Garage door openers offer effortless convenience and reliability when it comes to opening the garage door. They're designed for reliable operation and low maintenance. However, there are times you may need to open the garage door manually.
Whether you're dealing with a power outage or an inoperable opener, understanding how to open the garage door manually is important for your safety.
Should You Open Your Garage Door During a Power Outage?
Before you jump into opening your garage door manually, ask yourself if it's truly necessary. If you're not heading out for an urgent reason - say, an appointment you can't miss or a genuine emergency - it might be safest to wait.
Garage doors operate under significant tension, and lifting them by hand carries certain risks, especially if you're unfamiliar with the process. If you think the power will be restored soon, such as during a brief outage or after checking your local utility's updates, patience can be the safer option. And remember, if you're ever unsure, it's smart to call a professional for advice or assistance rather than risking injury.
Opening The Garage Door From The Inside
If you need to open the garage door from the inside, here are the steps you'll need to follow:
- Make sure any garage door locks are unlocked and latches are unlatched.
- Unplug the automatic door opener.
- Find the opener's emergency release handle. This cord has a red handle hanging from the door's center track.
- Pull the emergency release handle. This disconnects the garage door from the opener, allowing you to lower the door manually.
- Lift the garage door straight up from the bottom until it stops.
- Make sure the open garage door stays in place.
- Close the door manually by pulling it down by hand.
Reconnecting the Opener After Power Returns
Once you've managed to manually open and close your garage door, you'll want to get the opener back up and running when the power comes back. Here's what you need to do:
- First, ensure the garage door is fully closed and that nothing is obstructing its path.
- Reconnect the opener's power cord to the outlet.
- Pull the emergency release handle gently toward the door. This resets the opener latch, allowing the trolley to reengage.
- To finish reattaching the opener system, press your remote or wall control to activate the opener. The trolley should automatically reconnect to the opener's carriage with a smooth click or snap.
Test the opener by opening and closing the door a couple of times from a safe distance. If your garage door moves smoothly with the remote or wall button, you're good to go. If it's not responding, double-check the power connection or consult your opener's manual for troubleshooting tips.
Opening Your Garage Door From The Outside
If there's no power, a garage door opener without a battery backup won't function. Whether you've arrived home and can't access the house or you're stuck inside without the ability to get your car out of the garage, it becomes an issue when the door doesn't open or close.
Battery Backup Systems: Keeping You Moving During Power Outages
A battery backup system steps in when the power goes out, keeping your garage door opener running so you're not left stranded - whether you're coming or going. These systems are designed to automatically supply power to your opener whenever there's an outage, allowing the garage door to open and close safely.
How Battery Backups Work:
A built-in rechargeable battery connects to the opener and monitors power status.
When electricity is interrupted, the backup takes over instantly, providing enough energy for several open-and-close cycles.
Once the power returns, the battery recharges automatically so it's ready for the next outage.
Benefits of Battery Backups:
Convenience: You can get in or out of your garage during a blackout - no need to wrestle with manual release mechanisms in the dark or rain.
Safety: Eliminates the need to operate heavy garage doors by hand, reducing the risk of injury.
Security: Keeps automatic locking and smart monitoring features active, so your home's protection isn't compromised when the lights go out.
Peace of Mind: Especially useful if you live in an area prone to storms, rolling blackouts, or unreliable power.
Battery backup options are available for both wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted openers, including some models from trusted brands like LiftMaster and Chamberlain, so there's a solution to fit your garage setup and your routine.
To manually open the garage door from the outside, follow these steps:
- Each garage door is different. Some doors may have a locked emergency release kit near the top. You'll need the key to open the emergency release kit.
- Once opened, the release kit will release an emergency release cable. Pull out that cable to put the door into manual mode.
- Unlock the garage door. The lock is usually on or near the handle toward the bottom of the door.
- Using your hands, grip the handle and pull the garage door straight up.
- Make sure the door stays in the open position.
If Your Garage Has an Outside Quick Release
Some garages are equipped with an outside quick release mechanism - especially handy in a power outage if you don't have access through your home. Here's how to use it:
Insert the key into the quick release socket (usually located near the top center of the door).
Turn the key to engage and release the emergency mechanism.
Pull the release cable, which disconnects the door from the opener and puts it in manual mode.
Carefully lift the garage door until it's fully open.
Once inside, lower the door manually.
If needed, use a broom handle or pull the release cord upwards until you hear a click - this re-engages the opener mechanism for the next time you want to use the automatic opener.
Take your time during each step and make sure the door is stable before moving on to the next. If your garage door feels unusually heavy or sticks, don't force it - there may be a mechanical issue that needs attention from a professional.
Safety Precautions When Opening Your Garage Door
Garage doors are heavy. Under the right circumstances, there's a risk of serious injury if the proper safety precautions aren't taken.
Here are a few steps to take to stay safe when manually opening or closing your garage door:
- Unplug the garage door opener. Even if the power is already out, unplugging the opener is an extra safety measure. If the power comes back on unexpectedly while you're working, this small step can help prevent accidental activation or, in rare cases, electric shock.
- Double-check that all locks and latches are disengaged before you begin.
- Make sure the area around the door is clear of people, pets, and objects.
- Stand to the side of the door as you open it, keeping hands and fingers away from the moving parts.
- If the door feels unusually heavy or doesn't move smoothly, stop immediately and call a professional - there may be a broken spring or another issue that could cause injury.
- When the garage door is open, don't pull the emergency release.
- Don't leave the door unattended when open.
- Lock the door manually when the door is inactive.
- Know when it's time to call a technician.
Taking a few moments for these precautions helps keep everyone safe when your garage door needs to be operated manually.
Testing Your Garage Door After Power Returns
Once your power is back on, it's important to make sure your garage door opener is functioning safely and reliably. Here's what to do:
Reconnect the Opener: If you disconnected the opener, reattach it by pulling the emergency release cord toward the door or the motor (depending on your system) until it clicks back into place.
Plug In the Opener: Restore power to your garage door opener by plugging it back in.
Clear the Area: Make sure people, pets, and objects are clear of the door's path before operating it.
Test Your Opener: From a safe distance, use your wall control or remote to open and close the door a couple of times. Watch for smooth, quiet operation.
Check Safety Features: If your system has photoelectric sensors (like those from Chamberlain or Genie), confirm that they're properly aligned and stop the door if something crosses the beam.
If your door doesn't respond as expected or makes unusual noises, it's best to call a qualified technician to inspect the system. Safety first!
What To Inspect On Your Garage Door After A Storm
Once the storm has cleared and you've safely regained power, it's a good idea to check your garage door for any damage - especially if you've had trouble opening it manually or noticed unusual noises.
Here's what to look for:
Dents & Physical Damage
Flying debris and hail can leave dents in your garage door panels. While a small dent might seem cosmetic, larger dents can make your door difficult to open or close and might even knock it off its tracks. If you spot noticeable dents, it may be time to call a professional for an inspection.
Check for Rust or Exposed Metal
Storms can chip paint or expose bare metal surfaces, making your door more vulnerable to rust and corrosion. Inspect the panels and hinges - if you see scratches or missing paint, consider touching up those spots to prevent long-term damage.
Weather Seal Condition
Your garage's weather seal is designed to keep out water and unwanted drafts. After a storm, check along the bottom and sides of the door for signs of cracking, missing sections, or drying out. Damaged seals won't offer much protection from future rain or humidity - if they're looking worse for wear, have them replaced.
Inspect the Door Tracks & Alignment
Strong winds sometimes bend tracks or force the door out of alignment. Look for gaps between the rollers and the track, or any warping in the metal. If your door is suddenly noisy or feels heavier to lift, misalignment could be the culprit.
Windows & Hardware
If your door has windows, make sure they're intact and that no seals are broken. Also, give your hinges, rollers, and springs a quick look - they should be secure and free of debris.
If you notice any of these problems or if your door isn't opening and closing smoothly after a storm, contact a qualified garage door technician for a thorough safety check. Taking care of small issues now can help you avoid bigger (and costlier) repairs down the road.
Call Balanced Garage Doors For Emergency Service
Throughout the Lawrenceville, Marietta, and Alpharetta areas, Balanced Garage Doors has built a reputation as the preferred garage door service provider. With same-day service, no service fees, and trucks fully stocked with high-quality parts, we'll arrive ready to handle any garage door emergency.
Our highly qualified technicians and staff sell, install, and service all major garage door brands. You can depend on our five-star service for quality work and outstanding customer service.
Schedule garage door opener repair in Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, or Marietta by calling 770-880-0376.
