Dealing with a broken garage door can be annoying and stressful, especially when it happens unexpectedly. Whether it is an electric or a manual door, it is important to know how to carry out the emergency garage door repair. While you might think you need to call a professional right away, many door problems are easy to fix on your own.
Through this blog post, we will learn the step-by-step process of repairing the door. We will also talk about the things to think about when hiring professionals for the job if you are unable to do it yourself. With this post, you will also be better prepared with the necessary safety precautions while trying to fix them.
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ToggleSteps to Repair The Garage Doors In An Emergency
Garages are the primary component that provides sufficient space for your vehicles to park. There are mainly 2 types of doors – Electric And Manual Ones. Knowing the right steps makes emergency garage door repair safer and quicker. Here are the step-by-step procedures you should know:
For Electric Doors
These doors open and close with a motor and remote control, making them easy to use. They come in styles like roller or sectional doors and often have safety features like sensors. Moreover, these doors are great for convenience and quick access to your garage.
Check The Safety Sensors
- Test the Sensors—First, place a box between the sensors in the garage opening. Then, try closing the garage door and seeing if it stops and reopens. If it does not, use the next step.
- Realign The Sensors – If one of the sensors is blinking, it is misaligned. Hence, you must adjust that sensor to fix the alignment. You should check the section on Misalignment to know how to realign the sensors.
- Test The Sensors Again – Now you must close the garage door placing another box amid the opening. If the door sensors again fail to stop the door, you can try using the next step.
- Inspect The Sensor Wires – You should also check the sensor wires to see if there is any damage or break. If damaged or broken, you need to replace the sensors for proper operation.
Inspect The Door’s Circuit Breaker
- Locate Circuit Breaker Panel – You need to use a screwdriver to detach the present screws holding the panel’s cover. Then set the cover aside and avoid contact with any metal parts or wires inside the panel.
- Position Your Multimeter – You must also set a multimeter to see if it has a 120-volt Alternating Current. You need first to test the multimeter on a working live circuit to make sure it is working.
- Check Your Door’s Circuit Breaker – Place a multimeter prong over the terminal screw circuit breaker. A working breaker will show 120 volts of alternating current. Consider replacing the circuit breaker if it is lower.
For Manual Doors
These doors need to be opened and closed by hand. They are simple, affordable, and don’t need electricity to work. You will find styles like side-hinged or tilt-up. While they do not offer the ease of electric doors, they are reliable and easy to maintain.
Lubricate Moving Parts
- You must spray silicon or garage door oil on the hinges, springs, rollers, tracks, and cables.
- After that, you should wipe out any extra oil and make sure everything moves smoothly.
- Regular and proper lubrication will further help you to keep the door working well.
Tighten Loose Bolts & Nuts
- You need to use a wrench to turn the loose bolts and nuts in the clockwise direction and tighten them.
- Apart from bolts & nuts, you should also check other parts like tracks, hinges, and springs.
- Make sure they are tight enough and don’t make them too tight because it may damage them.
By following these easy steps, you can handle a door emergency. If the problem is too tricky, it is best to call a professional for a proper and safe repair.
Safety Precautions While Repairing Garage Doors in Emergency
When fixing a garage door in an emergency, safety comes first. Make sure to disconnect the power, and use the right tools. Here are some safety precautions while repairing the electric and manual doors.
For Electric Doors
- Power Off The Electricity Source – You must also turn off the electricity power to the garage opener before fixing it. This will stop the door from moving and further prevent the risk of getting hurt by different parts.
- Always Work With A Partner – While attempting to fix your electric garage door, you should always have a partner by your side. It helps in managing the door’s weight, diagnosing the situation better, and handling the situation better.
For Manual Doors
- Wear Protective Equipment – You should always put on proper safety goggles and gloves when trying to fix the doors. Goggles will keep your eyes secure from dust & flying debris and gloves will safeguard your hands from any sharp edge.
- Don’t Block The Door’s Path – You need to make sure that nothing is obstructing the door’s movement as well. Blocking the door’s path may cause the door to get stuck and damage any nearby object.
By following these simple safety steps, you can carry out the emergency garage door repair process. If you are unsure or feel unsafe, it is always best to call a professional to avoid any risks or harm.
Things To Consider When Hiring Professionals
When hiring a professional for repair, check their experience, reviews, and how they respond. Choosing the right expert will get your door fixed. Here are a few things to consider when hiring professionals.
- Expertise, Reputation, And Certification – Select a professional with lots of experience and good reviews. Certified experts know how to fix different types of garage doors and will do the job.
- Technology Familiarity – Ensure the professional understands the technology used in these doors, such as automatic openers. They should also know the steps to handle new models.
- Transparency in Pricing – Look out for an expert who gives transparent pricing before starting to work. They should elaborate on the pricing and avoid any surprise fees. A responsible professional will give you an in-depth estimate.
By picking a skilled professional with good reviews, you can make sure the door is working. Taking time to choose helps prevent delays.
The Bottom Line
A broken door can be frustrating, but many issues are easy to fix. First, check the springs, opener, and sensors to see if anything is damaged or out of place. If something is stuck or misaligned, you might be able to fix it yourself. If you are unsure of the problem that caused your garage door stopped working, it is best to call an expert. Remember, safety comes first when trying to repair the door of your garage.
FAQs
Question. Can We Repair An Emergency Garage Entrance Door By Ourselves?
Answer. Yes! You can fix a garage door in an emergency yourself if you have simple tools and know-how. Repairing doors, motors, or seals is possible, but always be careful and follow safety steps.
Question. How Much Will It Cost Us To Fix The Garage Door?
Answer. Trying to fix this door usually costs between $150 and $600. Simple fixes are cheaper, while more complicated ones cost more.
Question. How Often Should We Maintain Our Garage Entrance Door?
Answer. It is recommended to inspect and maintain the door every 6 to 12 months. Regular maintenance can also prevent issues and further extend the door’s lifespan.