What to Do When a Storm Damages Your Garage Door
High winds and extreme weather are common in Florida, and they can severely damage your garage door and home. Your garage door is one of the most susceptible areas of your home to storm damage because it’s the largest and frailest opening. While local regulations and standards in Florida require all garage doors to be WindCode® rated for enhanced hurricane resistance, damage still occurs, especially during hurricane season.
When a storm damages your garage door, you’ll probably need a repair or replacement. Your insurance company can help you plan your next steps, and you can then hire a garage door specialist to complete the project.
Storms That Cause Damage to Garage Doors
Even mild weather can harm your garage doors. The main weather conditions that can damage garage doors in Florida are hurricanes, hail, thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Hurricane season is from June 1 through Nov. 30, and the high winds from hurricanes are hazardous to people and property. Scientists rank hurricanes on a scale of one to five, with a Category 5 hurricane being the most severe, but even storms on the lower end of the scale can cause damage. A Category 1 hurricane has winds ranging from 74 to 95 mph, and a hurricane falls under Category 5 if its winds are higher than 155 mph. Likewise, thunderstorms can have winds that exceed 120 mph, and the wind from tornadoes can reach 300 mph.
High winds are the primary factor that makes hurricanes and other storms so damaging to garage doors. When wind hits a garage door, it can loosen the individual panels, bend or twist the door and cause the door to come off the track. Flooding from hurricanes and thunderstorms can also damage the door and even smash debris like tree limbs into the door, causing dents.
Florida sees occasional hailstorms, and strong winds can forcefully blow the hail directly at your garage door, leading to dents, broken panels and other damage.
4 Steps to Take to Fix a Garage Door After a Storm
If a storm blows through your neighborhood and affects your home, you should take several steps to repair the damage. Here are four tips for fixing a storm-damaged garage door.
1. Assess the Damage
After a storm ends, the first thing to do is go outside and inspect your garage door for any signs of damage. You may notice dents, bent or broken panels, or your door may be off its frame. You should also check to see if the garage door seems misaligned and ensure it opens and closes smoothly and without an issue. You shouldn’t try to force your garage door open or shut if it’s not operating as expected. The springs or cables may have taken damage in the storm, and many garage door parts work under high tension, so it’s dangerous to try to force it into motion or do any DIY repairs.
2. Photograph the Damage
Next, take pictures of your entire garage door, so you have specific proof of the damage. You should take photos at different angles, so the full scope of the damage is evident. Also, ensure at least one of the snapshots shows the entire garage door. If possible, try to take a picture that also shows your street number somewhere in the image for further evidence that it’s your garage.
3. Contact Insurance Company
You must contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the damage occurs. Your insurance agent will likely require photographs to assess the damage on their end and complete an insurance claim. The insurance provider may choose to have someone come to your house to inspect the damage in person, but it depends on the company. It’s a good idea to discuss the deductible cost for the repair with your insurance agent. If the damage isn’t severe, it may save you time and money to have a professional garage door repair service fix the door without getting your insurance company involved. You can have a garage door technician look at the damage and give you a quote before deciding.
4. Contact a Professional
You’ll need to contact a licensed garage door repair company to repair or replace your storm-damaged garage door. If you plan on having your insurance policy cover the repairs’ cost, they may have requirements for which company you can choose. In some cases, the insurance company may have you get quotes from a few different garage door companies to get the best price. A professional can assess the full extent of the damage and inspect all the door’s mechanical aspects to ensure that it’s safe for you to continue using. They’ll also provide you with the best options for your specific situation.
How to Identify Storm Damage to Your Garage Door
Once it’s safe to do so after a storm ends, thoroughly inspect your garage door for any signs of damage or malfunction. Not all garage door damage from a storm will be immediately visible. Damage may also occur throughout the garage door’s internal workings. Take the following steps to identify any internal or external damage to your garage door.
- Open and close the door: Try to use the automatic garage door opener if you have one. The garage door should open and close smoothly. Pay attention to how it opens and try to recall if you notice any differences with how it works now versus how it operated before the storm. You shouldn’t try to force the door closed or open if it gets stuck while in motion because damaged springs or cables can be hazardous.
- Listen for odd noises: When your garage door is moving, listen to the noises it makes. Wind may have damaged the garage door if you hear any unusual noises.
- Examine the exterior of the door: You should look closely for any signs of physical damage on the outside of your garage door. Damage can include dents, loose or broken panels and a bent door.
- Check to see if the door is even: High winds may cause the springs to become misaligned or damage the cables, resulting in the door laying unevenly or sagging. Using your garage door when the springs are off-track can cause more damage over time.
Contact The Doorman to Inspect and Repair Your Storm-Damaged Garage Door
At The Doorman of Southeast Florida, we’re a family-run business of over 20 years, and we’re here to help you repair or replace your garage door after a storm. With our customer-first philosophy, we proudly provide premium service for all your garage door needs. We offer a range of Clopay® hurricane garage doors to suit your style and enhance your home’s curb appeal. If your garage doors need some care, we offer a $39.95 garage door tune-up.
Fill out this form for a free quote, call us at 561-272-3667 or contact us online to get your garage door back in perfect condition.
Top Reasons Why Your Garage Door Won’t Open
For average Florida homeowners, the garage is the most frequent and convenient entrance and exit to the home. With multiple cycles performed every day and regular exposure to the elements, your garage door is bound to experience wear and tear that may prevent it from opening properly when prompted.
When your garage door won’t open, the source of the issue could be a variety of different sources, from minor garage door opener setting issues to major component failures that compromise the safety and functionality of your door.
Whether your garage door refuses to open entirely, starts to open then reverses, or won’t open manually, homeowners should know the most common reasons why a garage door won’t open properly and understand which issues can be easily addressed and which require professional attention.
Common Explanations for Why Your Garage Door Won’t Open Automatically
Garage doors rely on a system of moving parts to effectively and smoothly raise and lower the door when instructed. When your garage door won’t open properly, don’t panic. It’s best to first investigate simple malfunctions that can affect garage door performance.
Some common and minor reasons why your garage door may not be opening are:
Photo-Eye Sensor Malfunctions
Located at the base of your garage door is a pair of photo-eye sensors. This safety feature is responsible for reversing the direction of a closing garage door if it detects an item in the pathway of the door. Photo-eye sensors can easily become misaligned, interrupting the beam between the two units and indicating an “obstruction” in the door’s downward pathway. If your garage door won’t close, check that the sensors haven’t become misaligned or are dirty.
Improper Sensitivity Settings
Typically an issue for newly installed garage doors, improper sensitivity settings are a feature of the garage door opener, allowing the machine to know how much force is needed to lift and lower a door. If the settings are off or weren’t switched from factory settings, the opener will recognize the door as too lightweight to require lifting force or too heavy for the weight allowance of the opener. When this setting is off, the garage door won’t open.
Garage Door Opener Isn’t Receiving Power
A simple reason why your garage door won’t open automatically is that the power source to the opener has been disconnected. Check that the opener is still plugged into the outlet and that your garage is receiving power.
The Door is Manually Locked
When you’ve checked every other basic explanation, inspect your opener’s lock mode and the door’s manual lock if it has one. Sometimes newer garage door openers will manually lock if you hold the wall-mounted button down for several seconds. Once locked, a single press of the button won’t prompt the door to open. Also, check whether the manual lock installed on the garage wasn’t accidentally engaged.
Opener Keypad is Out of Sync
If your garage door opener works, but the wall-mounted keypad won’t trigger operation, then you might need to reset the opener code. Refer to your garage door opener owner’s manual for more information on resetting the code.
Worst-Case Scenarios: Reasons Why Your Garage Door Isn’t Opening
After troubleshooting the most common and basic causes for why a garage door won’t open, it’s best to investigate the condition of your garage door system and determine if a more severe issue is causing malfunctions.
When the problem’s source isn’t dead remote batteries, photo-eye sensor issues, or opener setting issues, check for the following:
Broken Torsion or Extension Springs
When you press the opener remote button and the motor is running, but the door won’t open, your spring system might be damaged. Broken torsion or extension springs are the most common garage door repair issues for Florida homeowners. Garage door springs are rated according to maximum garage door cycles. When that lifespan is up, the spring can snap unexpectedly. This system counterbalances the weight of the door, but with damaged springs, the door won’t be able to open. To determine if the spring is damaged, check for large gaps between the coils.
Snapped Cables
Along with the spring system, the cables help facilitate smooth and easy garage door opening and closing. Typically, once the springs are broken, the cables will also break. If the springs are damaged, the cables are the only part that prevents the heavy door from slamming to the ground. This can cause significant property damage and damage to the door itself.
Misaligned Garage Door Track
Tracks provide a clear pathway for the door to open and close. If the track becomes even slightly misaligned, it can slow and eventually prevent the door from opening. Damaged tracks typically make squeaking sounds as the rollers move along the area.
Stripped Opener Gear
As garage door openers age, the regular strain of opening and closing can cause the motor’s gears to strip. When a gear has stripped, homeowners can typically hear the motor whirring and trying to lift the door, but it won’t move. Sometimes the gears can be replaced. In other instances, the entire garage door opener needs replacement.
While it’s often tempting to visit your local hardware store to buy replacement parts and tools to repair damaged garage door components, these garage door issues that prevent the door from opening are severe and should only be repaired by a professionally trained garage door technician.
Trust The Doorman of Southeast Florida for Effective Garage Door Repairs
A garage door that won’t open can be inconvenient and hazardous. But with prompt, reliable, and helpful garage door repairs from The Doorman, you can get back to your business or your routine throughout southeastern Florida without hassle. We respond quickly to all garage door repair service calls with fully loaded trucks, ready to inspect and diagnose garage door issues and develop appropriate repair solutions.
Learn more about our garage door repair solutions today. Call us at 561.600.9606 to speak to a team member or complete our online form to schedule services.
Common Reasons Why Your Garage Door Won’t Close
After years of reliable use, you find one morning that after pressing the remote control button several times, your garage door just won’t close. While having a garage door that won’t close is an inconvenient and time-consuming hassle, it’s one of the most common garage door issues Florida homeowners experience. Being the most frequently used daily entrance and exit to your home, a garage door that won’t close can result from minor issues like obstructions in the path of the door or more severe issues like a broken spring or cable.
Garage doors left open present a significant home security and safety issue and should be addressed as soon as possible. When your garage door won’t close, make sure to note common repair signs and determine whether professional attention is needed.
What to Do When Your Garage Door Won’t Close
When your home’s garage door won’t close, you can’t just leave it open until you find a convenient time to address the issue. In many instances when the door won’t close properly, there’s a simple explanation for the cause of the malfunction. By performing initial troubleshooting steps, you can often quickly determine why the garage door won’t close and end up saving money by avoiding a service call from a professional.
If your garage door won’t close, look at the following action items first:
- Perform a visual inspection: When the garage door won’t close, it’s best to first perform a visual inspection of the garage door parts and components, checking for signs of visible damage.
- Check photo-eye sensors: If there are no obvious signs of damage, look at the photo-eye sensors at the base of the door. Make sure there’s nothing blocking the sensors, that the sensors are properly aligned, and that each unit is free of debris. In many cases, dirt and grime can obscure the sensor lenses, confusing the part into thinking there’s an obstruction in the path of the closing door.
- Press the wall-mounted keypad: When the parts of the garage door appear in good condition and there’s no object in the way of the door, homeowners should check whether the door will close when using the wall-mounted keypad. Press the interior wall station button, using constant pressure, until the door touches the ground. If the garage door is able to close with the wall pad, it likely indicates a problem with the remote control such as a dead battery or a short within the garage door opener’s circuit board. Check the condition of the circuit board by cleaning and realigning the photo-eye sensors. These pieces often get shorted after a power surge or electrical strike.
- Release the emergency cord: If your garage door still won’t close after troubleshooting common issues, ensure the safety and security of your home by manually closing the garage door. Use the manual door release cord located on the garage door opener. This red lever will release the garage door from the opener, allowing you to gently lower the door into the downward position using the handle mounted to the bottom garage door panel.
- Contact a professional repair technician: Once the garage door has been securely lowered and locked, if your garage door has a manual door locking mechanism, call a qualified garage door repair technician to inspect your garage door system and identify the reason why the door won’t close. A professional will be able to determine whether there’s a damaged component, an issue with the garage door opener, if there’s a binding issue, or if your garage door just needs a tuneup.
Reasons Why Your Garage Door Won’t Close
While there are several ways to identify and fix common garage door issues yourself, there are a few severe instances when you’ll need assistance from a professional.
After looking over your garage door system and finding no simple and safe DIY solutions, your door likely has a broken or damaged component preventing the door from closing properly. Common components that prevent your garage door from closing properly include:
- Broken springs or cables: Torsion or extension springs and cables are some of the most crucial components in your garage door system. These parts are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the door and allowing the opener to lift and lower it smoothly. Broken springs and cables are some of the most dangerous garage door repair issues that prevent the door from closing. Springs at the end of their lifespan can snap unexpectedly, making a loud banging sound, or will show visible signs of age, like gaps between spring coils. Damaged cables will often unspool from the drum or appear frayed.
- Misaligned garage door tracks: In the garage, there’s a lot of movement and coming and going. With daily activity, it’s normal for the garage door tracks to be accidentally hit and become misaligned. The track provides a clear pathway for the door to travel when it opens and closes. When the track is ajar, it can slow and even prevent movement of the door.
- Improperly programmed limit settings: In some instances, the garage door opener’s limit settings may be improperly programmed. The limit settings signal the machine to know how much movement is required to completely open or close the door. When the garage door is installed, a technician will set this program according to the height and weight of the door. When the setting is programmed too high, the opener will assume the door closed too early once it touches the ground, thinking the ground is an object and not the end of the cycle.
Contact The Doorman, Southeastern Florida’s Best Source for Residential Door Repairs and Maintenance
When your garage door won’t close, no matter the cause, you can rely on the trained local professionals at The Doorman to perform prompt and effective garage door repairs. We happily provide garage door services for homeowners throughout southeastern Florida, including the Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach areas.
Contact us today to learn more about our garage door repair services or call 561.600.9606 to request an appointment.
The Most Common Garage Door Opener Issues
Consider how often you open and close your garage door every day. For most southeastern Florida homeowners, the garage door cycles up to 1,500 times every year. Homeowners often take garage doors for granted as the main entryway to their homes, offering a safe and convenient entrance. The garage door opener is the key to this convenience. When your garage door opener stops functioning properly, you might have to put your whole routine on hold.
Whether your garage door won’t close all of the way, makes unusual sounds while operational, or refuses to open or close at all, the cause of the issue could be simple for homeowners to diagnose and fix. By understanding common garage door opener issues and how to resolve them, you can become a more responsible and knowledgable homeowner. You’ll know when to attempt a fix yourself and when it’s far better and safer to reach out to a trained garage door professional.
Common Garage Door Opener Issues
Even the highest-quality garage door openers will likely experience issues and need repairs after years of usage and daily cycling.
With regular use, garage door openers will eventually succumb to worn-out hardware and other malfunctions. Minor issues like dead remote batteries and misaligned photo-eye sensors can easily and quickly be fixed by homeowners. More severe opener problems may indicate you need a garage door opener replacement.
By understanding common garage door opener issues, you can avoid major repair costs, door damage, and other inconveniences like being stranded outside of your garage or trapped inside of it.
Garage Door Reverses Before Hitting the Floor or Won’t Close
When the garage door opens normally, but won’t close, there’s a variety of possible issues homeowners should investigate:
- Close-limit switch setting: When the opener was installed, the technician set the limit switch, telling the opener when the door has reached the floor. The limit switch setting is based on the size and weight of the door. If this was improperly programmed or was accidentally changed, the opener will think the door closed too early once it touches the floor, thinking the ground is an object and not the end of the closing cycle.
- Photo-eye sensor adjustment: At the base of the garage door are electronic photo-eyes casting a beam between themselves. When the beam is disrupted, the garage door opener prevents the door from closing to avoid damaging or injuring an item or person. The pathway between the two photo-eye sensors must stay clear to allow the door to close smoothly. If the sensors have become misaligned or dirty, the door won’t close.
Garage Door Won’t Open Completely
After clicking the remote button, the garage door may open, but not entirely, and prevent your car from entering or exiting the garage. If the garage opens but stops short of its full open position, then the garage door opener’s up-limit switch may be programmed incorrectly.
The programming mechanism is typically a touch-lever mounted near the end of the track, close to the opener motor. If this lever is set too far from the motor, the door will stop the door’s ascension before it is fully opened. To fix the up-limit switch setting, move it closer to the motor.
The Door Opens but the Motor Still Runs
While less common, if the garage door opener raises and lowers the door, but you hear the motor whirring once the cycle ends, then the up-limit switch is positioned too close to the motor and needs to be moved away.
It’s important that the limit switch is set properly. This setting lets the opener know the proper distance to the floor and triggers the motor to stop running. This issue typically occurs immediately after the garage door opener has been installed. Troubleshoot the limit switch positioning by moving it farther from the motor in small increments and then testing the garage door opener’s operation.
Remote or Wall-Mounted Pad Won’t Trigger Operation
It’s often frustrating for homeowners when you’re on the way home and the garage door won’t open after pressing the remote button several times. There are several things to check to trigger opener operation. Make sure you’re not trying to open the garage door from too far away — the opener functions at certain distances only. Also, if you can’t remember the last time you swapped your remote’s batteries for fresh ones, try replacing them and try opening the door again.
If the garage door won’t budge after pressing the remote button or wall switch, the power source to your opener has likely been disrupted. First, check that your opener is still plugged into the outlet and hasn’t accidentally been unplugged. If the plug is still inserted, make sure the garage breaker switch isn’t tripped.
After verifying that the power source hasn’t been interrupted, and the door still won’t open and close, the garage door motor may have burned out. When the garage door opener motor no longer works, the only realistic solution is to replace the unit.
Garage Door Opener Not Working? Schedule Garage Door Repairs With The Doorman Today
At The Doorman, we understand how important reliable and smooth garage door operation is for your daily activity. If you’re a homeowner in Broward or Palm Beach County and you need helpful, knowledgable, and prompt garage door opener repairs or maintenance services, reach out to the trained local professionals at The Doorman.
We’re a family-owned company with over 20 years of experience working on residential garage door systems throughout southeast Florida. Our team can handle any type of garage door opener issue, large or small. With every garage door repair project, we guarantee comprehensive repairs, personalized services and affordable solutions.
Schedule garage door opener repairs today or learn more about common garage door opener issues by calling us at 561.600.9606 or complete our online contact form to request a free project quote.
Why Your Garage Door Is So Loud When Opening Or Closing
If your garage door makes a loud noise when opening or closing, it’s a sign that something is not right with your garage door mechanism. You may be wondering what causes a noisy garage door. Depending on the kind of sound you are experiencing, the problem may have a very different origin. Grinding is not the same as squeaking or banging. If it is something small, such as hinges in need of lubricant, you may be able to fix it yourself.
But, if it is something more dangerous, such as a broken torsion spring, it may be time to call a professional. This article can help you diagnose the problem and know when you need an expert’s help.
Common Garage Door Noises and What They Mean
While some noise is normal, if you are experiencing an unusual sound, you can typically figure out what’s wrong by listening. Is it rattling, creaking or scraping? The specific noise can tell you a lot about the cause of the issue.
Rattling
A rattle or vibration upon opening your garage door is usually a sign of loose nuts or bolts along the track. You can typically fix this with a wrench and socket. However, over-tightening can damage your garage door as well, so consider calling a professional.
Another explanation for your garage door rattling when opening or closing is poor lubrication. Clopay® recommends lubricating the rollers, hinges and springs in your garage door mechanism once every two months, whether or not you experience an unpleasant sound. This can prevent a sound from recurring and protect against wear.
A rattle can also be a sign of unbalanced doors. If you have just installed a new garage door and are experiencing rattling, it may not have been installed properly.
Grinding
If your garage door is making a grinding noise when opening or closing, the first place to look is your rollers. Worn rollers, especially metal ones, can cause a grinding sound. They may need lubricant, but if you see signs of wear or damage, it is best to have them replaced. Nylon rollers are an excellent option for noise reduction. They are quieter, need no lubrication, and last just as long as metal rollers.
A misaligned shaft system, problems with the hinges or a bent track can also cause grinding noises. Look for metal filings in these areas to find where metal is scraping against metal.
Squeaking
If your garage door squeaks loudly, you may need to lubricate. The hinges, rollers, pulleys, bearings and springs can all cause squeaking sounds without proper lubrication. By listening closely, you can determine where the sound comes from and apply some lubricant to the offending area.
If this does not resolve the squeaking problem, check your rollers and ball bearings for loose parts. If there is anything loose, you will also see your doors wobble along the track.
Banging
If your garage door makes a loud banging noise when closing or opening, the door may be unbalanced or have a broken torsion spring. The spring may be causing a banging or crashing sound, particularly when the door hits the floor. Check the springs and lubricate them if necessary. If you see any loose or broken springs, call a repair technician as soon as possible. Do not attempt to fix an issue with the springs by yourself, as the high tension makes them very dangerous.
Common Garage Door Opener Sounds and What They Mean
If you find nothing wrong with the garage door, take a look at the opener. A garage door opener older than seven years or operated by a chain is prone to some extra noise. Several things could be the cause of a noisy garage door opener.
If you find that nothing is wrong with the opener itself, consider replacing a chain-operated opener with a belt-operated one. You will need the help of an expert to install one, but belt-driven openers are much quieter and can give you some relief.
Rattling
If you hear rattling from the garage door opener, there might be an issue with the support rails or a loose chain.
A loose chain might also cause a snapping or slapping sound. If jerky movements accompany the sound, the chain is the likely culprit.
Grinding
If the sound from your garage door opener is more of a grinding noise, the chain and other moving parts need lubrication. Spray a liberal amount of lubricant and try opening and closing the garage door several times to spread the liquid to all parts of the opener. If you are experiencing a grinding sound as well as trouble opening and closing the door, the opener is likely at fault.
A stripped opener gear can also cause a grinding sound. If this is the case, call a professional to replace the equipment.
Straining
When your garage door opener is straining, the motor could be defective or have low horsepower. In either case, speak with a professional about retrofitting a new one.
How to Tell When Your Garage Door Needs Repair, Service or Maintenance
Generally speaking, we recommend getting professional maintenance on your garage door and opener once a year. So, if you are experiencing loud and irregular noises, it is a good idea to have an expert look at your garage.
If you have inadequate lubrication, you can purchase a silicone-based garage door lubricant and resolve the problem on your own. However, a professional garage door tune-up is inexpensive, and your repair person will lubricate all moving parts and catch other issues before they become dangerous.
If you choose to work on your own garage door, disconnect the opener and work with a partner to prevent injury. Do not attempt to replace rollers, hinges or springs on your own. A mistake could cause your garage door to fall off the tracks and lead to severe injury or death.
Schedule a Tune-Up or Get a Free Estimate Today
Garage door noises can be very frustrating, especially if you can’t identify the cause on your own. The Doorman of Southeast Florida will provide you with honest door repair, service and maintenance, and our friendly staff will help keep your garage door system in good condition. We offer an annual tune-up for only $39.95 and can give you a free estimate if you are experiencing any issues. To schedule service, call 561.600.9606 or contact us online.
How to Open Your Garage Door Manually
Homeowners in Southeast Florida have experience with hurricanes. If you live in Florida, you should have a sturdy automatic garage door that will protect your home, your family and your vehicle from severe storms. By law, garage doors in Florida need to be Windcode-rated to withstand strong hurricane winds.
In this guide, we will go over:
- What to Do If Your Garage Door Gets Stuck
- How to Open a Garage Door Manually
- Garage Door Safety Tips
- Schedule Emergency Garage Door Maintenance
- Contact an Expert
Automatic garage doors should open with the press of the wall station, input of your code on the outside keypad or push of a button on a wireless remote control or clicker, but they may have trouble functioning during a power outage or after a hurricane. In case of an emergency, you should know how to open your garage door manually. As you follow these guidelines for what to do if your garage door won’t open, remember to make safety your priority. If you need help inspecting or repairing your garage door, you can consult a professional in the garage door industry.
What to Do If Your Garage Door Gets Stuck
If your automatic garage door is stuck in one position, you should inspect it to discover the problem. Some common reasons for why your garage door won’t open include:
- Power outages: During a power surge or a storm, your circuit breaker could reset and cause a power outage. After a storm, check your circuit breaker to make sure the opener to your garage door is “On.” You should also check to make sure your garage door opener was not accidentally unplugged.
- Storm damage: Since hurricanes are common in Florida, your garage door is built to withstand strong winds and heavy rains. In severe hurricanes, your garage door could become damaged. In this case, you can schedule an appointment with a professional garage company to inspect and replace your garage door. If you try to fix it yourself after a severe storm, you could void your garage door’s warranty or potentially harm yourself.
- Locked garage door: After checking for storm damage or malfunction from power outages, you should check your outside garage door lock. While you may have checked this already, you should confirm your garage door is unlocked before attempting to make any repairs.
- Faulty remote: If your door opens manually but not with your remote garage door opener, the remote may need to be replaced. You could also try changing out the batteries.
- Faulty garage door opener: Your garage door opener wears out over time. To open a garage door if the garage door opener is broken, turn off the automatic setting and open the door manually. If the door opens without a problem, you may need to replace your garage door opener.
- Faulty garage door spring: Two springs — the torsion spring and the extension spring — control the back and forth movement of your garage door. If your spring system is jammed or broken, your garage door will not be operational and you will not be able to open or close the door safely. If you suspect that your garage door spring is faulty, do not attempt to open your garage door until you consult a garage door professional. Torsion springs have a limited lifespan, so if you use your garage door often, you will need to replace your garage door springs. more often.
- The garage door is off the track: If your garage door rollers come out of the track or the door becomes crooked in the opening do not try to operate the door. Be sure to call a licensed garage door contractor to service your door.
- Lack of lubrication: Your garage door components do get dried out over time and does need at least annual lubrication. You can buy garage door lubricant or use a silicone-based lubricant to apply to your garage’s rollers, hinges and springs.
- Improper installation: While most garage doors are usually installed properly, your garage door may be misaligned or damaged due to improper installation. Consult with a professional garage door specialist to have your garage door inspected and repaired or replaced as needed.
How to Open a Garage Door Manually
After you have inspected your garage door to find the source of the problem, you can try manually opening your garage door. To open your garage door manually, you should:
- Make sure the garage door is fully closed.
- Pull the red emergency release cord.
- Start carefully lifting the garage door.
Here are some tips for how to open a garage door after a hurricane, power outage or malfunction.
1. Make Sure the Garage Door Is Fully Closed
Your garage door can get stuck halfway through the track. Only try to open your garage door manually if your garage door is fully closed. Check the bottom of your garage door to make sure it is touching the ground. If your garage door won’t close properly, you may have to get your garage door or spring replaced or serviced by a qualified garage door specialist.
You should also check that the latches and locks are all open for your garage door. It will obviously be impossible to open a locked garage door.
After verifying that your garage door is completely closed and the rollers are still in the track it is now time for the next step. Pulling the Red Emergency Release Cord.
2. Pull the Red Emergency Release Cord
Your automatic garage door should have an emergency release cord to disconnect the door from the opener in an emergency. The emergency release cord will be located in the center rail of your garage door track. It might be a different color, but it should be the only cord hanging from your garage door carriage.
After locating the emergency cord, pull down firmly on the cord to disconnect the door from the opener. Your emergency cord most likely includes a plastic pull handle attached to a red cord. By pulling on the red emergency release cord, you will disengage the automatic release lever or garage door opener trolly on the garage door opener.
When your house gains power again or your garage door is fixed, you may engage your garage door’s automatic setting by pulling the red emergency release cord again. If you need help during this process, consult your user’s manual or call a professional garage door service company.
3. Start Carefully Lifting the Garage Door
After you disengage your garage door’s automatic setting, you should be able to easily lift your garage door open. Since tension or torsion springs counterbalance the weight your garage door, the springs should do most of the heavy lifting in opening the garage. The door will be slightly heavy, but if it sticks or makes strange noises while you open it, you should call a professional licensed garage door company to inspect your garage door to prevent further damage or personal injury.
Grab the garage door with both hands and lift it from the bottom, opening it until the bottom of the door is fully overhead. Since your garage door is completely manual and unassisted by the electric garage door opener be sure that the door will stay open completely on its own before releasing your grip on the door. If the garage door springs are out of balance the door could fall rapidly and damage the door or worse yet injure you or someone standing close by.
If the door is too heavy for you to open on your own your door springs could be broken or out of balance. At this point you should, for safety reasons call a licensed garage door professional. To ensure that your door is within manufacturer specifications and ensure safe operation whether connected to the electric opener or operated manually it is recommended that you have your garage routinely inspected by a licensed garage door professional and practice the proper safety precautions.
Garage Door Safety Tips
Use caution when opening a garage door manually. The garage door may be heavy or unstable when you open it, so if possible, ask someone to help you if you are unsure. When opening or closing your garage, make sure that no people, animals or objects are in its pathway.
As you open your garage door manually, practice these additional safety tips to protect yourself, others and your property.
- Keep children safe: Children may think that garage remote openers are toys. Do not let your children play in or around the garage while you are manually opening or closing it. Children have been known to try to ride the garage door by holding onto the outdoor handle or door bottom, so make sure that you teach your children about garage door safety as well.
- Is it safe to open a garage door after a power outage? You can open your garage after a power outage as long as you protect yourself from potential electric shock. Unplug your electric garage door motor unit before you attempt to open your garage door manually. If you open a garage door during a power outage and the electricity turns on while you are working, the opener could shock or injure you as it starts to move. You may also damage the electrical elements of your garage door opener.
- Keep your fingers away from in between door sections: Your fingers could get pinched in between garage door sections. If you have children, you should explain to them the danger of putting their fingers in between the sections of your garage door.
- Close your garage door completely after use: If you manually open and close your garage door, you should open and close it completely so the garage door does not slam onto the floor or hit an object in its pathway. Opening the garage door completely also relieves some of the pressure from the garage door springs. Do not pull the red emergency release cord if your garage door is stuck open. The door could fall rapidly injuring those nearby.
- Refer to the user’s manual: If you have your garage’s user manual, you have a reference for how to manually open your garage door. The user manual should also have information about safety procedures that are specific to your garage’s unique manufacturer.
- Protect your garage at night and on vacation: Burglars can break into your home through the garage with a coat hanger. When everyone is safe inside your home, lock the door that leads into the house from the garage. Change the access code on your garage often for heightened security. While on vacation, you can unplug your garage door opener unit and disengage your remote. You can also use blackout curtains for your garage when you are away on vacation.
- Properly maintain your garage door: Make sure you keep your garage door clean and lubricated for optimal efficiency. Lubricating the rollers and chain on your garage door will help it open and close quietly and prolong its lifespan.
To keep your garage door completely safe and efficient, you should schedule routine and emergency garage door maintenance with a licensed professional garage door company.
Schedule Emergency Garage Door Maintenance
When your garage door is not opening and closing properly, opening your garage door manually should be a temporary fix. A professional garage door installer may need to inspect your door to discover if your garage door should be replaced or repaired. Preventive maintenance can help your garage door before it breaks by keeping you and your guests safe, lowering the long-term costs of your garage door, keeping your garage door looking sharp and enhancing your home’s curb appeal and resale value.
How often your garage gets a tune-up depends on the age of the door and the frequency of use, but you should generally have your garage door checked once every year. When you schedule an appointment with your garage door company, they will send a technician to test the safety of your door. They will also clean, replace and lubricate parts of the garage to ensure it will function smoothly and safetly.
You should also visually inspect your garage door on your own at least once a month. If you notice any broken or worn-out pieces, you should call a professional to inspect your door and replace the parts for you.
If you wait until you have problems with your garage door, you will have to schedule an emergency garage door maintenance. You should schedule a garage door maintenance appointment if you hear strange noises or see bent tracks or damaged rollers. A professional garage door company will provide a service to ensure your door works normally and safely again.
As a homeowner in southeastern Florida, you should also have the rest of your home inspected throughout the year. Your garage door and opener are just as important as the other mechanical systems in your house. Trust a licensed professional to test your garage door and diagnose potential problems before they happen.
Let The Doorman of Southeast Florida Help You Open Your Garage Door
Our team at The Doorman of Southeast Florida offers $39.95 garage door tune-ups for both preventive and emergency maintenance. We provide a thorough assessment of your garage door and electric garage door opener and offer sensible solutions for taking care of your garage door. We are an experienced licensed garage door company, servicing South Florida for over 25 years and also A+ Rated by Better Business Bureau. We are experienced and equipped to install, repair or replace your garage door.
All of our automatic garage doors are Windcode-rated to meet the local Hurricane code regulations and standards for hurricane resistance in Florida. We also provide Liftmaster brand garage door openers and other essentials for your automatic garage door.
As a Clopay® garage door distributor, we will provide you with a selection of the best quality garage doors in the United States. Contact us online or call us today at 561.600.9606 for a free estimate for your garage door installation. Our team of reliable, trustworthy professionals will ensure you will be safe and secure in your home with your new garage door.
When Should You Replace Your Garage Door?
Most homeowners who are concerned about maintaining the highest possible property value recognize the importance of having an attractive, functional garage door. When you consider that the garage door can comprise up to 30 percent of the front exterior of a home, it’s easy to see how an old, dilapidated door can significantly reduce the residence’s curb appeal to prospective buyers.
Additionally, if the door is malfunctioning not only can it can be an inconvenience but it can also pose a severe safety hazard to you and your family.
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When Does It Make Sense to Repair a Garage Door?
In some situations, it may be possible to rectify garage door issues by making repairs. Some examples include:
- Panel damage – If you have a sectional garage door consisting of a series of individual panels, they can experience damage when struck by a heavy object. If it is limited to only one or two panels, a simple panel replacement can restore the door to like-new condition. However, it is essential to conduct the repairs before the damage causes additional damage to other parts of the door.
- The door won’t open or close – If you press the button on the garage door remote and nothing happens, it doesn’t necessarily mean there is a serious issue. In many cases, replacing the remote’s batteries will allow the door to function properly again.
- Heaviness – Does your door feel “heavy” when you attempt to open it manually? This is often an indication that the springs are weakening and will most likely require adjustment or replacement.
When Is It Finally Time to Replace a Garage Door?
The following can indicate that full garage door replacement is in order:
- Age – How long does a garage door last? It depends on a variety of factors such as material, exposure to harsh climatic conditions and whether the door has received timely preventive maintenance. The life expectancy can range from 15 to 30 years, although performance — and safety — will likely decline with age.
- Severe damage – It might not be possible to repair a door that has incurred significant damage to multiple panels or has experienced a “traumatic” event such as a vehicle strike or a major storm. In some instances, it may be more cost-effective to replace a garage door than repair it.
- Outdated technology – Garage door technology continues to evolve. If it’s been a while since you’ve replaced your garage door or electric opener, it might not be as safe as it could or should be, especially if you have younger children in your household.
- Sagging –If your door sags in the middle while in the open position, it’s typically a sign that the entire door itself has become structurally unsound and is in imminent danger of collapsing and falling. If your door is sagging stop using it immediately and call a licensed garage door professional.
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The Doorman Can Help You Make the Right Decision
If you’re not sure whether you need to repair or replace a garage door, contact The Doorman of Southeast Florida today. We’ll come to your home at a convenient time to conduct a comprehensive inspection and make an informed recommendation.
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