Garage Door Parts: Some Basic Safety Precautions

Posted: Apr 25, 2012
Author: Doors by Nalley of Lake Norman, Inc.

It’s very important to have faulty garage door parts replaced. Garages doors might seem like simple contraptions, but they are made up of many moving (and potentially dangerous) parts. The following parts should be checked regularly in order to avoid an unnecessary accident or injury.

• Springs: These can be extremely unsafe when they wear out. Replace old ones in pairs – even if only one is problematic. This will eliminate the risk of the second one playing up later on.

• Cables:Examine the cables that attach the lower brackets to the spring system. Worn or frayed cables are in danger of breaking and should be immediately replaced. Due to the hazards of high spring tension, cable replacement should be done by a trained technician.

• Safety Cables:If your garage door has extension springs, a safety cable needs to run through them and be secured to a ceiling or wall at both ends. If a spring breaks, the safety cable can contain it – thereby reducing the risk of injury.

• Old Tracks:It may be tempting to save money by installing a new garage door on an old track, but there’s a good chance they won’t be compatible. Save yourself future hassles by having the track replaced when the new door is installed.

Regular Service and Maintenance

Because your garage door parts are used every day, they are bound to break or wear down, creating safety hazards. You, as a homeowner, can perform visual check-ups every month – but an inspection by a garage door systems technician is a worthwhile yearly investment.