage door looks awesome. Our insulated garage door has made the world of difference in temperature. Thank you.” Patrick Irwin

"Thanks! The door looks really good - great job! Ken who installed my door was a super nice guy.” Brian Ironmonger

"Door looks fantastic and Jay the installer was a really nice guy. Thank you.” Chris Fleming

"My garage doors look good and I am pleased. We can't get over the difference the windows make. Thank you.” Marty McClave

"Congrats Noreen on feedback from our staff member Ranka - "Noreen in service is such a pleasure to work with. Al was wonderful in his offer to come help me out of my garage [right away]."” Avi T.

"The doors are complete and look amazing. Everyone was fantastic to deal with. Again, thanks very much.” Jenny

"I am so happy with the Garage Doors that were installed at my home. They are a dramatic improvement over what was there and if I knew how nice they were I would have replaced my builder's doors years ago! Your salesman and installer were very easy going and excellent to deal with. Cheers.” Garry

"My door looks fantastic and even though Jay, the gentleman who installed my door, ran into some snags with my framing, he encountered them cheerfully.” Louise

"Just wanted to say how impressed and happy we are with everyone at The Door Company, from office staff through to service.” John Gerard Homes

"Thank you Tyler and installer Jeff for giving our old house a face-lift with the new garage doors. I'm now wondering why we didn't call you long before. The doors are WONDERFUL to look at and operate. The very professional and friendly service by both of you is greatly appreciated with, and the garage doors are very superior.” Gord & Joan Mouldey

"Would like to express my appreciation to Corinne for her time and patience. I really like the door and think The Door Company did a wonderful job.” Neil Clark

"I am writing to express my thanks and gratitude for the technician that came to fix my garage door problem. He was on time, courteous, very knowledgeable and very professional. He was able to fix it very quickly. He was also able to answer questions I had in regards to the garage door opener. The best part was that there was no charge due to an installation issue. Thank you very much!.” Brian T

"Wanted to thank-you for the great service. Your serviceman was very professional and a nice guy.” Herb, Owner, Elite Luxury Cars

"Thanks Folks – great service....” Vern White, Ottawa Chief of Police

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