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When selecting a new garage door, homeowners often focus on aesthetics, insulation, and durability. However, one of the most critical factors to consider is safety. Garage doors are large, heavy, and complex systems that can pose significant risks if they malfunction or lack essential safety features. To protect your family, property, and peace of mind, it’s crucial to choose a garage door equipped with the latest safety technology. In this blog, we’ll explore the key safety features you should look for when shopping for a new garage door.
1. Auto-Reverse Function
One of the most essential safety features in modern garage doors is the auto-reverse mechanism. This system uses sensors to detect if something is obstructing the path of the door as it closes. If an object, person, or pet is in the way, the garage door will automatically reverse its direction to prevent injury or damage.
How It Works: The auto-reverse function typically relies on photo-eye sensors placed near the ground on either side of the door. These sensors emit an invisible beam across the garage entrance. If the beam is interrupted, the door will reverse.
Why It’s Important: Without this feature, a garage door could potentially crush objects or injure someone trapped underneath. The auto-reverse mechanism has been a mandatory feature for all garage doors manufactured after 1993, but it’s still essential to ensure that any new door you purchase has this feature in good working condition.
2. Manual Release Handle
In the event of a power outage or system malfunction, you’ll want to be able to open your garage door manually. A manual release handle is a simple yet critical feature that allows you to disconnect the garage door from the automatic opener, so you can lift it manually.
How It Works: The release handle is usually a red cord hanging from the garage door trolley system. Pulling it will disengage the motor, allowing you to operate the door by hand.
Why It’s Important: This feature is especially useful in emergencies, such as power outages or mechanical failures. Without it, you could be trapped inside your garage with no way to open the door manually.
3. Motion Detection and Lighting
Many new garage door systems come equipped with motion detection lights. These lights are designed to turn on automatically when movement is detected in or around the garage, providing illumination for safe entry and exit.
How It Works: Motion sensors are installed near the door’s opening, and they activate the garage light when someone approaches or moves inside the garage.
Why It’s Important: Motion-detecting lights increase safety by ensuring you never have to navigate a dark garage, reducing the risk of tripping or other accidents. They also deter potential intruders by illuminating the area when motion is detected.
4. Rolling Code Technology
Garage door openers use wireless technology to communicate between the remote control and the door. However, older systems with fixed codes can be vulnerable to hacking or code theft. Rolling code technology enhances security by automatically changing the access code each time the remote is used, preventing unauthorized access.
How It Works: With rolling code technology, the garage door opener generates a new, random access code each time the remote is pressed. This makes it nearly impossible for anyone to intercept and reuse the code to gain access.
Why It’s Important: This feature helps prevent break-ins and ensures that only authorized users can operate your garage door.
5. Pinch-Resistant Panels
Pinch injuries can occur when fingers or hands get caught between the door panels as the garage door opens or closes. Pinch-resistant panels are designed to prevent this type of injury by making it difficult for fingers to be trapped.
How It Works: The panels of pinch-resistant doors are designed with tapered edges that push fingers out of harm’s way when the door is moving.
Why It’s Important: This feature is particularly important for families with small children, who are at greater risk of getting their fingers caught in the door.
6. Secure Garage Door Opener System
A garage door is often the largest entry point to your home, so ensuring that it’s equipped with a secure opener system is crucial. Look for systems that offer features such as smartphone connectivity and remote monitoring, which allow you to check the status of your garage door and control it from anywhere via a mobile app.
How It Works: Smart garage door openers connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network, enabling you to monitor and operate the door through an app. Many systems also offer notifications, so you’ll be alerted if the door is left open or if there’s an attempt to access it.
Why It’s Important: A secure opener system provides peace of mind by allowing you to monitor your garage door remotely and ensure it’s always closed when you’re not at home. It also helps prevent unauthorized access by requiring a secure login to control the door.
7. Enhanced Locking Mechanisms
Garage doors should have robust locking mechanisms to prevent forced entry. In addition to the standard lock found on many manual doors, look for automatic openers with built-in locking systems that engage when the door is closed. Some systems offer deadbolt-style locks for added security.
How It Works: Automatic locking mechanisms engage once the door closes, adding an extra layer of protection against break-ins. Some models feature smart locks that can be controlled remotely, offering greater security.
Why It’s Important: Enhanced locking systems make it much more difficult for intruders to force the door open, ensuring your home and valuables are safe.
8. Battery Backup
In case of a power outage, you’ll want your garage door to continue functioning. Some newer garage door openers come with a battery backup system, which allows you to open and close the door even when the power is out.
How It Works: When the main power supply is disrupted, the battery backup kicks in, allowing you to operate the door for a limited number of cycles until the power is restored.
Why It’s Important: A battery backup system ensures that you’re not stranded or locked out of your home during a power outage, providing convenience and peace of mind in emergencies.
Final Thoughts
When shopping for a new garage door, safety should be your top priority. From auto-reverse mechanisms to rolling code technology, these features ensure that your garage door not only looks great but also keeps your family and home safe.
At Universal Garage Door Repair, we understand the importance of safety when it comes to garage doors. Our expert team can help you choose and install a garage door equipped with the latest safety features. If you’re in the market for a new garage door or need maintenance on your current one, give us a call at (801) 784-4550. Let us help you find the perfect garage door that meets your needs while keeping your family safe.