The importance of garage door safety and the dangers to your family
Today, garage doors are more than a simple entryway. They’re also a home safety feature that improves the quality of life for residents and their families. Garage doors add security to homes and keep children from wandering outside without adult supervision. However, in recent years, garage doors have been linked to dozens of injuries and even fatalities. Falls, entrapment, and motor accidents are common problems that have raised awareness about the dangers posed by garage doors. If you or someone you know is using a garage door as part of your home’s security system, it’s important to understand the risks involved and take measures to reduce them as much as possible.
Types of Garage Doors: Which One Is Right for You?
Garage doors come in a variety of styles and materials. Therefore, deciding which is right for your home can be difficult.
There are three types of garage doors: roller, sectional, and one piece. Sectional garage doors are the most popular type in the US.
When choosing a garage door, you should consider the following factors:
The type of material you want your door to be made out of. Common materials include wood, steel, and aluminum.
The size of your garage opening. Make sure to measure the width and height of your garage door opening before you start shopping!
Your budget. Garage doors can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
Once you have considered all of these factors, you should be able to narrow down your choices and find the perfect garage door for your home!
unsuspecting dangers of automatic garage doors
As people age, they are more likely to experience a disability that makes them more susceptible to injuries. Aging populations are driving the need for home health and assisted living services. Unfortunately, people in these situations are particularly at risk for garage door injuries. Automatic garage doors are especially dangerous for seniors, disabled individuals, and children because the doors close automatically. Seniors and disabled individuals may not be strong enough to open the door if they forget to do so beforehand. Children may not understand the danger of playing near the garage door or even forget to close it after use. Automatic garage doors pose a fall hazard for people of all ages. If you have an automatic garage door, consider replacing it with a manual door. You can also install a doorbell that alerts you when someone presses the button, giving you enough time to open the door before it closes.
Entrapment Hazards
The spaces between a garage door and frame can pose a serious entrapment hazard. If a child or pet becomes stuck between the garage door and frame, they risk injury or even death due to asphyxiation. Automatic garage doors pose the same entrapment risks as standard garage doors, as they are designed to close and seal tightly. You can reduce the risk of entrapment by installing sealant or weather stripping around the frame of your garage door. You should also avoid storing items near the garage door that could provide an entry point for small children and pets.
The dangers of a neglected garage door
The motor of a garage door is often located above the door itself. This presents a serious risk of injury if the door is not retracted properly: If the door is too heavy, the motor could stall or break. If the door does not extend enough, someone may hit the door and suffer an injury. If the door extends too far, someone may fall from the roof or be hit by the door. Finally, if the door does not retract fully, you may experience an increase in energy costs due to reduced airflow. A garage door that has not been maintained properly poses all these risks.
Recommendations for Safer Garage Doors
Non-automatic garage doors pose fewer risks than automatic garage doors, but there are still ways to reduce the risks: Install a manual door with wide-sweeping hinges, a heavy-duty motor, and a slow-closing mechanism. Manual garage doors are much safer than automatic garage doors and pose fewer risks of injury and accidents. You can also install sealant or weather stripping around the frame of your garage door. Routinely inspect your garage door for damage and signs of wear: The springs should be taut but not overly tight. The door should close and open smoothly. The cables should be taut, and the ends should not be frayed. Also, if you have moved to a new house and you are waiting for your local moving company. Keep a close eye on the movers and make sure they don’t hit your garage door. Occasionally, after the movers leave, the homeowner discovers that the garage door has been damaged.
Final Words
A garage door plays an important role in your family’s daily routine. It provides a safe way to come and go while shielding loved ones from the elements. Unfortunately, garage doors also pose safety risks. Falls, entrapment, and motor accidents are common problems that have raised awareness about the dangers posed by garage doors. Fortunately, you can reduce the risks posed by a garage door by installing a manual door with wide sweeping hinges, a heavy-duty motor, and a slow-closing mechanism.