Tips on How to Make Your Garage Precision Door Disability Friendly

If you’re like most people, your garage is one of the most-used areas of your home. And if you or someone in your family has a disability, making your precision door disability-friendly can make a big difference in your quality of life. Here are some tips to help get you started.

Install Automatic Door Openers

A wireless keypad makes it easy for someone with a mobility problem to open the door without leaving their wheelchair. To operate this keyless entry, they have to enter a code on the keypad mounted next to the garage door opener button inside the house. This way, you don’t have to worry about your loved ones being locked outside or accidentally letting in an intruder.

You can find automatic door openers at most hardware stores. But make sure the opener you choose is compatible with your garage door opener system before you buy it. Door openers are classified into two types for compatibility with your existing setup: non-compatible and compatible.

While non-compatible openers are more common, compatible models are more reliable in the long run. They also come at a slightly higher cost, so be ready to shell out some extra money for them.

Install Safety Features on the Precision Door

For maximum safety, it’s essential to make sure the opening path of your precision door is clear of any obstacles. Installing sensors on the bottom portion of the door can help prevent someone from bumping into something while opening or closing the door.

The third type of sensor detects obstructions in the path and stops them before hitting them. This way, no damage occurs even if a child or pet runs into the door. This saves you from potential lawsuits as well.

Use a Rope System to Open the Door

While automatic openers are more convenient, they can be costly. Some people don’t want an electronic device controlling their door. In that case, it’s a good idea to have a backup method on hand if there’s a power outage or the opener malfunctions.

One such backup is a rope attached to the precision door and connected to a handle at your feet (or attached to something stationary like a wall). Pulling on this handle manually will make the door rise without any need for complex wiring. Rope systems might not be as convenient as electric openers, but they’re much easier to install.

Of course, adding handrails to the door can also make it easier for someone to open with a reduced risk of losing their balance. Just be aware that different types of disabilities affect people differently. Keep your specific needs in mind when making any changes. For example, a person who has trouble using their hands may benefit from a rope system, while someone with a weak upper body may need a lift bar on the door.

Hang a Sign Near the Door

If you already have a precision door opener installed, you might want to place a sign near the door that asks visitors not to open or close it for you. This is especially useful if someone in your family doesn’t like people getting too close out of concern they might fall over.

When deciding where to hang this sign, try to find an inconspicuous spot near the door that’s still easily visible. And if you’re concerned about people misplacing it, consider attaching it to a drawer pull on an empty shelf on the wall next to the door.

Completely Remodel Your Precision Door If Needed

If you or your loved ones cannot open or close the garage door, ultimately replacing it with an automatic one is an option. This is often more costly than installing a new opener. However, you’ll be able to use the door without requiring any help from anyone else.

For example, adding a microphone button near the speaker of the home intercom system can allow you to open the garage door with a simple voice command. Just call out “Garage Door Open,” and the machine will do all the work for you while your hands remain free.

Of course, a new opener also requires some changes inside the house. For instance, you’ll want to install an additional switch near the button that opens the door. An alternative is to have a universal remote control that can be used with several switches, each serving a different purpose.

Install Automatic Lights on the Door

For most homes, it’s standard for the garage doors Southern California to stay dark unless someone turns on the light. This isn’t always ideal because anyone who opens the door will be greeted with darkness when they step inside until their eyes adjust.

While this is usually not a huge problem when you open the door, it can pose safety problems in some cases. For example, someone might turn on the light but forget to close the door. This can lead to disaster if you step in too quickly without checking first, thinking no one is inside.

Other people don’t bother turning on the light when they open the garage door Paso Robles because it’s already bright outside. If you’re not expecting anyone to be inside at that time, you might not notice the open door and accidentally close it behind you.

One way to avoid this problem is to install motion-sensor lights on the garage door opener itself. When someone steps inside, these will trigger automatically and keep the dark out while they turn on the regular light switch themselves. This is a massive benefit if your home is located in a remote area and it’s dark for much of the year.

Use a Smaller Door in Winter

For people with disabilities, it’s obvious why it can be tough to navigate a wheelchair across bumpy, icy patches. But the garage door doesn’t need to become an obstacle course simply because winter has arrived.

If your current precision garage door is too tall or wide for you to safely open and close it on your own, switch to a smaller one that only requires manual operation instead of an automatic opener. This will allow you to avoid having to go through the effort of opening and closing it while there’s snow on the ground.

Anytime you notice that your garage door is acting up, make sure you inspect these three areas for clues about what might be causing malfunction. This should help you identify the problem and take the necessary steps to correct it.

Ensure Your Precision Door Is Well Maintained and Lubricated

When doors are made of wood, they require Southern California Garage Door repair and maintenance to ensure that water doesn’t settle inside and cause damage. Because many modern garage doors are made of metal, they’re less likely to need daily attention like this.

However, it’s still important to check your door at least once a year for signs that it needs some tender loving care. This is especially true if your door has metal components that could rust and degrade over time.

Making your door disability-friendly doesn’t mean you have to spend money on expensive upgrades. Sometimes, it’s enough to take the time to check your door and make sure it’s working correctly so everyone can get in and out quickly.