A stuck garage door can be a frustrating experience, especially when you’re in a rush or carrying groceries. This problem can happen due to various reasons such as a broken spring or cable, debris buildup, or a faulty opener. While it’s always best to call a professional garage door repair service, sometimes you need to open the door immediately from outside to access your car or tools. In this article, we’ll provide you with simple tips and tricks on how to open a stuck garage door from the outside.
Freeing a Stuck Garage Door From the Outside
The first step in opening a stuck garage door from the outside is to locate the emergency release handle. This handle is usually red and hangs from a rope or chain at the center of the door. Pulling this handle will disengage the opener and allow you to open the door manually.
Once you locate the emergency release handle, make sure the door is fully closed, and pull the handle down towards the floor. This action will release the door from the opener, and you can now lift the door manually. If the door is too heavy to lift, you may need a second person to help you.
Simple Solutions to Opening a Jammed Garage Door
If the emergency release handle doesn’t work, try some simple solutions to open a jammed garage door. First, inspect the tracks and rollers for debris buildup or damage. Use a brush or vacuum to clean the tracks, and apply lubricant to the rollers to ease their movement. You can also try manually lifting the door while gently pushing it from the bottom to help align the tracks.
Another simple solution is to check the weather seal at the bottom of the door. If the seal is damaged or worn out, it can cause the door to stick. Replace the weather seal with a new one to prevent future problems.
Tips and Tricks for Unsticking a Garage Door from the Outside
If the above solutions don’t work, you can use some tips and tricks to unstuck a garage door from the outside. Try tapping the door gently with a rubber mallet to dislodge any debris or rust buildup. You can also try heating the tracks with a hairdryer to melt any ice or snow that may be causing the door to stick.
If all else fails, you may need to adjust the tension on the springs or replace the cables. These tasks require experience and special tools and are best left to a professional garage door repair service.
Opening a stuck garage door from the outside can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can do it. Remember always to prioritize safety and call a professional garage door repair service if you’re unsure of what to do. We hope our tips and tricks have helped you resolve your sticking garage door problem.