Why You Should Never Ignore a Faulty Garage Door Opener
A typical overhead garage door can weigh anywhere between 130 and 400 pounds, making it a substantial force in motion. What ensures that this heavy door operates safely and reliably? The garage door opener. A crucial component of your garage door system, the opener controls many safety features that protect you, your family, and your property. In fact, federal regulations require all residential garage openers in the US to include safety features that prevent the door from causing harm or injury. If these organizations emphasize the importance of a working opener, shouldn't you as well? Let's take a closer look at the safety features of garage door openers and the risks of ignoring a malfunction.
Safety Features of a Garage Door Opener
Auto-Reverse System Since 1992, garage doors must comply with federal laws regarding entrapment protection. The auto-reverse mechanism is one of the most important features that ensure safety. This system uses beam sensors installed in the door's path to detect any obstruction. If an object or person blocks the door's descent, the sensors will trigger the door to reverse direction automatically within two seconds. This prevents injuries and damage.
Time Reversal System The time reversal system acts as a backup to the auto-reverse mechanism. If the door doesn't close fully within 30 seconds, the opener assumes something is trapped beneath it. The system will then reopen the door, ensuring nothing or no one remains stuck.
Force Settings Some garage door openers, like those from LiftMaster, allow you to adjust the force required for opening and closing the door. When the door contacts an object or person and detects resistance, the force settings will trigger the opener to reverse the door's direction, preventing injury or damage.
Automatic Lighting System The automatic lighting system ensures visibility when the garage door is activated. Two light bulbs illuminate for four to five minutes when motion is detected, providing a clear view of the garage space. This is especially useful when entering your garage at night.
Manual Emergency Release A red handle on the center track allows you to manually disconnect the door from the opener in emergencies. This feature is crucial if someone or something gets trapped beneath the door, or if the opener fails, allowing you to open or close the door manually.
The Risks of a Faulty Garage Door Opener
While garage door openers are designed to enhance safety, a malfunctioning opener can pose serious risks:
- Safety Reverse Failure: If the safety reversing mechanism is not working, it could lead to severe injuries or even death, especially to children who may be playing near the door.
- Incorrect Force Settings: If the force settings are improperly adjusted, the opener may fail to reverse the door when encountering an obstruction, increasing the risk of injury.
- Faulty Photo Eye Sensors: Defective sensors may fail to detect an obstruction, leaving the door to close on a person, pet, or object.
- Broken Manual Release Handle: Rust or wear and tear may cause the manual release handle to break, making it impossible to manually open the door in an emergency.
- Security Risks: Many garage door openers come with security features such as rolling codes, which prevent intruders from gaining access. If these security features malfunction, your garage door may become vulnerable to unauthorized entry.
Garage Door Repair Near Me
Given the significant risks of a malfunctioning garage door opener, it is essential to maintain a fully functional system. At Titan Garage Doors Lincoln, NE, we specialize in garage door opener installation and repairs to ensure your garage operates safely. Our services extend across Lincoln, Papillion, Bellevue, and Council Bluffs, IA, and we're committed to keeping your home secure and your garage door in perfect working condition.
Don't wait until an emergency arises—call us today at (402) 576-5771 to request a free estimate for garage door opener services. Trust Titan Garage Doors to keep your home and family safe!
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