With the school holidays in full swing, there are more children, bikes and pets around driveways than at any other time of year. Modern electric garage doors are designed with safety in mind, but they are still large, heavy moving objects. Here’s how to make sure your garage door stays safe for the whole family.

How modern doors protect against accidents

Most modern electric garage doors include safety features such as automatic reversal when the door meets an obstruction, and many can be fitted with photocells — infrared safety beams across the opening that stop and reverse the door if something passes through. These features only work properly if the door is correctly set up and maintained.

Simple monthly safety checks

• Obstruction test — place a soft object such as a rolled-up towel in the door’s path and close the door. It should stop and reverse on contact
• Photocell test — if you have safety beams, wave an object through them as the door closes. The door should stop and reverse
• Listen and look — grinding, jerking or slow movement can be early signs of a problem
• Check the manual release — make sure adults in the house know where it is and how it works

If your door fails any of these checks, stop using the automatic function and book a repair.

Good habits for families

• Keep remotes out of reach of young children, and avoid leaving them in an unlocked car
• Teach children never to run under a moving door or play with the controls
• Always watch the door until it has fully closed
• Keep pets inside or on a lead when the door is operating
• Don’t leave bikes, toys or bins in the doorway

Springs and cables need a professional

Garage door springs and cables are under high tension. Never attempt to adjust or replace them yourself — this is a job for a trained engineer. Our garage door spring repair team can safely replace worn or broken springs.

Is your door overdue a service?

An annual garage door service includes checking safety features, adjusting force settings, and lubricating moving parts. For older doors without modern safety features, upgrading to a new electric garage door may be the safest option.

Call 0116 332 3613 or contact us to book a safety check anywhere across the Midlands.