Garage Door Safety in NJ – Preventing Accidents

garage door safety

Garage door safety in NJ is crucial in residential areas. Preventing garage door accidents at home takes regular maintenance and a professional garage door company. DoorMasterNJ has a long-standing reputation for safety when it comes to residential garage doors in NJ. 

Most Common Garage Door Accidents and Malfunction

  • Garage door spring failure 
  • Pinched fingers 
  • Door falling off track 
  • Automatic garage door malfunction 
  • Improper DIY repairs 

There are many reasons for getting garage doors checked this time of year in NJ. Winter is coming, and it’s essential to make sure garage doors at home open and close properly. There are also specific statistics in New Jersey about garage door damage in bad weather, and sometimes garage doors are working great until a storm compromises a small part. This is why having a professional garage door company like DoorMasterNJ check your door parts for safety is a great idea to avoid larger repairs in the future. 

Garage Door Safety in NJ – Accidents in New Jersey

Back in 2012 when Hurricane Sandy happened, the Jersey Shore homes took disastrous damage. It was a very difficult time indeed. One story that stands out is from Point Pleasant, NJ, where a large oak was uprooted by the storm and completely crushed a garage door along with parts of the roof and two cars. Of course, hurricanes of this level are not common, but they do still happen. Big storms do create months of repairs, and sadly, some homes are damaged beyond repair. Tree damage is common due to different reasons. A solid garage door may not stop extreme weather, but it can provide a buffer to some parts of the home by being an external extension to the main spaces. 

Another story that comes to mind is from the March 2018 Nor’easter in Morristown, NJ when snow really piled heavy on properties and trees. The strong winds took down a large pine tree and toppled onto a home’s attached garage. This tree completely destroyed the garage door by buckling it inward. Again we see how a garage door and garage extension can have a positive impact on saving the structure of a home itself. 

Explaining Common Garage Door Malfunctions in NJ 

Garage Door Spring Failure 

This is when torsion and extension springs in garage doors are too tight and too tense. Springs are known to snap or fail. The tightness can cause the heavy door to suddenly crash down. That type of malfunction can be a minor material damage, but has also been known to cause injuries in people and pets. 

Pinched Fingers

Garage door joints and seams work like most door structures. Fingers can get caught during operation, depending on the design of a garage door. This type of malfunction is less a malfunction or flaw, and more a danger risk to children and pets. It helps to install and replace garage doors with safety in mind and to ask a professional garage door company for suggestions on the best garage doors for your home and family. Fortunately, in New Jersey, pinch-resistant garage doors are popular as a way of upholding to residential safety codes. 

Door Falling Off Track 

If the garage door derails from its tracks, it may be due to improper installation. Sometimes even the best garage door installation can still leave an imbalance in the door. Broken cables and misalignment also contribute to a garage door falling off track. This means the door may collapse entirely, damage property, or cause injuries. 

Automatic Garage Door Malfunction 

Sensors are the major players for most automatic garage doors today. The more may sense an object or person, and it will prevent most accidents. However, if a sensor is blocked or malfunctioning then, it can lead to a variety of accidents and injuries. Crushing accidents can be fatal, especially if unexpected. New Jersey mandates that all garage doors be equipped with functioning sensors. Older doors, however, may lack these updates, especially in older homes. That is why garage door upgrades are a great investment for safety. 

Improper DIY Repairs 

People really do love DIY projects for their homes, and there is nothing really wrong with that. However, when it comes to certain parts of the house, safety should always come first. Homeowners often try to repair small issues or replace small parts of their garage door without professional help. Yes, it saves money, but a lot of the time, it also creates long-term risks. Misjudging alignment or the tension in springs can cause a garage door to fail. 

At DoorMasterNJ, we offer expert garage door safety by offering repair, installation, replacement, and maintenance services. Our family-owned business is dedicated to providing fast, friendly customer service. Please, give us a call 973-563-4162.