WHAT IS IN THE GARAGE?
Since only 24% of all households use their car as a place to park their car, the question has to arise: what are the rest of them doing with their garage? Basements in the Valley are rare, so many of the activities which people in other states conduct in their basements are saved for garages in Arizona.
There are many things people are doing with their garage space. The truth is, garages aren’t what they used to be back when we were growing up. Just about everything about them has changed, and those changes need the protection of a high-quality garage door. Here are a few of the things we're seeing in a modern garage:
EV Charging Station
Not all electric vehicles have charging stations. Some of the newer hybrid models charge themselves. However, home charging stations are pricey, and no one wants their station damaged or stolen. So, keeping it secure is an issue. Keep your garage door locked, and add motion sensor lights that come on when someone approaches the garage door.
The hobby space
The workbench and ping pong table has given way to sewing rooms, the karaoke machine and drum set, and other types of hobbies. Tucked out of the way, these hobbyists have no qualms about adding insulation, wall and flooring materials, as well as electrical and lighting upgrades to make the garage a place of joy and happy experiences.
This brings up another point: while some garage door damage is caused by cars, we also see garage doors damaged by items in the garage which come in contact with the garage door or garage door opening components and harm them. Make it a rule to never leave anything near or up against the garage door or the garage door opening components. If you add shelving or storage, make sure that it’s out of the way of the garage door.
If your door does become damaged, hire a professional to come and repair it for you. Sometimes, trying to repair the damage yourself can cause more damage or make your garage door unsafe.
Storage
If you use part of your garage for storage, it’s essential that the car can still maneuver into the parking spot straight in without difficulty. If there are too many things for that to happen correctly, garage safety has been compromised, and there is a chance of injury or damage.
Photoelectric and pressure sensors
As a final note, even if the garage isn’t used for a car or other vehicle, if the garage has an electric door, the garage door sensors need to work flawlessly. If the photoelectric eye or the pressure sensors on your garage door are not working correctly, disconnect the garage door from the motor by pulling the emergency release cord when the door is in the down position and call a garage door company immediately.
These features detect foreign objects beneath the door and are crucial safety features which may save a person’s life.
Quality Overhead Door, Inc. is a full-service garage door installation and repair company for both residential and commercial customers in the GIlbert area 480-838-8850.
