Your garage door is one of the most-used entry points of your home. It opens and closes hundreds of times each year, quietly handling the heavy lifting without much thought — until something goes wrong. A malfunctioning or unsafe garage door can lead to property damage, injury, or even major security concerns.
That’s why every homeowner in Cornelius, NC should take garage door safety seriously. Whether you’re a new homeowner or you’ve been in your house for years, a few simple habits and checks can go a long way toward protecting your family, your belongings, and your peace of mind.
Here are the top garage door safety tips to follow at home.
1. Perform Regular Visual Inspections
Take a few minutes each month to look over your garage door system. You don’t need to be an expert — just observe the major components like the springs, cables, rollers, and tracks.
Look for:
- Frayed or loose cables
- Rust or corrosion
- Dents or cracks in the panels
- Loose hardware or screws
- Misaligned tracks or sagging sections
In Cornelius, fluctuating temperatures and humidity can cause wear on metal components. Catching these issues early helps you avoid bigger, more expensive problems down the road.
2. Test the Auto-Reverse Feature
Every garage door built after 1993 is required to have an auto-reverse safety feature. This system is designed to stop and reverse the door if it comes into contact with an object while closing.
To test it:
- Open the garage door
- Place a solid object (like a piece of wood or a roll of paper towels) on the ground beneath the door
- Close the door using the opener
The door should reverse as soon as it touches the object. If it doesn’t, contact a technician right away. This is a critical safety feature — especially for families with kids or pets.
3. Keep Remote Controls Out of Children’s Reach
Garage door openers might look like toys to a child, but they control a system that weighs several hundred pounds. Always keep remote controls out of reach and teach children never to play with garage door buttons or try to race under a moving door.
Consider mounting the wall button at least five feet off the ground and explain to your kids that the garage door is not a toy.
4. Don’t Attempt Spring or Cable Repairs Yourself
Garage door springs and cables are tightly wound and under significant tension. Trying to adjust, remove, or repair them without the right tools and experience can result in serious injury.
If you hear a loud snap, notice your door slamming shut, or see a spring or cable that’s broken, call a professional immediately. At Nabors Garage Doors, we regularly handle spring and cable replacements across Cornelius and always prioritize safe, reliable repairs.
5. Keep Your Garage Door Opener Secure
Your garage door opener is a direct gateway into your home. Make sure you’re taking basic steps to keep it secure:
- Don’t leave your remote visible in your car, especially when parked outside
- Consider upgrading to a keychain-sized remote or using a smartphone app
- Change your keypad code regularly
- Use rolling code technology if your system supports it
Many newer openers include built-in security features like encrypted codes and smartphone control, giving you extra peace of mind.
6. Watch and Listen During Operation
Your garage door system should operate smoothly and quietly. If you notice jerky movement, grinding sounds, squeaks, or banging, something is likely wrong.
Common warning signs include:
- Door sticking or shaking while opening
- Delayed response from the opener
- Loud noises from the springs or rollers
In Cornelius homes, sudden weather shifts can impact lubrication and part alignment. These noises are often early warnings of parts wearing out — and catching them early can help prevent bigger issues.
7. Lubricate Moving Parts
A little lubrication goes a long way toward safe operation. Every three to six months, apply a silicone-based garage door lubricant to:
- Rollers
- Hinges
- Tracks
- Springs
- Bearings
Avoid using WD-40 or grease-based products, as they can attract dirt or gum up moving parts.
If you’re unsure about where or how to apply lubricant, our technicians can walk you through it during your next service visit.
8. Don’t Leave the Door Partially Open
It might seem convenient to leave your garage door cracked open for air circulation or pets, but doing so creates a safety risk. A partially open garage door is more likely to:
- Slam shut unexpectedly
- Be forced open from the outside
- Create an opening for pests, debris, or intruders
Always fully open or close your garage door and avoid using it as a vent.
9. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Even with regular checks and good habits, a professional inspection and tune-up at least once a year is highly recommended. A trained technician can spot hidden wear, make precise adjustments, and ensure your system is running safely.
At Nabors Garage Doors, we offer routine maintenance services for homeowners throughout Cornelius, including:
- Spring and cable checks
- Track alignment
- Opener testing
- Sensor calibration
- Hardware tightening
- Safety feature testing
Annual maintenance extends the life of your system, reduces the risk of sudden breakdowns, and keeps your door operating smoothly.
10. Know How to Use the Emergency Release
In case of a power outage or mechanical failure, it’s important to know how to manually open your garage door.
Most openers have a red cord hanging from the trolley on the track. Pulling this cord disengages the opener so you can lift the door manually.
Practice using the emergency release (when the door is closed and secure), and make sure everyone in your household knows where it is and how it works.
Protect Your Home and Family with Smart Garage Door Safety
Garage doors are safe when installed and maintained properly — but they do carry risks if neglected or misused. Following these safety tips helps you avoid accidents, keep your system in good condition, and ensure smooth operation all year long.
Whether you’re a long-time homeowner or new to Cornelius, staying proactive with garage door safety is one of the best ways to protect what matters most.
Need a Safety Check or Repair?
If it’s been a while since your last garage door inspection, or if something seems off, Nabors Garage Doors is here to help. We serve homeowners throughout Cornelius with expert service, fast response times, and safety-focused solutions you can trust.
Contact us today to schedule a tune-up or repair at naborsgaragedoorsnc.com/contact — and enjoy the confidence that comes with a secure, smooth-running garage door system.