Garage doors and their accessories make our lives simpler. Think of how convenient it is to just use your garage door opener and drive your car in from rain or other weather conditions without having to get drenched. While convenient, garage doors and their accessories are made up of components that can be dangerous if not used properly. Chicago residents who are thinking of having a garage door installed should take some time to learn about operating them safely to protect themselves and their families.
Here are some of the components of garage doors that Chicago residents must learn how to use safely:
* Extension and Torsion Springs – Extension and torsion springs balance garage doors and give lifting power that assists in opening the garage door. The danger with extension springs is that they can snap and fly into the air, causing injury to those in their path. Safety springs can be installed in the extension springs to prevent this from happening.
* Corner Brackets – The corner brackets are attached to the lower corners of the garage door. The lift cables used to open and close the door are attached by these brackets. There is a high amount of tension placed on lift cables, which can cause the brackets to loosen and become airborne. This can cause injury to those in close proximity. Corner brackets must always be securely fastened.
* Garage Door Opener – The garage door opener is a motorized device that opens and closes the door. If the reversing mechanism is not properly adjusted, the door does not reverse upon hitting an object. This can cause serious injury and even death to children who may become trapped under these doors. To prevent injury, make sure the reverse mechanism is always in proper working order.
* Lift Handles and Pull Ropes – Lift handles and pull ropes allow the door to be manually opened and closed. These devices should be removed for doors with automatic openers, as they can snag the operator’s loose clothing when the door is opened.
* Photoelectric Eyes and Sensing Edges – These are sensors that are mounted approximately 5 to 6 inches above the floor on either side of the garage door. If the beam is broken, it can cause the door to reverse direction, which could cause injuries. The sensing edge senses obstructions when the door is closing and will cause it to reverse direction. These devices must be in working order to prevent someone from being trapped inside.
It only takes a little time for Chicago residents who purchase garage doors to learn how to operate them safely. You don’t want to face unnecessary injuries and medical bills to yourself or your family. Owning the right garage door in Chicago can make your life much simpler, and you will feel secure knowing your family knows how to operate them correctly.
