Modern garage doors are generally considered safe. However, accidents can still happen, even in families with responsible and vigilant parents. If you have an automatic garage door system, childproofing it is crucial for both your child’s safety and overall safe operation. Here are the most effective ways to ensure that your garage door is childproof and safe for use.

1. Ensure That Your Garage Door Is UL 325 Compliant

The most effective way to childproof your overhead garage doors is to ensure they adhere to industry safety regulations. In the early 1990s, federal regulators adopted the UL 325 safety protocol, and mandated that all electric garage doors must have built-in safety features like a reversing sensor mechanism and photoelectric eyes. These features are designed to automatically reverse the garage door’s operation when they detect an obstruction.

The primary goal of this regulation is to minimize the risks associated with these doors, especially concerning the safety of children and those in the vicinity. If your electric garage door was manufactured before 1993, it likely lacks these essential safety features. As a result, when you close the garage door, it will continue the closing process even when there’s an obstruction in its way.

2. Test Your Garage Door Sensors

The safety eyes test is an easy way to ensure that your garage door sensors are functioning properly. These photo eyes are typically positioned at the bottom of the garage door’s vertical tracks. To perform the test, simply place an object in front of one of the eyes when the garage door is in the open position. After blocking the sensors, press the close button on your garage door remote or wall console. The garage door won’t close and should reverse after moving just a couple of inches.

3. Test Your Garage Door RPM Sensor

The RPM sensor, located within the opener’s motor, is designed to detect sudden changes in its rotating speed. To test your garage door’s RPM sensor effectively, use a full roll of paper towels. Place it on the floor in the garage door’s path without obstructing the photoelectric eyes, then lower the door. When the door touches the paper towel roll, it should reverse and go back up. Note that it’s acceptable for the door to compress the paper towel as long as it reverses after sensing the pressure.

4. Secure the Garage Door Wall Button

The most effective and straightforward way to secure your electric garage door wall button is by mounting it higher to prevent access by children. If you’re wondering whether there’s an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) button cover available to restrict access to the electric opener’s wall button, unfortunately, there isn’t one. However, you can purchase an aftermarket cover at your nearest hardware store. Be sure to measure the height, width, and depth of your wall button to ensure a proper fit.

5. Keep Remotes Out of Reach of Small Children

One of the simplest ways to ensure your child’s safety around electric garage doors is to keep the garage door opener remotes out of their reach. Alternatively, you can use the opener’s vacation mode to lock the remotes. Small children are naturally drawn to pressing buttons on various devices, and they may be particularly fascinated by the garage door remote. This curiosity can pose a risk if they happen to be near or under the garage door.

6. Educate Your Child

Teaching your children to avoid playing near the garage door and explaining the importance of staying away from heavy moving objects can help prevent injuries and provide you with peace of mind.

7. Use Safety Gates and Barriers

Toddlers are naturally curious and enjoy exploring their surroundings. Another preventive measure is to install a barrier in front of your garage door.

You can use a removable gate that covers the horizontal space in front of your garage door, effectively blocking access to the area where the garage door closes.

8. Ensure Your Garage Door Is Balanced

You can test your garage door’s balance by disengaging it from the opener using the manual release when the door is closed. Then, lift the door to waist or shoulder level. The garage door should remain in place without dropping or rising significantly. Minor deviations are acceptable.

An unbalanced garage door can cause mechanical stress on components, increasing the risk of malfunctions and breakdowns. It can lead to unintended, uneven movements, potentially resulting in sudden stops or drops, jeopardizing your child’s safety. Additionally, an imbalance garage door can overload the door cables, potentially causing the door to slam shut.

9. Regular Maintenance and Inspection

Like any mechanical device, garage doors and openers gradually deteriorate until they wear out and break. Another effective way to childproof your garage door is to ensure that your garage doors are regularly maintained and inspected by a licensed garage door contractor. Annual maintenance not only guarantees the safe operation of your garage doors but also prolongs the equipment’s lifespan, prevents sudden breakdowns, and eliminates the need for emergency repairs.

A Parent’s Guide to Peace of Mind

Ensuring that your garage doors operate safely is essential to prevent injuries to small children, people, pets, as well as damage to vehicles, belongings, and the surrounding area. If your garage door isn’t in compliance with the necessary safety regulations or has failed the aforementioned tests, consider consulting a licensed garage door repair company.