Tips for Garage Door Safety Month

Haas Door • June 4, 2018

Just like other operational systems around the home, garage doors should routinely be checked to assure they work properly. With June being Garage Door Safety Month , it’s an ideal time to make sure your garage door works as smoothly and safely as possible.


“When you think about it, the garage door is likely the most used door to your home,” says Jeffrey Nofziger, president of Haas Door in Wauseon, Ohio. “Your garage door opens and closes several times a day. Assuring that it’s operating efficiently and safely is a smart move for homeowners.”


We recommend that you consult with professional technicians to assure the security of your garage door systems. And, we’re sharing the safety tips checklist below for garage door systems offered by the Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association International ( DASMA ) . While you should always consult the garage door manufacturer’s installation or instruction manual for safety information on your own model of garage door, these tips can get you started.


Safety Tips Checklist for Garage Door Systems

1. Replace Old Springs. Your garage door’s springs are arguably the most important and most dangerous part of your door. Springs wear out. When they break, injury can result. If you have an older garage door, have your springs inspected by a professional technician and replaced if needed. If your door has two springs, replace both, even if one is not broken. This will not only prevent any damage caused by the breaking of the second spring, but also keep your door working efficiently.


2. Check Your Cables. Visually inspect the cables that attach the spring system to the bottom brackets on both sides of the door. If these cables are frayed or worn, they are in danger of breaking, which can cause injury. Due to the dangers associated with high spring tension, these cables should be replaced only by a trained technician.


3. Squeaky Springs? Springs can squeak and be noisy. This is caused by normal use and does not necessarily indicate a problem. Before calling a professional service technician, use a spray-on lubricant (recommended especially for garage doors). If the noise persists, call a professional garage door installer for service.


4. A Do-It-Yourselfer, Eh? Installing a garage door can be very dangerous and is not recommended for a novice. DASMA recommends that trained door systems technicians install garage doors.


5. Safety Cables. If your garage door has extension springs, you need a safety cable that runs through the spring and secures to the wall or ceiling at each end. When your garage door is down, extension springs are under high tension. If the spring breaks, it may cause injury. A safety cable can keep that broken spring contained. If you have extension springs but do not have a safety cable, call your local dealer for a safety inspection.


6. Struggling Door? If your door does not go up and down smoothly, you may have an unsafe condition. Even older door systems should operate smoothly. If the awkward operation continues when the door is manually operated, you may have a spring system that is out of balance. This can cause premature wear and tear on other important door components. Spring systems are dangerous and should be repaired only by trained professionals.


7. Watch Your Fingers! Every year, many unsuspecting homeowners injure their fingers by placing them between the door sections to pull down on the door. According to DASMA Standard 116, if your door lacks pinch-resistant joints, you should have lift handles or suitable gripping points on the inside and outside of the door. Even if your door has an opener, the door must occasionally be operated manually. Never place your fingers between the door sections. If you manually open or close the door, use the handles or the safe gripping points!


8. Tamper Resistant Brackets. Since the bottom brackets on a garage door are connected to the door’s springs, these brackets are under extreme tension. They should be adjusted or loosened only by a trained door systems technician. Many manufacturers now include tamper resistant hardware that prevents loosening of the brackets by a novice.


9. Use the Old Track? When buying a replacement garage door, some homeowners are tempted to save a few dollars by putting the new door on the old track. However, your old track may not fit with your new door, depending on the thickness of your sections, the weight of the door, the headroom required, the location of the garage door opener, and other considerations. The track and sections work together as a system. For maximum performance and long life, you should use the track that is designed for your specific door.


10. Regular Service. Your garage door is probably the largest moving part in your home and is typically used every day. Over time, parts can wear out and break, creating potential safety problems. Although you should provide monthly safety checks and maintenance to your garage door system, an annual visit from a trained door systems technician can keep your door operating safely and smoothly for a long time.


11. Man the Manual. Keep the owner's manuals for your door and opener hanging near the door for easy reference. Every model of door and opener has specific safety instructions unique to that model. Where is your manual?


What's New at Haas Door?

By Haas Door April 14, 2025
At Haas Door, we’re always expanding our product lines, introducing fresh styles and bringing customers the latest in garage door design and durability. Over the past several months, we’ve unveiled a few exciting new additions to our lineup – if you missed any of our recent announcements, here’s a quick recap of what’s new. Expanding the 2400 Series with Espresso Our popular 2400 Series got a bold new addition with the Espresso color option – a deep, rich tone that adds warmth and modern sophistication to any home or business. This new shade brings versatility to our already durable and energy-efficient 2400 Series, making it easier than ever for customers to match their garage doors to their aesthetic vision.
By Haas Door March 7, 2025
In today’s digital world, customers expect seamless, intuitive tools that make their purchasing journey easier. That’s exactly what HaasCreate delivers—a powerful, user-friendly design platform that connects consumers with dealers while simplifying the garage door selection and quoting process. Haas Door has taken a major step forward with HaasCreate, improving how homeowners and business owners visualize their ideal garage doors. This tool ensures that consumer selections are accurately reviewed, quoted and customized by a professional, eliminating guesswork for a smoother experience. What’s New with HaasCreate? HaasCreate guides consumers through their options and seamlessly integrates with HaasWorx , Haas Door’s professional quoting and ordering system. The tool now offers: Selection-driven interface - Instead of a model-driven approach, users are guided through the best options based on their needs. Expanded product catalog - Commercial sizes and products are now available. Direct integration with HaasWorx - Projects flow seamlessly into the professional dealer platform when submitted, ensuring consumer choices are accurately captured. Request to quote feature - Consumers can submit detailed project specifications to the dealer for quick and accurate quoting.
By Haas Door January 22, 2025
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But what exactly goes into this ROI calculation, and how can builders leverage this to benefit both their projects and their clients? Understanding ROI in Home Improvements ROI, or return on investment, in the context we’re speaking about here, refers to the percentage of the cost of a project that is recouped in the form of increased home value. This calculation typically involves comparing the cost of the upgrade to the expected increase in resale value. According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine, garage door replacements top the list with a better ROI than any other upgrade you can make on a home. This high percentage is attributed to several key factors: Energy Efficiency : Many contemporary garage doors are designed with energy efficiency in mind, helping to reduce heating and cooling costs – a benefit that appeals to both eco-conscious and cost-conscious buyers. Curb Appeal : The garage door is one of the most visible elements of a home’s exterior. A stylish, modern door can dramatically enhance curb appeal, immediately making the home more attractive to potential buyers upon installation. Durability and Maintenance : High-quality garage doors offer superior durability and require less maintenance, which is a significant selling point for homebuyers. Methodology of the Cost vs. Value Report Understanding the methodology behind this particular study can help builders and remodelers explain it to their customers. The report collects data from real estate professionals across the U.S., including appraisers, real estate agents and even remodelers. Each project, such as a garage door replacement, is clearly defined in terms of scope, quality of materials, and labor involved.  Detailed cost estimates are compiled from various reliable sources, accounting for regional pricing and labor rates. Real estate professionals then estimate the added value these improvements bring to a home’s resale price, considering factors like curb appeal, security and energy efficiency. The ROI is calculated by dividing the added home value by the project cost and expressing it as a percentage. The report also provides localized data to ensure relevance across different markets. The Case for Upgrading Garage Doors For builders and remodelers, promoting the installation of premium garage doors is not just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic move to add tangible value to their projects. Here’s how: Differentiation in a Competitive Market : By offering high-quality garage doors as a standard feature, builders can set their homes apart from the competition. In a market saturated with similar offerings, unique and thoughtful upgrades can make a significant difference. Increased Customer Satisfaction : Homebuyers today are well-informed and value homes that offer both style and substance. A premium garage door meets these criteria, leading to higher satisfaction and potential referrals. Long-Term Value : Unlike some other home upgrades that may fall out of style or require frequent upkeep, a quality garage door provides lasting value. This longevity ensures that the initial investment continues to pay dividends over time. Practical Implementation To effectively pitch the idea of upgrading garage doors to clients, builders should emphasize the following points: Aesthetic Versatility : Modern garage doors come in a variety of styles, colors and materials, allowing for customization that complements any home design. Moving beyond the typical standard white door, builders can offer options that enhance the overall architectural theme of the home. Immediate Visual Impact : Highlight how a new garage door can provide an instant facelift to the home’s exterior, creating a strong first impression for potential buyers. Financial Prudence : Present the ROI statistics from the study referenced in this article to demonstrate the financial wisdom of investing in a premium garage door. This data-driven approach can be particularly persuasive for cost-conscious buyers. As you can see, incorporating high-quality garage doors into home design is a strategic decision that benefits both builders and homeowners, alike. With a proven high ROI, this upgrade is not merely an aesthetic enhancement but a smart investment that pays off in terms of increased home value, reduced maintenance costs and enhanced buyer appeal. For builders, offering premium garage doors can be a compelling selling point that differentiates their projects in a crowded market. As the industry continues to evolve, staying ahead of trends and focusing on upgrades that provide substantial value is crucial. By prioritizing elements like garage doors, builders can ensure they are delivering homes that meet the modern buyer's expectations for style, functionality, energy efficiency and long-term value.
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By Haas Door October 31, 2024
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By Haas Door August 26, 2024
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By Haas Door August 16, 2024
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By Haas Door July 18, 2024
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By Haas Door June 25, 2024
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By Haas Door May 31, 2024
Haas Door recently had the privilege of exhibiting the IDA Expo 2024, and what an incredible experience it was! For those who couldn't make it to the event, we want to quickly bring you up to speed on all the exciting developments and offerings we showcased at our booth. Coming Soon : New American Tradition and Plank Series Models One of the main highlights of our booth was the sneak peek we offered of some of our upcoming products, including new additions to both the American Tradition and Plank Series. The American Tradition series will see 30 new models added, providing a total of 42 models, broadening options in one of our most popular series. These models came from customer special requests and discussions with our dealer partners and end-customers about shifting preferences and updated style trends. One of our new contemporary models, the 9209 and the 9609, offer a unique look that attendees tended to love!
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