Industry Resources

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The Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) is North America's leading trade association for garage door manufacturers and safety standards. Their Garage Door Safety Tips cover routine inspections, spring safety, cable inspections, proper maintenance, and safe operation practices that every homeowner should understand. It's one of the industry's most trusted consumer safety resources.

We strongly agree with DASMA's recommendation that homeowners perform regular visual inspections while leaving spring, cable, and high-tension repairs to trained professionals. Garage door systems contain components under significant tension, and attempting DIY repairs can create unnecessary safety risks. We encourage homeowners to become familiar with their garage door, recognize warning signs early, and schedule professional maintenance before minor issues become major repairs.

Read DASMA's Garage Door Safety Tips HERE

Clopay's Buying Guide walks homeowners through important decisions such as selecting the right garage door style, insulation level, opener type, and warranty considerations. It explains how different materials, drive systems, and door configurations affect long-term performance, energy efficiency, and curb appeal.

Choosing a garage door isn't just about appearance. We encourage homeowners to consider how the garage is used every day, whether insulation is important, how close the garage is to living spaces, and the long-term availability of replacement parts. The right installation and properly balanced hardware often have a greater impact on long-term performance than selecting one manufacturer over another.

Read Clopay's Residential Garage Door Buying Guide HERE

Although originally published as a seasonal maintenance reminder, Consumer Reports provides one of the clearest explanations of how homeowners can test their garage door's balance and automatic reversing system. It recommends checking door balance, testing the reverse mechanism with a flat 2×4, and confirming that the photo-eye sensors correctly reverse the door when interrupted.

We recommend every homeowner test the automatic reverse feature according to the opener manufacturer's instructions. If the door fails the test, stop using the automatic opener until it has been inspected and repaired. This is one of the simplest safety checks you can perform and one of the most important for protecting children, pets, and property.

Read the Consumer Reports Garage Door Safety Guide HERE

Disclaimer: The external resources above are provided for educational purposes to help homeowners better understand garage door systems and safety. Ready-Lift Garage Door Co. does not control or maintain these third-party websites, and recommendations may change over time. For advice specific to your garage door system or home, please contact our team for a professional evaluation.