You'll get a good chuckle out of episode 1613 of The Simpsons; while Homer is doing his summer clean-up of the garage, he gets distracted by spiders, and is nearly killed by a garage door that opens and closes on him. He is saved when Lisa gives him CPR, while Bart compresses his chest.

Marge sighs relief; he's still alive! She suggests he gets health insurance.

If only it were that easy. Homer may be invincible, but real garage doors definitely don’t make good slapstick comedy props nor are they something health insurance can fix. Your automatic garage door is likely the largest, heaviest moving object in your home. Beware! Make sure it's operating properly.

Garage Door Incidence Statistics
An average of 20,000 people each year have been treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to garage doors according the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. An extensive Canadian study reports that of 622 hospitalizations due to garage door injuries between 1990 and 2005, 59<>percentage<> of injuries involved caught, cut or crushed fingers or hands, and 23.5<>percentage<> involved a garage door coming down on a person.

Most injuries and fatalities happen when children find access to garage door opening devices and are trapped under a door that does not automatically reverse. Over 85 children have died or suffered severe brain injuries involving automatic garage doors since 1974. Needless to say, keeping your garage door in top condition is extremely important!

Garage Door Maintenance
It’s a good idea to do a monthly visual inspection of your garage door. Here are the key parts to check.

Reversal System – To check the garage door opener safety reversal system, open the door, place a 2×4 or a roll of paper towels under the garage door opening. Operate the door in the down direction. The door must stop or reverse upon striking any obstruction. If the opener has not been replaced since 1993, get a new one with auto-reverse as a standard feature.

Force Setting Test – Hold the bottom of the garage door as it closes, if it does not reverse readily, the force may be excessive and may need adjusting.

Springs – Oil the spring over the door about once a year. You can use 3-in-1 or motor oil. Look for signs of wear on the springs, cables, rollers, pulleys and other door hardware. Garage door springs are under high tension and if handled improperly can cause very serious injury. The torsion springs (above the door) should be adjusted by a professional only. Install a restraining cable or other device on the extension spring (the spring along the side of the door.) If it breaks, this will contain it.

Door Balance – Use the release mechanism on your garage door opener. (Use this feature only when the door is closed. Weak springs could make the door close quicker than you expect.) From a closed position, lift the door to three or four feet above the floor. It should stay open, should move smoothly and with little resistance. If not, the balance is off. Have it balanced by a qualified person.

Hinges – Lubricate the hinges regularly. Wipe excess oil off the back of the door.

Electrical Connection – In many areas, extension cords cannot be used with automatic garage door openers. The electricity receptacle should be near the opener. It is best if it is a GFI outlet.

More precautions
It goes without saying; never walk or stand under a closing garage door. Garage door openers are not toys. Keep garage door remote controls away from children, and even older children that might want to play games with the garage door. Never place fingers between door sections and explain the dangers to children. If you have small children, consider a door with panels that can’t pinch. These are routine maintenance steps that should be followed once a month. Review your owner’s manual for both the door and door opener. If you don’t have the owner’s manuals, contact the manufacturer. You will likely find the opener model number on the back of the power unit.

D’OH!
Still perplexed by your garage door? You can always move to a mobile home. That was Homer Simpson’s solution! Or, call your manufacturer or a professional, and get it evaluated for safety.

For more information, please contact Mose Home Inspection Services today!