NEW JERSEY HOME INSPECTOR CERTIFIED LICENSED ASHI MEMBER IN NEW JERSEY, BERGEN COUNTY, PASSAIC COUNTY, ESSEX COUNTY AND MORRIS COUNTY IN NJ.

If you have an old or new automatic garage door opener that does not automatically reverse should repair or replace them with one of the newer openers which do reverse to prevent young children from being pinned and killed under closing garage doors.

To test the garage door opener put a roll of paper towel under the middle of where the garage door usually closed. When the door hits the roll of paper towel it should reverse without crushing it.

If you have a metal garage door opener do not try that test unless the upper edge of the garage door has been reinforced.  If you test the opener prior to reinforcing the door expect it to bend in half and break. 

Test the door opener once a month and take corrective actions before hazards occur.  Make sure the door opener switches are out of the reach of children and never operate the door opener if you can not see the door! Contact NJ home inspectors for more information and assistance.

File last updated May 16, 2012 * Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved by: Accurate Inspections, Inc. A New Jersey home inspection firm 56 Woodland Drive, Woodland Park (formerly West Paterson) NJ 07424 973-812-5100 providing New Jersey Certified Home Inspections in NJ, by New Jersey Licensed home inspectors. Inspector of record Michael Del Greco, New Jersey Home Inspector License GI 0121.