Expert Guide on Must-Have Features for Your Garage Door

Motorised garage doors are a functional tool for the modern home but they have created new safety risks, particularly for households with young children and pets. To prevent the garage door from closing on an object or individual, safety beams have become very strongly recommended. This feature provides added safety and security, ensuring your garage door is operated safely.

What are garage door safety beams?
Safety beams or photoelectric sensors act as an invisible tripwire for automatic garage doors. Two infrared sensors are placed a few inches from the ground on either side of the garage door creating a beam. If this beam is broken whilst the door is closing, the garage door will automatically stop and reverse. Safety beams are low enough to detect a small child or animal as they are most at risk. 

What garage doors have safety beams?
It is recommended all new automatic garage doors have working safety beams. When having a new garage door installed in your home, ensure that the sensor beam’s functionality has been tested so you can be assured it works. 

When do safety beams need to be repaired?
Safety beams are difficult to damage and can survive most conditions. However, if your door is suddenly acting erratically, it could be a sign that your garage door’s sensors have been affected. You may need to simply clean the beams off or realign them. If this doesn’t work, it may be time for a repair or replacement. The best thing you can do is have them inspected regularly to ensure there is no issue.

Safety beams are an important part of any garage door. If you suspect a problem with the sensors on your garage door, don’t hesitate to have them inspected. This safety measure is too important to have damaged. To learn more about garage doors and their safety features, contact our expert team at Garage Door Solutions today.