Garage Door Safety Tips Every San Antonio Homeowner Should Know

# Garage Door Safety Tips Every San Antonio Homeowner Should Know

Your garage door is likely the largest and heaviest moving object in your home, and keeping it in safe, working order is crucial for the well-being of your family and the security of your property. For homeowners in San Antonio, the intense Texas heat adds another layer of consideration for garage door maintenance. At Texas Pros Garage Doors, we want to empower you with the knowledge to keep your garage door operating safely and reliably. This guide provides essential safety tips, a monthly inspection checklist, and advice tailored for San Antonio residents.

## Your Monthly Garage Door Inspection Checklist

Performing a quick inspection of your garage door each month can help you identify potential problems before they become dangerous hazards. Here’s a simple checklist to follow:

### 1. Visual Inspection
Look over the entire garage door system, including the springs, cables, rollers, and pulleys. Check for any signs of wear, fraying, or damage. If you notice anything that looks out of place, it’s best to call a professional for a closer look. Do not attempt to adjust or remove springs or cables yourself, as they are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury.

### 2. Test the Door Balance
An unbalanced garage door has to work harder to open and close, which puts extra strain on the opener and other components. To test the balance, first disconnect the opener by pulling the emergency release cord. Then, manually lift the door to about halfway up. A well-balanced door should stay in place without assistance. If it slams down or shoots up, it’s a sign that the springs need to be adjusted by a professional from a trusted company like [Texas Pros Garage Doors](/garage-door-repair/).

### 3. Test the Auto-Reverse Feature
All modern garage door openers are equipped with an auto-reverse safety feature. To test it, place a roll of paper towels or a 2×4 board flat on the ground in the door’s path. When the door comes into contact with the object, it should immediately reverse direction. If it doesn’t, your opener needs to be serviced to ensure it can prevent a dangerous accident.

### 4. Lubricate Moving Parts
Keeping the moving parts of your garage door lubricated helps to reduce friction and wear. Apply a high-quality garage door lubricant to the rollers, hinges, and springs to keep them operating smoothly. This is especially important in the dusty Texas environment.

## Child Safety: A Top Priority

Tragically, garage doors can be a source of danger for children. It’s vital to teach your kids about garage door safety and take precautions to prevent accidents.

* **Keep Controls Out of Reach:** Mount the garage door opener wall control at least five feet above the floor, where children can’t reach it.
* **Remotes are Not Toys:** Store garage door remotes in a safe place and teach your children that they are not toys.
* **Never Play Under the Door:** Instruct your children to never play, stand, or run under a moving garage door.

## Understanding and Testing Your Auto-Reverse Feature

The auto-reverse mechanism is a critical safety feature that prevents the door from closing on a person or object. There are two types of safety sensors:

* **Mechanical Safety Edge:** This is a sensor on the bottom of the door that reverses the direction when it makes contact with an object.
* **Photo-Eye Sensors:** These are small sensors located on each side of the garage door opening, a few inches off the floor. If the infrared beam between the sensors is broken, the door will automatically reverse.

To test your photo-eye sensors, simply start to close the door and then wave an object (like your foot) in front of one of the sensors. The door should immediately reverse. If it doesn’t, check to make sure the sensors are aligned and clean. If they still don’t work, you may need [garage door opener service](/garage-door-opener-service/).

## How to Use the Emergency Release Cord

In the event of a power outage or a malfunctioning opener, you’ll need to know how to use the emergency release cord to open your garage door manually. The release cord is the red rope hanging from the opener’s track. To use it, simply pull the cord down and back until the opener is disengaged. You can then lift the door by hand. To re-engage the opener, pull the cord straight down.

## Weather-Proofing Your Garage Door for the Texas Heat

The extreme heat in San Antonio can take a toll on your garage door. The sun can cause the door’s finish to fade and peel, and the heat can cause the metal components to expand and contract, leading to wear and tear. Here are a few tips for protecting your garage door from the Texas heat:

* **Weather-Stripping:** Make sure the weather-stripping around your garage door is in good condition. This will help to keep the hot air out and the cool air in, which can also help to lower your energy bills.
* **Insulation:** If you spend a lot of time in your garage, consider a [new garage door installation](/new-garage-door-installation/) with a high R-value. An insulated door will help to keep your garage cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

## When to Call a Professional

While monthly inspections and minor maintenance can be done by homeowners, some repairs should always be left to the professionals. This is especially true for tasks involving the springs and cables, which are under high tension and can be extremely dangerous. If you need any of the following services, don’t hesitate to call a qualified technician:

* [Garage Door Spring Replacement](/garage-door-spring-replacement/)
* [Torsion Spring Replacement](/torsion-spring-replacement/)
* [Garage Door Cable Repair](/garage-door-cable-repair/)
* [Garage Door Panel Replacement](/garage-door-panel-replacement/)
* [Garage Door Roller Replacement](/garage-door-roller-replacement/)
* [Garage Door Track Repair](/garage-door-track-repair/)

## Your San Antonio Garage Door Experts

By following these safety tips, you can help to ensure that your garage door remains a safe and reliable part of your home. For expert garage door repair and installation in San Antonio, trust the professionals at Texas Pros Garage Doors. **Call us today at (210) 880-2713 or visit our contact page to schedule a service!**

---

Related Articles You May Find Helpful

• Garage Door Security: 10 Ways to Protect Your Home
• DIY Maintenance vs Professional Service
• Signs Your Springs Need Replacement

Our Services

• Professional Garage Door Repair