Why Your Garage Door Needs a Safety Edge

There are many things that go into choosing the right garage door, the overall appearance, safety and security to name a few. However, it’s not only the door itself you need to think about. It is important to ensure your garage door has a safety edge - especially for automated garage doors and roller doors. 

Safety edges come in different forms, but the main reason for them (the clue is in the name) is for your safety.

Not only that, but it can actually be against regulations to not have a safety edge fitted on a rolling garage door.

Why you need one

The number one reason for having a safety edge system on your garage door is for safety (shockingly). It protects you, other people entering your garage and any possessions entering the garage as well. 

They are also regularly added to an electric gate or roller shutters.

Safety 

As mentioned, safety is the priority. Doors are heavy and can be dangerous. Therefore protecting the edges can help to limit some of the potential hazards.

Most edges are made from rubber, which is much softer and less dangerous than the usual material of the garage door - usually metal or wood.

Insulation

Garages are definitely not the warmest place - unless insulated as an additional room, they can be very cold. However, having an added edge on the door can help to trap any heat that does get into the garage and can help keep the cold out. 

Protection 

It’s not only people that need protection from garage doors, but also your possessions and any cars you might be storing in your garage! Adding edging to your garage door prevents any nasty accidents from happening.

Downsides of Not Having a safety Edge

There are many downsides to not having a safety edge on your garage door, including a lack of safety and also the risk you’re not compliant with regulations. 

Potential Hazards

As we’ve mentioned, the main purpose of garage safety edging is protection, so by not having garage safety edging on your garage door you are risking potential accidents and hazards. Instead it is best to make sure you add a safety edge to your garage door and avoid any accidents. 

Your Garage Won’t Retain any Heat 

Adding a safety edge to your garage door also adds a little bit more insulation. UK garages aren’t built to retain heat so anything extra you can do to help will keep the cold out a little longer. 
 

Regulations 

Not only is it important for your own safety and security but ensuring your garage door is safe is actually required. 

For a powered garage door to be legally marketed today, it must have one of the following: 

• Be controlled only be a control located in a safe place close to the door
• Be protected by presence detection 
• Have built-in force limitation
• Fitted with a safety edge

See more info on these regulations from the HSE here.

Different Options

The main safety edge on the market is the rubber safety edge. This is the choice for most manufacturers as it provides improved safety and does a good job of providing some insulation too. You can get different profiles and cable lengths depending on what you need and the size of your garage and garage door. 

Where to Buy? 

In the UK, powered garage doors cannot be sold unless they have a fitted safety edge. However, if you are looking to purchase garage door safety edging for a converted garage space or you wish to replace the existing edging, you have a few options for purchase.

Safety Edge Rubber for 77mm Lath with Flippers

This safety edging features copper-embedded rubber and is designed to fit a 77mm Lath, and to fit directly onto it. It fits easily onto the Lath as it features a rigid T section for a smooth fit and added rubber ‘flippers’ for seal protection. 

Safety Edge Rubber for 77mm Lath 

Featuring copper-embedded rubber for a resistive edge, this rubber safety edging fits a 77mm Lath and is available in up to 30-metre rolls. The ‘T’ section opening is designed to fit easily on the lath for an easy installation.

Safety Edge Rubber for 55mm Lath

For a small fitting safety edge, you can also find a safety edge to fit a 55mm lath. Similar to the above options this safety edge features a copper-embedded rubber edge and fits smoothly onto the lath.

You have different options when it comes to sizing, and fit of your safety edging. They are pretty easy to fit onto the garage door if you need to do it yourself and usually come with the option to have a skirt or no skirt.

Pros and Cons 

There isn’t much difference in the types of safety edges on the market and what they can offer. Essentially they all do a similar job. However, your main choice might come down to whether you want an edge with ‘flippers’ or a skirt, or whether you want one without.

Without flippers, the edging is much smaller and more discreet - you could even opt for a grey shade instead of standard black to have it match your garage door colour better. On the other hand, flippers add another layer of seal protection which could in turn help insulate your garage that little bit more!

Conclusion

There you have it! Now, you know why you need a garage door safety edge and all of the different options you have for buying one. Make sure you ensure your garage door is as safe and insulating as possible with garage door safety edging.