Child-safe garage doors

Car owners appreciate garages with practical automatic garage doors. After all, the car or car accessories are stored safely and dry here. With children, an automatic garage door is sometimes met with mixed feelings, as children simply run back and forth and do not look to see if a door is closing or opening. But nowadays, families no longer have to do without an automatic garage door, because there are already ultra-modern versions that are child-safe. I have researched here which ones are available, what child safety features are present, and where you can buy such doors:

Which garage doors are there?

There is a large and wide selection of garage doors here. First of all, a distinction is made between up-and-over doors and sectional doors. The up-and-over door – as the name suggests – swings outwards when opening and closing, while the sectional door rolls upwards. So when choosing an up-and-over door, you have to take into account that some space is needed here so that the garage door can open and close nicely. If there is only little space for parking the car, you should rather opt for a sectional door.

Visually, you can choose the door type, door leaf, color, or surface structure for both variants as you wish, so that it matches the rest of the house's architecture.

An important detail for a garage door is the ease of operation. You will appreciate it when it is pouring with rain outside and you can simply open the garage door at the push of a button and get out in the dry. Therefore, when buying a garage door, look for an electric drive and a remote control. Side doors or wicket doors, through which the garage can be entered or left without opening the main door, are also very practical.

Thermal insulation is also becoming increasingly important these days, so garage doors should not be too thin, ideally double-walled and at least 30 mm thick. This way, the space in the garage can also be used as a workshop or hobby room, as the cold cannot penetrate as easily.

Furthermore, the garage door should be made of a solid material, such as steel, so that burglars cannot get in so easily. Make sure that the doors are TÜV-tested and can withstand burglary attempts. For some, a quiet door operation is also important so that the whole neighborhood doesn't know when you are leaving the house.

All-round safe garage doors?

Anyone with children should pay attention to safety precautions when it comes to garage doors. Systems with integrated light barriers that stop the closing process immediately when the light beam is interrupted are best. Such a light barrier can also be retrofitted if children are expected after the purchase of a garage door. Furthermore, finger pinch protection, side entrapment protection, and multiple spring systems are recommended. Side doors or wicket doors are also very practical, so that the garage can be entered without opening the main door.

You should have old garage doors replaced after at least 20 years, as the risk of accidents or damage increases. The old springs can wear out or even break, so the garage door can simply crash down.

Extra tip:If you still have an old garage door and would like to replace it, find out exactly. Many companies offer the replacement of old garage doors with new ones!

Where can I buy child-safe garage doors?

You can buy such all-round safe garage doors at Teckentrup. Here, Teckentrup sectional doors with light barrier and entrapment protection are offered. Every Teckentrup sectional door is equipped with maximum safety standards, such as the patented finger pinch protection, side entrapment protection, and multiple spring systems. Additional safety is provided by an integrated light barrier, which is mounted approx. 20 cm from the floor and stops the closing process immediately when the light beam is interrupted.

Furthermore, every motor-driven CarTeck sectional door made of steel is TÜV-tested and immune to burglary attempts. The doors are operated conveniently with a design hand transmitter and guarantee quiet door operation.

The company Teckentrup was founded in 1932 and is one of the largest manufacturers of doors and gates in Europe. With their intention to constantly improve their products, ultra-modern and innovative solutions have been created that provide good service in a household.

Photo by Teckentrup

Also read: How do you make your home childproof?