How to Protect Your Garage Door from the Kids This Summer (and the Kids from the Garage Door!)

Summer in the Lower Mainland is the season of sunshine, backyard BBQs, and kids playing outside from dawn till dusk. But if you’re like most homeowners, your garage becomes “mission control” for summer fun: storing bikes, scooters, sports gear, and probably hosting a few hide-and-seek games.

While this is great for keeping the kids active, it can be rough on your garage door — and let’s be real, garage doors aren’t toys! Between curious little hands pressing buttons, sports balls bouncing in all directions, and the occasional scooter race gone wrong, there’s a lot that can go wrong if you don’t take a few precautions.

So, how do you keep your garage door safe from the kids… and more importantly, keep the kids safe from the garage door? Here’s your summer survival guide!

1. Teach Kids the “Garage Door Rules”

Let’s start with the basics: kids need to know that the garage door isn’t a playground feature. This may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many children (and teens) love hanging onto a moving garage door or think it’s fun to race under one as it closes.

Set clear rules like:

• Don’t press the garage door opener unless given permission.

• Never hang on or climb the garage door.

• Never race under a closing door.

Consider making it fun — create a “Garage Safety Pledge” poster and hang it up in the garage. It gives the rules a sense of importance (and makes it more likely they’ll remember them).

2. Install Safety Features (and Test Them!)

Modern garage doors come with important safety features, like auto-reverse sensors that stop the door if something (or someone) is in the way.

But here’s the thing: these features only work if they’re functioning properly. Take a few minutes to test them. Place a roll of paper towels under the door and try to close it — it should reverse immediately upon contact.

If it doesn’t, or if you notice the sensors are misaligned or damaged, it’s time for a repair. (That’s where we come in — call us at (778) 655-3179 and we’ll check everything for you!)

3. Create a “No Ball Zone”

Soccer balls, basketballs, and garage doors do NOT mix. We’ve seen it all — dented panels, broken windows, and even damaged garage door openers from errant throws.

Set up a designated play area away from the garage door for sports and ball games. If space is limited, consider adding soft barriers or netting to shield your garage door from direct hits.

4. Lock Down the Remote

Kids love buttons. And the garage door remote? Oh, it’s irresistible.

Keep remotes out of reach. Store them on a high shelf or inside a locked drawer. If your garage door opener has a wall-mounted control, make sure it’s installed at least five feet off the ground so little hands can’t reach it.

For extra peace of mind, some smart garage door openers allow you to lock out remotes during certain hours or require a smartphone app for access.

5. Schedule a Summer Tune-Up

Summer is the perfect time for a garage door maintenance check. Why? Because the heat, humidity, and constant opening and closing can put extra strain on the springs, cables, and opener.

A professional tune-up can:

• Lubricate moving parts for smoother operation.

• Check for worn-out springs and cables (major safety hazards if left unattended).

• Make sure all safety systems are working.

Think of it as a check-up for your garage door — making sure it’s strong, safe, and ready for summer fun.

6. Secure Dangerous Items

Your garage is likely full of things kids shouldn’t be touching — tools, paint, lawn chemicals, and more.

Install high shelving or locking cabinets to keep these out of reach. This keeps kids safe and prevents accidental spills or damage to your belongings.

7. Make It a Family Project

If you want these safety measures to stick, involve the whole family. Spend an afternoon together organizing the garage, labeling storage areas, and talking about the “do’s and don’ts” of garage safety.

Make it fun — turn it into a game or challenge (who can pick up the most toys in five minutes?). The more kids are involved, the more likely they’ll respect the garage space.

Keep Summer Fun & Safe

Your garage door doesn’t have to take a beating this summer, and your kids don’t need to be at risk every time they go in and out. By teaching safety rules, maintaining your garage door, and creating clear play zones, you can enjoy a worry-free summer.

Need a safety check, tune-up, or repair? At DD Garage Door Repair, we’ve got you covered. Serving the entire Lower Mainland, from Vancouver to Abbotsford, we’re here 24/7 for repairs, maintenance, and peace of mind.

Call us today at (778) 655-3179 or book online to get started!