Emergency Garage Door Repairs: What Homeowners Need to Know

Modern life moves quickly, so one of the last things you’ll ever want to deal with is a malfunctioning garage door. Even something like a minor glitch can quickly escalate into a major problem. You’re rushing to the door and get in the car, ready to leave, only to find out you’re stuck behind an uncooperative garage door. In a worst-case scenario, these issues could potentially turn into a security risk.

If you’ve been experiencing unexpected garage door issues, we’ve got you. In this post, we’ll walk you through simple steps to take when dealing with garage door emergencies—and when to call a professional.

Identifying the Problem: Common Garage Door Emergencies

The initial step in tackling a garage door emergency is to find out what’s wrong. Doing so early on can save you time and help you decide the best way to fix it.

Garage Door Won’t Open or Close

This is one of the most common headaches for homeowners. Start by checking if something’s blocking the tracks. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a stray object in the way. Next, take a quick look at the remote, as fresh batteries might do the trick. And don’t forget to see you accidentally bumped the lock switch on your wall control —it happens more often than you’d think.

Broken Springs or Cables

If your garage door feels stuck or jerky, pay attention to any odd sounds. A loud snap might mean a spring or cable has broken. These parts are under a lot of tension and are dangerous to handle, so it’s best to leave repairs like these to the pros.

Door Coming Off Track

A misaligned garage door can easily slip off its tracks, creating a tricky—and potentially dangerous—situation. Left unchecked, it could lead to structural damage or even injuries. When this happens, it’s important to call in a professional to get things safely back on track.

Frozen Garage Doors in Winter

In countries with chilly climates like Canada, it’s not uncommon for garage doors to freeze shut during winter. If this happens, try gently thawing it with heat. You can also try prying up on the bottom of the door a bit to see if you can break it free from the ice. Just be careful—using too much force can do more harm than good and might damage/dent the door.

Bent or Damaged Tracks

Accidentally bumping the garage door with your vehicle or hitting an obstruction can bend the tracks. When that happens, the door won’t operate smoothly and might even get stuck or derailed. It can be dangerous, so it’s important to address it as soon as possible.

Here’s what you can do:

● Inspect the metal tracks for any noticeable bends or gaps that could hinder the door’s movement.
● Operate the garage door and listen for scraping or grinding noises.
● Using a level, check that the tracks are parallel and aligned. Misalignment should be corrected by a professional to prevent the door from derailing.

Motor Malfunction

The garage door opener’s motor can burn out or have internal issues, stopping the door from working altogether. Here’s how to spot it:

● Listen for noises. Grinding sounds usually indicate the gears inside the motor are stripped out. Humming sounds might mean the motor is jammed or struggling.
● Watch for delays. If the door is moving slower than usual, the motor could be under strain. Definitely have this checked by a pro. It’s a sign the opener is having to work very hard which can lead to stripped out gears or motor failure.
● Make sure the motor is plugged in securely and look for any visible wiring issues—power problems are a common cause of motor failure.

Immediate Steps to Take

Once you’ve identified the problem, act quickly but safely to avoid further damage. Here’s what to do:

● Don’t force the door open or closed.
● Keep everyone, especially kids and pets, away from the door.
● If the door is stuck open, secure it and mark the area to prevent accidents.
● For mechanical or electrical issues, disconnect the opener to avoid accidental movement while you troubleshoot.

When to Call for Professional Help

Some garage door problems are best left to the pros for safety and proper repair. Call for help if:

● Springs, cables, or rollers are broken.
● You suspect electrical issues, like rewiring or opener problems.
● The problem persists after trying to fix it—there could be deeper issues.

If you’re in Calgary, Alberta, and are dealing with a garage door emergency, The Door House is here to help. Our experienced technicians are ready to provide reliable, prompt service for all your repair needs. We’re happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about garage doors and openers. Contact us today to learn more.