What are the real dangers of using a garage door that is too old

We see it every day when we leave for work, and it’s the same thing when we come back at night. We say to ourselves: “Ah, it’s not too serious, it makes all kinds of noise … it can wait a little longer. After all, I press the remote control, it opens and closes anyway! “

That being said, YES … we can wait a little longer and keep our old garage door. But what are the dangers that can affect my safety and that of my loved ones?

Here’s what your decision to postpone your purchase may entail.

First of all,…

It is important to remember that your garage door is the most important moving part of your home, and therefore it is essential that it operates safely and especially when you need it the most.

The second point that we forget too often: the garage door can represent 20 to 45% of the facade of your home. This is the first thing you see when you park at the garage entrance. An old, poorly maintained and old garage door will give visitors a different picture of your personality, which you do not want to show, do you?

The spring system is capital!

Garage door openers system. Close up on Detail of Garage Door Installation
Photo: Bildlove, Bigstock

If your garage door is old and has almost never been adequately maintained, it may be that the spring system, also known as the “counterweight system”, to lift and close the door is out of adjustment. The life of the springs, torsion or extension, is about 5 to 7 years.

Another point you need to know is that a 9-foot wide garage door can weigh about 140 lbs (63.5 kg) and a 16-foot garage door (2 car garage), about 260lbs (118 kg). A garage door opener can easily lift a garage door up to 350 lbs (159 kg), but remember one important thing; it will push down the same weight. That’s where the danger comes from. If the photoelectric sensors do not work well, this can lead to serious accidents.

To give you a reference, if the spring system works very well, a well-balanced garage door will weigh between 8 and 10 pounds (3.5 to 4.5 kg). To find out, you need to pull the emergency cord to deactivate the opener and then lift your door with one hand. If this is not possible, contact DOIC garage doors without delay. Do not try to fix the problem yourself. The spring system is under high tension. You could be seriously injured if you do not know anything about garage door repairs.

Tighten bolts and nuts before it falls!

Another source of noise from your old garage door is that some nuts and bolts may need to be tightened. Look closely at the hinges and the system that holds the rails. If necessary, bolt these parts securely.

And the wheels it rolls?

The word says it very well: wheels must roll in the rails and not slide. If they have become “square”, it’s time to change them! Also, if you find that they are about to get out of the steel rod that holds them back, still there, do not wait. Have the necessary repairs done.

And if all goes well, proper lubrication of the metal parts is necessary.

Garage doors installation. Close up of lifting system in metal profil
Photo: Brizmaker, Bigstock

If your garage is damp, please note that some metal parts in your old garage door may wear prematurely. The rust will do its job …proper lubrication of all the metal parts (springs, wheels, rails) will prolong their useful life and their proper functioning.

And what about your opener?

If your opener is as old as Tom Jones, it is entirely possible that it is not equipped with automatic overturning systems. This means that if a person or animal passes under the door when it is in the descent position, it must go up automatically. Unfortunately, there are too many unfortunate incidents involving children because one or both of the inversion systems did not work correctly.

We recommend that you change your garage door opener if it was manufactured before 1993. It’s about your safety and that of your loved ones.

And why not take advantage of new technologies?

Since the Internet is more and more present in our lives, garage door openers have come to the fore! Since 2014, advanced MyQ technology allows you to open and close your door wherever you are. The MyQ system will enable you to remotely check if you have closed your garage door, especially if you when quickly this morning for a meeting at the office.

Specialists can help you see more clearly!

If you are tired of problems with your old garage door, contact specialists in your area. Their will be happy to explain the full range of garage doors and garage door openers on the market.

Paul Christopher
Paul Christopherhttps://bluemango.media
Paul Christopher is an experienced writer in many fields has implemented successful digital strategies and campaigns for companies throughout Australia for 12 years
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