It can happen unexpectedly. A garage door might stop working due to a power outage, a misalignment or bad weather.
Whether you need to retrieve tools from the garage or want to access your car or truck, the steps below can help you safely open your garage door.
How to Manually Open Your Garage Door
Because garage doors use electricity to operate their opening mechanism with a remote or switch, in the event of an emergency, they have a release mechanism that might include a handle and cord so you can lift the door manually.
To do this, look for the cord that will disconnect the garage door from its opening carriage. Another option for opening your garage door includes a manual lock override that lets you disengage the opener.
Newer doors might also include a battery backup system that provides enough power during a storm or outage.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow the steps below to open the garage door manually. If you’re unsure of how to do this or are unable to, contact our technicians for help.
- Locate the red emergency release cord: It’s usually located in the center rail of the garage door.
- Pull the emergency release cord: Pull firmly on the cord to disengage the trolley from the door opener carriage.
- Manually lift the door: Now that the emergency release cord is engaged, lift the garage door evenly and slowly, using both hands to support its weight.
- Secure the open garage door: Use an object like a wood block to keep the door open and securely support it to avoid it closing suddenly.
- Use precautions: Keep pets and children out of the area and avoid opening the door if it feels stuck.
If Your Garage Door Has Power but Won’t Open
If your garage door has power but won’t open, common reasons include the track being out of alignment or broken springs.
Other troubleshooting issues include checking the breaker or service panel, as electrical surges can trip the breaker. You should also ensure the garage door is plugged into a working electrical outlet.
If all else fails and you’re unsure of how to fix your garage door, we can help.
Schedule a garage door repair by contacting Overhead Door of Concord today.
Why Choose OHD Concord?
Whether the cause is a power outage or system malfunction, pulling the emergency release cord lets you open your garage door manually. For seamless functionality, turn to the garage door experts.
Overhead Door Company of Concord provides residential and commercial garage door services throughout Concord, NH. As part of the trusted Overhead Door brand, we have over 50 years of industry-leading experience and only use the highest quality materials.
We offer custom door design options. You can rely on us for top-rated garage door repair, installation and maintenance.
We have free estimates and the highest-quality wood, steel and aluminum doors. Contact Overhead Door of Concord today to book garage door services.