Garage doors, which can weigh hundreds of pounds, are only manageable because of high-tension torsion springs or extension springs that counterbalance their weight. The springs are tightly wound with stored energy, and if that energy is suddenly released, the hardware can turn into a high-speed projectile.

Common Garage Door Injuries – Statistics and Facts

A report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that between 2015 and 2024 an estimated 163,324 garage door injuries were treated in the United States. According to this most recent data, that equals an average of about 16,332 injuries per year.

While many of these incidents are minor like pinched fingers, bruises, and bumps, the consequences can be catastrophic when a spring dislodges. Severe injuries can include deep lacerations, fractures, and, in rare cases, permanent eye damage, paralysis or even death.

Other Garage Door Injury Statistics

Some reports estimate that between 20,000 and 30,000 people are injured by garage doors each year, while others suggest the number is as high as 35,000. Other sources may suggest that:

• 59.5% of injuries are caused by pinched or crushed section joints.
• 16.5% result from falling doors.
• 12.7% occur during repair or installation work.
• Over 7,550 Americans suffer pinching injuries from garage doors each year.
• Every year, more than 2,200 Americans are injured by garage doors falling on them.
• About 800 Americans suffer lacerations annually when the window glass in their garage doors breaks.

The above numbers and reports mostly come from legal firms and garage door companies. They do not reference verifiable sources or data, and the information cannot be confirmed by any official database. Therefore, it should be treated with caution.

Severe Eye Injuries from Garage Door Springs

Doctors at Massachusetts Eye and Ear (MEE) reviewed injuries treated between 2008 and 2023 and identified seven patients who suffered severe eye trauma while repairing their own garage doors. Each was struck by a spring or metal component that shot loose at high speed.

Although eye injuries from garage door accidents are relatively rare, occurring in about 3.5 per 100,000 people annually, those caused by springs tend to be especially destructive. The MEE case review reported the following cases:

• A 37-year-old man sustained a lacerating injury, leaving him with only hand-motion vision after multiple surgeries.
• A 59-year-old woman suffered a severe laceration affecting all ocular zones. Despite extensive procedures, she lost nearly all vision and the eye became phthisical (shrunken and nonfunctional).
• A 43-year-old man developed a retinal detachment and irreversible vision loss, ending with only hand-motion vision.
• A 57-year-old man with a history of retinal detachment sustained a globe rupture. After surgery, his vision stabilized at 20/125.
• A 43-year-old man suffered extensive lacerations and fractures. His vision remained at light perception only.
• A 25-year-old man lost all vision, and the eye eventually became phthisical.
• A 60-year-old man required enucleation (surgical removal of the eye) after it became blind and painful.

Six of the seven patients sustained injuries to the back of the eye, which almost always lead to poor visual outcomes. Five developed retinal detachments, and two lost all vision permanently.

Shared Risk Factors

Despite their differences in age and background, the patients had similar experiences:

• All attempted a DIY garage door repair without professional help.
• All were struck directly in the eye by a spring or attached part.
• Nearly all experienced permanent vision loss despite emergency surgery.

Only one patient regained limited functional vision. Other patients treated at MEE for similar accidents have suffered traumatic cataracts, orbital fractures, bleeding inside the eye, and severe eyelid lacerations.

Electrician Paralyzed by Faulty Garage Door

In April 2006, Ralph Parker, an electrician working at a warehouse in Indianapolis, was pinned by an overhead garage door that exerted hundreds of pounds of force. Investigators later discovered that an inexperienced person had overtightened a part of the garage door spring system during a service visit. As a result, the door failed to stop when it pressed against Parker’s body.

Parker, who had been on a ladder above the door, was knocked unconscious and trapped for more than half an hour until the motor pulley finally burned out, releasing the pressure. The accident left him paralyzed from the chest down.

Eight years later, a Marion County jury awarded Parker and his wife more than $18 million in damages.

Garage Door Accident Leaves Man with Severe Jaw Injuries

Even small repair jobs can turn hazardous when garage door parts suddenly fail. An Arizona man known for helping his neighbors learned this firsthand after a freak accident left him with severe facial injuries.

Marcos Gaspar was assisting a friend with a garage door opener motor when a heavy metal bar unexpectedly snapped loose. The bar swung down with tremendous force and struck him directly in the chin. The impact fractured his jaw in multiple places, requiring surgery and leaving his jaw wired shut for weeks.

Gaspar’s friend described the moment as shocking and unpredictable. “It literally just shot off the wall so fast. We don’t really know how or why, it just hit him square in the chin,” he said. The accident not only left Gaspar in pain but also unable to work during his recovery.

Why DIY Garage Door Repairs Are Dangerous

Overhead garage doors typically use two types of springs:

• Extension springs along the sides of the door.
• Torsion springs mounted above the door.

When these springs snap or unwind unexpectedly, they release stored energy with explosive force. The sharp edges of metal parts increase the risk of penetrating injuries such as globe ruptures, rather than blunt trauma.

Understanding the Risks and Taking Precautions

When it comes to DIY garage door repair, the most common injuries result from:

• Replacing Garage Door Springs: Loaded springs (torsion or extension) can cause severe harm if improperly handled or if their high tension is suddenly released.
• Getting fingers caught between door sections: Fingers can easily become entrapped between the moving door panels, or between the door sections and the wall or garage frame (jambs).
• Crashing garage doors: A garage door that slips off its tracks or drops suddenly can lead to severe crush injuries.

Other risks include:

• Falls: Climbing ladders or working at heights around garage doors can lead to dangerous falls.
• Lifting injuries: Garage doors and door components are heavy, and improper lifting can cause back or muscle strain.
• Voided warranties: DIY repairs may cancel manufacturer or installer warranties.
• Electrical hazards: Mishandling garage door opener wiring or components can result in shocks or electrocution.
• Extreme working conditions: Performing repairs in intense heat can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. Fatigue and dizziness increase the risk of mistakes, which can make accidents with heavy doors or tools even more likely.

Unlike mild scratches and bruises, accidents involving springs can cause severe injuries like deep cuts, retinal detachments, and permanent blindness.

According to data from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey, nearly one-third of U.S. adults reported engaging in activities that could cause an eye injury outside of work, but only about 32% of them wore protective eyewear.

The study found that men were more likely than women to use eye protection (34.7% vs. 25.2%), while young adults aged 18–24 were the least likely of all (just 15.3%). Low-income individuals, non-retired adults, and people identifying as Black or other races also had lower usage rates. Overall, the research shows that protective eyewear use in everyday high-risk situations remains low, particularly among certain groups.

Common injuries are mostly preventable when the proper safety measures are taken. Recommendations include:

• Avoid DIY repairs. Garage door springs should only be handled by trained professionals with proper tools. Always hire a verified licensed garage door company for your garage door repair and installation projects.
• Schedule annual service. Regular maintenance helps identify worn or damaged springs before they fail.
• Schedule safety inspections. A safety inspection by a certified company can help you ensure your garage door’s safety mechanisms are working properly and remain in compliance with UL 325 requirements.
• Research the problem. Should you decide to repair your garage door or replace springs yourself, first familiarize yourself with the various repair procedures, the door’s hardware and dynamics, and any common mistakes. Make sure to follow all proper safety procedures throughout the repair process.
• Wear protective gear. While it is not foolproof, protective gear like gloves, safety glasses, and hard hats can reduce the severity of injuries.

Fixing your garage door without the proper experience, knowledge and tools can often do more harm than good. Underestimating the risks of garage door repairs and making a simple mistake may cause additional damage to the door, lead to a costly trip to the emergency room, or result in permanent injury.

The post The Severe Risks of Injuries from DIY Garage Door Repair appeared first on Champion Garage Door Repair.

The situation began around 2:18 p.m. at a residence on Carnation Avenue, where Newport Beach firefighters initially responded to a medical emergency. Upon entering the property, crews encountered a strong chemical odor and quickly determined that a dangerous mix of household chemicals was off gassing inside the garage. Authorities later confirmed the mixture involved chlorine bleach and ammonia, which combined to release toxic fumes.

Emergency crews from Huntington Beach Fire and Anaheim Fire & Rescue were called in to assist Newport Beach Fire Department’s hazmat team. Streets near Corona del Mar, including stretches of Carnation Avenue, Pacific Coast Highway, and Bayside Drive, were closed off as officials urged residents to stay indoors or evacuate.

The information posted by the Newport Beach Fire Department on their Instagram page:

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A post shared by Newport Beach Fire Department (@newportbeachfd)

During the incident, firefighters rescued one resident and a dog from the home’s third floor, both of whom were reported stable. A second individual was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Mayor Joe Stapleton emphasized that the incident did not appear criminal in nature but carried the potential for explosiveness given the chemicals stored inside a barrel. By 4:55 p.m., the scene was declared safe and streets were gradually reopened.

The Hidden Dangers in Your Garage

The Newport Beach incident is a reminder of the risks that come with storing hazardous materials in a garage, a space where people often keep paints, solvents, cleaners, pesticides, fuels, and other chemicals. Experts recommend the following safety practices for storing hazardous materials in your home:

• Always store chemicals in their original containers with intact labels. Avoid transferring them into unlabeled jars or bottles, which can lead to dangerous mistakes.
• Keep chemicals such as bleach and ammonia apart. When stored together or accidentally mixed, they can release toxic gases. Fuels, fertilizers, and pool chemicals should also be stored separately.
• A well-ventilated garage prevents fumes from building up. You can install vents on your garage door or garage walls or keep a window open when you’re working with chemicals.
• Many hazardous materials degrade in the heat, which can cause leaks, fumes, carbon monoxide poisoning, fire or even explosion. Since garages can get quite hot in the summer, store hazardous materials in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Place liquid containers in trays or bins to catch spills before they spread across the garage floor.

How Chemicals Affect Garage Doors

Improperly stored chemicals don’t just pose health risks; they can also damage garage doors. Strong fumes and corrosive substances can corrode metal hardware, strip paint finishes, and discolor or weaken fiberglass or wood surfaces. For example, door tracks, torsion systems, bearings, cables, and springs are vulnerable to rust, which can eventually eat through the steel.

Certain chemicals can break down the insulation inside insulated garage doors, causing them to lose their energy-efficient properties. Over time, the effects of improperly stored chemicals can shorten the door’s lifespan and lead to higher garage door repair and maintenance costs.

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In October 2016, Heidi Chalkley posed a surprising question to her friend: “Have you ever held on?” She then grabbed a nearby garage door as it began to open. Within seconds, her hand became trapped, and in less than a minute, the garage door and equipment fatally crushed her.

A witness described the event, stating, “She was not moving at all. I stood behind her and took hold of her legs. I tried my best to do anything I could.” Chalkley suffered fractures to her arms, ribs, and spine.

In 2018, Erica Dilley opened her garage door using a wireless keypad and attended to a toddler secured in a stroller. As the electric garage door began to rise, her daughter grabbed the lower edge. Dilley, upon realizing her daughter’s predicament and hearing her calls for help, rushed over and safely retrieved the little girl. The entire incident lasted 15 seconds, fortunately resulting in no injuries.

Garage Door-Related Accidents and Injuries

According to the Hennepin County Medical Center, at least 85 children have suffered permanent brain injuries or died since 1974 due to accidents involving electric garage door openers in the United States.

Despite the implementation and improvement of safety features in garage doors and garage door repair procedures, people continue to be injured each year by their garage doors. While the following statistics are reported by different sources, these figures are not confirmed by any official source:

• 20,000 to 30,000 people are injured by garage doors annually.
• More than 7,500 people suffer pinching injuries from their garage doors, often because fingers were in the tracks or panels of the product.
• Over 2,200 people are injured each year because their garage door falls on them.
• Another 800 people suffer scrapes, cuts, or lacerations from their garage doors because the windows included in the design break, creating a sharp edge.

The CPSC recommends testing garage doors on a monthly basis to ensure that they are safe for use and comply with industry safety standards. Consult a licensed garage door repair company if you’re unsure how to test your garage door safety or suspect that it isn’t safe for use.

While no professional garage door service provider or manufactured product can anticipate all interactions, ensuring the proper installation, repair, and maintenance of garage doors by certified technicians can help reduce the risk of potential injuries, damage occurrences, and ensure the safety of children and pets near overhead garage doors.

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1. Sunlight

Sunlight hitting the safety sensors can damage their lens overtime and fool the system into thinking that there is an obstruction in the way.

2. Alignment

Objects hitting the sensors, as well as damaged, misplaced, or loose tracks, locking bolts, or brackets, can cause the sensors to fall out of alignment.

3. Obstructions

Objects that obstruct the sensor’s infrared beam such as kids’ toys, boxes, paint cans, pieces of fabric, or tools.

4. Wiring

Damaged and corroded wires, or damaged insulation on a wire will cut off power to the sensors.

5. Circuit Board

The PCB (printed circuit board) can be damaged due to exposure to high voltage, water, heat, or impact, which can cause the traces to break, or components to become disconnected.

6. Loose Connection

The sensor’s wire may become loose or disconnect from the sensor or the motor over time.

Symptoms of Malfunctioning Sensors

The garage door makes a few consecutive clicking sounds, and the opener light is blinking. The receiving sensor LED is blinking. The garage door won’t close, and the wall button needs to be pressed and held until the door is fully closed. An error code from the opener unit indicates a sensor malfunction.

Fixing Safety Sensors That Stopped Working

First, make sure that there are no objects blocking the sensors’ path. Try cleaning the sensors with a dry washcloth. Realign the sensors by adjusting the sensor’s bracket and locking bolt until the receiving sensor’s light is no longer blinking or dim. If the sensors are mounted on the tracks, adjust the track alignment as well. If the sun is shining directly on the sensor, try shading it with a piece of cardboard or metal.

Try resetting the sensors by pointing them toward the ground for about 10 seconds. Inspect for any loose connections. Check the sensor wires for kinks and breaks, and examine the sensors for physical damage. Ensure that both of the sensor’s LED lights are solid and not dim. If realignment doesn’t fix the problem, replace the sensors and the wire, or consult a licensed garage door repair company.

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Although the exact date and time of the incident were not recorded, the video of the unidentified woman attempting to repair her garage door has gone viral.

In the video, the mother is seen using a ladder to reach the top of the open garage door, while her son remains nearby but not close to the ladder. As she works, the ladder suddenly collapses, falling outside the garage and away from her son. The mother is then seen hanging from the top of the garage door, clearly in need of urgent help.

As the mother called for help, her young son quickly ran to retrieve the ladder. At first, it seemed he was too small to lift it on his own. However, with determination and some guidance from his mother, he managed to raise the ladder, allowing her to use her legs and feet to position it beneath her and safely climb down. This remarkable moment was all captured on video.

The mother was fortunate that her son reacted as he did. Without his strength and determination, the outcome could have been much worse. However, the video also highlights an important lesson for anyone attempting to repair their own garage doors.

Garage door repair often involves physically demanding tasks, such as working at heights, lifting heavy equipment, and using power tools. Due to the garage door’s weight, height, and complexity, repairs can be hazardous if proper safety measures aren’t followed. An overhead garage door breaking can be especially dangerous, particularly if it occurs during operation or while the door is open. Such a breakage could cause the door to come off its tracks or slam shut.

Why You Should Hire Garage Door Repair Professionals

While some garage door maintenance and minor repairs can be done on your own, garage doors are complex mechanical systems with many intricate parts. What may seem like a simple repair can quickly turn into a complicated and potentially dangerous project for the untrained eye.

Hiring a licensed garage door contractor ensures that repair tasks are carried out safely and correctly, preventing future issues. Here are several key benefits of working with licensed professionals:

• Expert Diagnosis and Repair: Licensed repair technicians have the experience to accurately diagnose and fix problems with overhead door systems, including openers, springs, rollers, sensors, cables, and tracks.
• Access to Professional Tools: A licensed technician uses specialized tools and equipment, ensuring that repairs are performed properly and that they last.
• OEM Replacement Parts: Licensed companies can access original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts tailored to your garage door’s make and model, extending the life and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of your door.
• Workmanship Warranty: Most licensed garage door companies offer warranties on their work, providing peace of mind in case any issues arise after the repair.
• Compliance with Regulations: Professionals are familiar with the legal requirements for garage door repair, installation, and maintenance, ensuring that your system complies with safety regulations.
• Long-Term Cost Savings: Hiring a licensed garage door repair company can save you money in the long run by preventing future issues and extending the lifespan of your garage door and its components.

Although DIY repairs may cost less and may save you money, the risks associated with even minor garage door repairs, such as accidents or further damage, can be substantial. Properly managing garage door repairs begins with thorough research and knowing when to call licensed professionals. This lesson is exemplified by the video of the mother who attempted her own garage door repair and narrowly avoided disaster.

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Types of Garage Door Sensors and How They Work

1. RPM Sensor: The RPM sensor is built inside the opener unit. It measures the electric motor’s speed and is designed to halt the door operation if there’s a sudden change in speed. Simply put, RPM sensors prevent entrapment by detecting pressure when the garage door comes into contact with an obstacle. Modern garage door openers may come equipped with a travel module, which is responsible for detecting excessive force and preventing the garage door from closing.

2. Photoelectric Sensors: Photoelectric sensors are non-contact safety devices designed to prevent the garage door from closing if anything blocks the sensors while the door is closing. This system consists of an active sensor (sender) and a passive sensor (receiver). The active sensor emits an infrared beam across the garage opening to the receiver sensor. When the beam is obstructed during a closing cycle, the garage door opener will reverse.

How to Properly Install Garage Door Safety Sensors

Photoelectric sensors should be mounted no higher than 6 inches above the ground, no further apart than 20 feet. The sensors bracket can be mounted either on the door’s vertical tracks or bolted to the garage’s jamb. Use a staple gun to secure the sensor’s wire to the wall and ceiling. Be careful not to pinch the wire during the process.

Constant Contact Override Function

Garage door sensors can be bypassed by pressing and holding the opener’s hardwired wall button, until the door closes completely. This allows users to close their overhead garage door when the photoelectric sensors aren’t working properly. RPM sensors cannot be overridden.

Disabling Garage Door Sensors

Garage door sensors cannot be disabled since door openers are required to have them by law. If you do not want to use the photoelectric sensors, you can mount or tape them together on the garage ceiling next to the motor head so that they are closely aligned with each other. However, this is not recommended without fully understanding all the risks involved.

Testing Garage Door Safety Sensors

You can test your garage door RPM sensor by placing a paper towel roll in the door’s path, ensuring it doesn’t obstruct the photoelectric sensors. Close the door onto the paper towel. Once the door comes into contact with the object with sufficient pressure, the opener should reverse operation.

You can test your garage door photoelectric sensors by opening the door and obstructing the sensor’s beam with an object such as a paper towel roll. Once obstructed, try to close the door. The door should not close or reverse within approximately 2 seconds. If the door doesn’t reverse, consult a licensed garage door repair company or your opener owner’s manual.

Maintaining the Sensors

Clean photoelectric sensors with a dry washcloth. Ensure that the sensors’ mounting brackets are properly secured in their position. Tighten the locking bolts. If the sensors are mounted on the tracks, tighten the tracks to the wall.

Ensure that the sensor wires are not loose and are properly secured using cable clips or a staple gun. Verify that the height of the sensors is 6 inches off the floor, neither more nor less. Test and maintain the sensors every 6 to 12 months.

Troubleshooting Garage Door Sensors

Defective sensors will typically prevent the garage door from closing properly. In some cases, the door may start to close but then reverse and open again. Several reasons can cause sensors to malfunction, including misalignment or wiring issues. When the sensors malfunction, the sensor’s LED lights may flash or turn off, often followed by an error code from the opener unit.

The first step to troubleshooting and fixing garage door sensor problems is to check for and clear any obstructions blocking the sensors. Next, clean the sensor lenses and ensure they are properly aligned. Check for any error codes from the opener and follow the troubleshooting steps outlined in your owner’s manual.

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Annalisa Buchanan, recounts the terrifying incident, stating that she had just finished working in the late hours of Sunday evening when she heard a popping and cracking noise coming from her garage. Without warning, her garage door motor caught fire, quickly turning into a life-threatening situation.

“It was stopping and shuddering; then we heard popping and crackling, then smoke and flames,” Ms. Buchanan reports, “We actually had the door that leads into the garage from the house open, and we heard and saw it happen. We were just lucky that we were awake.” Thanks to her quick thinking, Annalisa was able to get her children to safety and prevent further damage to her garage doors and property.

“It happened so quickly, but we reacted just as quick as the Ford Falcon XR8, was directly under it. It was moved out as I called the emergency services.” Thankfully, the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services responded in minutes, extinguishing the burning garage door opener and helping care for Ms. Buchanan’s daughter. “I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the awesome emergency services fire brigade that came out tonight when my garage door motor had a meltdown, literally,” the grateful mother wrote in a Facebook post.

Other residents took notice of the story and began wondering if it was due to a faulty garage door repair or installation or if the garage door itself played a role. Some were quick to point out concerning aspects of their own garage door opener, “A few weeks ago I noticed our steel line motor, that looks like the one in your pics, has got melted plastic on the back of the case,” one user remarked, “I have had it switched off to be safe. Wonder if it’s got the same issue. Scary stuff.”

What Can Cause a Garage Door Opener to Catch Fire?

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, residential electrical fires claim the lives of over 485 people every year, and injure another 2,305. While a portion of these fires are due to appliance defects or electrical system failures, the majority are the result of poor maintenance and misuse of electrical appliances, overloaded extension cords and circuits, and incorrectly installed wiring.

There are multiple ways you can help prevent your garage door opener from catching fire:

• Use light bulbs with the correct wattage recommended by the manufacturer.
• Ensure that the opener’s light cover is not too close to or in contact with the opener’s light bulb.
• Avoid plugging the garage door opener into an outlet or circuit with too many appliances.
• Ensure that your garage door is properly balance.
• Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper use and installation.
• Inspect the garage door opener cords and plugs for any damage or fraying on a regular basis.

Additionally, have your garage door opener inspected and maintained by a licensed garage door repair company. Here’s what companies normally test and inspect during a maintenance service:

• The garage door opener motor, drive mechanism and force.
• Inspect the garage door’s overall condition, including its functional and structural integrity.
• Test the door balance and safety sensors.
• Supporting brackets, fixtures, and garage frame.

Regular service from a certified garage door repair company is the best way to ensure the safety of your garage door, as well as reduce the chances of a fire incident. Don’t neglect routine maintenance, ignore error codes and other warning signs; garage door opener fires can cause major damage to the garage doors and the property in only minutes, leading to costly repairs and possible loss of life.

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Garages are more susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning by their very nature and due to lack of ventilation. Operating vehicles with internal combustion engines and small gasoline-powered engines inside a closed garage can lead to elevated levels of carbon monoxide. Appliances that are stored in the garage such as heating and cooling systems, as well as washers and dryers that use natural gas can also cause CO levels to raise and poisoning.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, exposure to CO concentrations of 80 to 200 parts per million (ppm) for about an hour can cause symptoms such as fatigue, confusion, chest pain, headache, nausea, and mental impairment. Exposure to higher levels of about 700 ppm can result in serious damage to the nervous system, coma, and even death.

Preventing CO Poisoning in Your Garage

You can help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your garage by following the steps below:

• Install CO monitors inside the garage.
• Do not keep cars running and operate gas-powered engines inside the garage, especially with the garage door closed. if you must use gas-powered tools inside, limit usage times and open the garage door to ventilate the space.
• Do not burn wood or coal inside the garage.
• Weatherproof the garage and garage door. Install weather stripping and replace worn garage door seals to prevent CO leaks from outside sources. Seal air leaks in the garage walls or joists.
• Maintain appliances and equipment that use fossil fuels such as water heaters, dryers, and HVAC systems.
• Use ventilation systems in your garage and install vents on your garage doors.
• Clean the garage and garage door vents and remove debris on a regular basis.

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Fire officials reported that the incident happened during a power outage that temporarily shut off power to the garage door openers. The power outage caused the heavy doors to fall as the firefighters were trying to leave the station. The firefighters used the manual release to manually raise the garage doors when they slammed shut again, missing the first responders by only inches.

A spokesperson for the Hubbardston Fire Department pointed out that the power outage and broken garage doors were the causes for the station’s delayed response times, which appears to be a recurring issue due to frequent maintenance issues.

What Would Cause a Garage Door to Slam Shut?

There are multiple reasons a garage door can fail and slam shut. Let’s take a closer look at the three most common causes and the signs that will help you prevent such incidents.

1. A Broken Spring

Overhead garage doors are equipped with springs that counterbalance the door’s weight and enable controlled movement. Without the springs a garage door would be extremely heavy to operate, which could cause it to slam shut, just as the firefighters of Station 1 experienced. Common signs of broken springs include:

• Garage door only opens a few inches.
• A loud banging sound coming from the garage.
• An approximate 2” gap separating the spring’s coils.
• The top garage door panel is slightly bent.
• Jerking motion as the garage door opens and closes.
• The garage door struggles to open or close.

2. An Imbalanced Garage Door

An imbalanced condition happens when the springs fail to provide the correct amount of torque to counterbalance the door’s weight or exert too much torque. There are multiple signs that indicate a garage door is not balanced:

• The garage door opener struggles to open or close the door.
• The garage door is taking longer to open and close.
• There are unusual noises during opening or closing.
• The door cables have slack.
• The garage door is opening or closing unevenly.
• The garage door is pulling up or feels too heavy.

3. Broken or Misplaced Cables

The door cables connect the torsion assembly to the garage door itself. If the cables are broken, disconnected, or misplaced, the springs won’t be able to counterbalance the door’s weight. Common signs of broken or misplaced cables include:

• The garage door does not open or close evenly.
• The garage door is off the tracks.
• The garage door struggles to open or close.

How to Prevent Your Garage Door from Slamming Shut or Crashing?

The following steps will help you prevent damage or injuries associated with commercial and residential garage doors.

• Inspect the garage door springs before using the opener’s manual release. If the spring is broken, do not use the manual release.
• Check the torsion assembly for any irregularities. If the cables are broken or disconnected, avoid using the door until the cable is fixed.
• Keep garage doors properly maintained, lubricated, and balanced.
• Use parts and hardware from reputable suppliers.
• Use a licensed garage door repair company for servicing and installing garage doors, springs, openers, and related equipment.

Garage doors can pose hazards to people and their surroundings when not working properly. Periodic maintenance and safety inspections can help mitigate the risks, prevent breakdowns, ensure the safety of the surroundings, and keep the garage door in good repair. Contact a licensed garage door repair company to inspect and evaluate your garage door every 12 months.

The post Garage Door Slams Shut Nearly Injures Firefighters appeared first on Champion Garage Door Repair.

Maintaining a garage door to avoid liability involves taking proactive steps to identify and address potential hazards or dangerous conditions that could cause harm to visitors. Here are essential practices for property owners or occupiers to reduce the risk of liability due to improper garage door operation.

1. Testing of Safety Devices

While modern garage doors must comply with strict safety standards and include multiple safety features, they can still pose entrapment hazards. Testing garage door safety devices and sensors ensures the door reverses when encountering an obstruction in its path, preventing accidents or injuries.

2. Compliance with Building Codes and Regulations

Stay informed about building codes, zoning ordinances, and safety regulations relevant to your property and garage doors. Ensure compliance to minimize liability, including replacing garage door openers manufactured before 1993, which may lack necessary safety devices, and ensuring that garage doors have backup batteries.

3. Security Measures

Implement appropriate security measures to deter criminal activity, including installing sufficient lighting and secure locks. Promptly address any known security vulnerabilities in the garage doors.

4. Regular Inspections

Inspect the property’s garage doors to identify any hazards or dangerous conditions. This includes testing the garage door balance and checking the springs, door cables, rollers, tracks, and door sections for wear and tear, breakage, and other potential risks.

5. Maintenance and Repairs

Routinely maintain garage doors, openers, and springs to ensure they operate safely. Promptly address any malfunctions or breakdowns with timely repairs. Maintenance and tune-up service from a licensed garage door repair company can help mitigate the risks and ensure that garage doors and openers comply with industry safety regulations and manufacturer’s recommendations.

Between March 1982 and November 1996, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 85 children under 15 died, and 94 were injured due to accidents involving overhead garage doors and garage door openers. Although safety measures have improved over the years, regularly maintaining garage doors every 6 to 12 months can help reduce liability and prevent potential injuries on your property.

Property owners could be held liable if they fail to maintain safe conditions or warn visitors of known hazards. Common scenarios where liability may arise include slips, falls, inadequate security, injuries caused by defective conditions, and malfunctioning garage doors. Failure to maintain the property and garage doors in good condition could result in legal consequences for premises liability.

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