Garage Door Safety Essentials for Families
The garage door is one of the most frequently used access points to your Toronto or GTA home, and it’s also one of the largest moving parts in your home. But if you have children, ordinary garage doors can become a surprising source of potential danger: pinched fingers, unintended closing, and entrapment are just a few hazards to consider. The peace of mind of parents or caregivers is always a top priority, and your garage door should be no exception.
Legacy Garage Doors specializes in all types of door solutions that are convenient for adults and as safe as possible for kids. Whether you need a new door installation, an opener upgrade, or simply some smart preventative tips, here’s everything you need to know about the best kid-safe garage door features.
Top Garage Door Features for Safety Around Children
Automatic Safety Sensors (“Photo Eyes”)
Modern garage doors come equipped with infrared photo-eye sensors that are installed a few inches above the floor, on either side of the door opening. The sensor beams detect any person or object that gets in the way of the moving door and cause it to stop or reverse direction immediately.
Safety Sensor Features to Consider:
- Alarms that are properly aligned and kept free of debris or obstructions
- Instant response to obstructions (immediate reversal upon detection)
- Pressure-Sensitive Reverse Mechanism
In addition to photo beams, many of today’s most advanced openers also include a pressure-sensitive reversing mechanism. When the door encounters resistance from an unexpected source-like a bicycle, a toy, or a child-the reverse mechanism quickly sends it back up.
Expert Tip: Test the reversing function at least once a month using a soft object, like a roll of paper towels placed under the door. If it doesn’t immediately reverse, schedule garage door repair Toronto to fix and adjust the sensitivity setting.
Pinch-Resistant Door Panels
Pinch-resistant door panels are specially designed to protect small fingers from getting trapped between the individual door sections as the door moves up and down. If you have young children or grandchildren, a door with pinch-resistant panels is a very important safety feature for the next upgrade.
Smart Technology for Additional Child Safety
Rolling Code Garage Door Opener Replacement
Garage door openers are like any other home appliance: the more cutting-edge the model, the more child-safe features it will have. Older models are more vulnerable to code copying, particularly when children play with remote controls. The best new openers include rolling codes that change the access code each time they are used.
Wireless Keypads with Parental Controls
Program a set time-restricted access code that your children can use to enter the house when and if you want. Keypads are often installed on the outside wall near the door, but smart openers also offer optional wireless keypads with parental controls.
Smartphone Controls and Alerts
Monitor your garage door’s activity and receive real-time updates right on your smartphone. The latest smart openers allow you to know instantly whether your door is opened, closed, or left open and let you set up smartphone alerts accordingly.
Annual Professional Garage Door Inspections
Loose springs, cables, and other components can eventually wear down over time, creating a hazard for curious children. Avoid unexpected accidents by having a certified technician perform regular maintenance and inspection.
Same-Day Repairs for Minor Issues
Repair issues ASAP to avoid more serious problems later. Minor repairs, such as a sticky door, a slow opener, or a worn gasket, can usually be fixed within a day, and our Legacy Garage Doors technicians offer emergency garage door service GTA-wide.
Safety Tips for Parents and Caregivers
- Teach kids to avoid “racing” under a moving door
- Store remotes out of reach of children or in a locked drawer
- Keep kids away from the opener button and away from the door
- Draw a line or other safe boundary to deter kids from door’s path
Why Choose Legacy Garage Doors for Family-Friendly Garage Door Features?
We have decades of experience working with Toronto homes.
- Certified, background-checked technicians for added peace of mind
- Customer-focused advice with no-pressure, straightforward estimates
- Flexible scheduling to fit your busy family lifestyle
- 24/7 support for any garage door emergencies, breakdowns, or last-minute service
- Preventative maintenance plans to keep your garage door working and safe
Schedule a Free Family Safety Assessment
A safe and secure garage door is one less safety concern for your family. Whether you want to add safety sensors, upgrade your opener, install a new door, or simply have your system inspected, let Legacy Garage Doors help you make your home as safe and kid-friendly as possible.
Call to book a free in-home consultation, or book Toronto garage door service online. Secure your family with reliable garage door safety features today-contact us for peace of mind, guaranteed!
