Garage doors are often overlooked when it comes to home safety, but they can pose significant hazards if not properly maintained. These heavy, spring-loaded doors can cause serious injuries or even fatalities if they malfunction. As a home inspector, it's crucial to understand the potential dangers and know what to look for during an inspection.

The Dangers of Garage Doors

• Weight and Tension: Garage doors are among the heaviest moving objects in a home and operate under high tension. This makes them inherently dangerous if they come loose or malfunction.

• Injuries: Thousands of emergency room visits each year are attributed to garage door accidents, often involving pinched fingers or, more seriously, entrapment.

• Child Safety: Tragically, children have been killed by garage doors that failed to automatically reverse.

Essential Safety Features

During an inspection, pay close attention to these critical safety components:

• Manual Release Handle: This allows disengaging the door from the opener in emergencies. It should be red, easily accessible, and no more than 6 feet above the ground.

• Door Panels: Check for damage, fatigue, dents, and material separation.

• Warning Labels: Ensure the presence of warning labels on the springs, door panel, wall control, and bottom bracket.

• Brackets and Rollers: Brackets should be securely attached, and roller shafts should be longer on the top and bottom rollers for stability.

• Door Operation: Test the door's movement manually, ensuring it opens and closes smoothly without excessive speed.

• Extension Spring Containment Cables: Older doors with extension springs should have containment cables to prevent injury if a spring breaks.

• Wall-Mounted Switch: The switch should be mounted high (at least 5 feet) and within clear view of the door, away from moving parts.

• Automatic Reverse System: The door must automatically reverse when it encounters an obstacle. Test this feature carefully.

• Photoelectric Sensors: These sensors, located near the ground on both sides of the door, should reverse the door if their beam is broken.

Safety Advice for Homeowners

• Never attempt DIY spring repairs: Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause severe injury if handled improperly. Always call a qualified technician.

• Avoid walking or standing under a moving door: Teach children about garage door safety and keep them away from moving parts.

• Keep fingers and hands clear: Avoid placing fingers or hands near pulleys, hinges, springs, or between door panels.

• Adjust automatic reverse for cold weather: The sensitivity of the automatic reverse system may need adjustment in colder temperatures. Consult a technician.

Home Inspector's Role

As a home inspector, your responsibility is to identify and report any garage door defects. Never attempt to fix these issues yourself. Instead, recommend that a qualified garage door technician assess and repair any problems. By thoroughly inspecting these components and educating homeowners about garage door safety, you can help prevent accidents and ensure a safer home environment.