Garage Door Emergency Checklist: What to Do When Things Go Wrong

Published by Metro Denver Garage Door | Serving Highland Ranch, Littleton, Centennial, Englewood and surrounding Denver metro areas

We’ll Help You Develop A Garage Door Emergency Checklist

When your garage door suddenly stops working, it can feel like a crisis. Whether you’re rushing to work, coming home late at night, or facing severe Colorado weather, a malfunctioning garage door creates stress and potential safety concerns. At Metro Denver Garage Door, we’ve responded to thousands of emergency calls over our 40+ years of service, and we know that being prepared can make all the difference.

This comprehensive garage door emergency checklist will guide you through the most common garage door emergencies, help you prioritize safety, and show you when to attempt simple fixes versus when to call our professional emergency team. Remember, your safety is always the top priority, and some garage door repairs should never be attempted without professional training and equipment.

⚠️ SAFETY FIRST: Before attempting any garage door troubleshooting, ensure all family members and pets are clear of the door area. Never attempt to repair broken springs, cables, or other high-tension components yourself.

Step 1: Immediate Safety Assessment

Before diagnosing any garage door problem, conduct this quick safety check:

Clear the Area

•Remove all people and pets from the garage door’s path of travel

•Clear any vehicles that might be blocking the door’s movement

•Remove objects from the floor area beneath and around the door

•Turn on garage lights to ensure good visibility

Identify Obvious Dangers

Look for these immediate safety hazards that require professional attention:

🚨 STOP and Call Professionals Immediately If You See:

•Broken springs (coiled metal springs that appear snapped or separated)

•Frayed or broken cables (steel cables hanging loose or visibly damaged)

•Door hanging at an angle or appears to be falling

•Visible structural damage to the door or frame

•Electrical sparks or burning smells from the opener

•Door completely off its tracks

If any of these conditions exist, do not attempt to operate the door manually or with the opener. Contact Metro Denver Garage Door immediately at (303) 988-4801 for emergency service.

Document the Situation

•Take photos of any visible damage for insurance purposes

•Note any unusual sounds the door made before failing

•Remember what happened just before the problem occurred

•Check if the problem affects one or both garage doors (if you have multiple doors)

Step 2: Identify Your Emergency Scenario

Different garage door emergencies require different approaches. Identify which situation matches your problem:

Scenario A: Door Won’t Open (Power Available)

Symptoms:

•Opener motor runs but door doesn’t move

•Remote and wall button don’t work

•Door only opens partially then stops

•Opener makes grinding or clicking sounds

Quick Checks:

1.Check the remote battery – Replace if needed

2.Try the wall button – If it works but remote doesn’t, it’s a remote issue

3.Look for obstructions in the door’s path

4.Check if door is manually locked (slide bolt or side lock)

Scenario B: Door Won’t Close

Symptoms:

•Door opens but won’t close

•Door starts to close then reverses

•Door closes partially then opens again

•Opener light blinks repeatedly

Quick Checks:

1.Inspect safety sensors (small lights near floor on each side)

2.Clean sensor lenses with a soft cloth

3.Check for objects blocking the sensor beam

4.Verify sensors are aligned (lights should be solid, not blinking)

Scenario C: Power Outage

Symptoms:

•No power to garage door opener

•Need to get car out during outage

•Door won’t respond to any controls

Solution:

•Manual operation required (see Step 4 below)

Scenario D: Door Stuck Open or Closed

Symptoms:

•Door is physically jammed

•Door won’t move manually or with opener

•Door is partially open and won’t move either direction

Immediate Action:

•Do not force the door

•Check for obvious obstructions

•If door is stuck open, secure your home and call for service

Scenario E: Unusual Noises or Jerky Movement

Symptoms:

•Loud grinding, scraping, or banging sounds

•Door moves unevenly or jerks during operation

•Squealing or metal-on-metal sounds

Immediate Action:

•Stop using the door immediately

•These sounds often indicate serious mechanical problems

•Continued operation could cause more damage or injury

Step 3: Basic Troubleshooting (Safe DIY Steps Only)

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Only attempt these steps if you haven’t identified any of the serious safety hazards mentioned in Step 1.

For Remote Control Issues

Check Remote Battery:

1.Remove battery from remote control

2.Clean battery contacts with a dry cloth

3.Insert fresh battery (usually 9V or coin cell)

4.Test remote from various distances

Reprogram Remote (if needed):

1.Locate “Learn” button on garage door opener motor

2.Press and release the “Learn” button (light will turn on)

3.Within 30 seconds, press and hold remote button until motor light turns off

4.Test remote operation

For Sensor Problems

Clean and Align Sensors:

1.Locate sensors on both sides of garage door (usually 4-6 inches from floor)

2.Clean lens on each sensor with soft, dry cloth

3.Check that sensors face each other directly

4.Ensure nothing blocks the invisible beam between sensors

5.Look for solid lights on sensors (blinking usually indicates misalignment)

Temporary Sensor Bypass (Emergency Only):

•Hold wall button until door closes completely

•This bypasses sensors but removes safety protection

•Use only in emergencies and restore sensor function immediately

For Power/Electrical Issues

Check Power Supply:

1.Verify opener is plugged into outlet

2.Test outlet with another device (lamp, phone charger)

3.Check circuit breaker in electrical panel

4.Look for GFCI outlet reset button in garage

Check Manual Lock:

1.Look for slide bolt or manual lock on door

2.Ensure manual lock is disengaged

3.Some doors have vacation lock switches on wall button

For Partial Opening Issues

Check Track Obstructions:

1.Visually inspect tracks on both sides

2.Look for debris, ice, or objects in tracks

3.Remove any visible obstructions (do not force anything)

4.Check that tracks are properly aligned

Lubrication Quick Fix:

1.Apply garage door lubricant to hinges and rollers

2.Use only products specifically designed for garage doors

3.Avoid WD-40 or general-purpose oils

4.Wipe excess lubricant to prevent dirt accumulation

Step 4: Manual Operation During Emergencies

When your garage door opener fails and you need to get your car out, manual operation may be necessary. Follow these steps carefully to avoid injury.

Before Manual Operation

⚠️ CRITICAL SAFETY CHECKS:

•Never attempt manual operation if springs are broken (door will be extremely heavy and dangerous)

•Ensure door is fully closed before disconnecting opener (if possible)

•Have another person help – garage doors are heavy

•Clear the area of children, pets, and obstacles

Disconnecting the Opener

Locate the Emergency Release:

1.Find the red emergency release cord hanging from the opener trolley

2.The cord should have a red handle and be easily accessible

3.If door is open, close it first using the opener (if possible)

Disconnect the Opener:

1.Pull the emergency release cord straight down with firm pressure

2.You should hear a “click” as the trolley disengages

3.The door is now disconnected from the opener motor

Manual Operation

Opening the Door:

1.Grip the door handle with both hands

2.Lift slowly and steadily – a properly balanced door should lift easily

3.If the door feels extremely heavy, STOP immediately – this indicates broken springs

4.Lift door completely to full open position

5.Door should stay open on its own when fully raised

Closing the Door:

1.Grip the door handle firmly

2.Lower slowly and under control

3.Guide door to fully closed position

4.Ensure door seals properly at bottom

Reconnecting the Opener

After Power is Restored:

1.Ensure door is fully closed

2.Pull emergency release cord toward the motor to re-engage trolley

3.Press wall button or remote – opener should reconnect automatically

4.Test normal operation several times

If Reconnection Fails:

•Try operating opener while gently lifting door handle

•Some openers require manual repositioning of trolley

•If problems persist, call Metro Denver Garage Door for service

Manual Operation Safety Tips

DO:

•Move slowly and deliberately

•Keep fingers away from door sections and hinges

•Maintain firm grip on door handle

•Have someone spot you if possible

DON’T:

•Force a heavy or stuck door

•Put fingers between door sections

•Leave door partially open (it may fall)

•Attempt manual operation with broken springs

Step 5: When to Call Metro Denver Garage Door Professionals

Some garage door problems require immediate professional attention for safety and proper repair. Here’s when to stop troubleshooting and call our emergency service team.

Call Immediately for These Dangerous Situations

🚨 EMERGENCY – Call (303) 988-4801 Now:

Broken Springs:

•Visible gap or separation in torsion spring (above door)

•Extension springs hanging loose or broken

•Door extremely heavy to lift manually

•Loud “bang” heard before door stopped working

Cable Problems:

•Steel cables hanging loose or frayed

•Cable came off drum or pulley

•Visible wire strands broken in cable

Structural Issues:

•Door off tracks on one or both sides

•Bent or damaged tracks

•Door panels cracked or separated

•Frame damage affecting door operation

Electrical Hazards:

•Sparks from opener motor or electrical components

•Burning smell from opener

•Opener smoking or extremely hot

•Electrical components exposed to water

Call for Professional Service (Non-Emergency)

Complex Mechanical Issues:

•Opener motor runs but door doesn’t move

•Door opens but won’t close despite sensor troubleshooting

•Unusual grinding, scraping, or metal-on-metal sounds

•Door operates unevenly or jerks during movement

Safety System Failures:

•Safety sensors won’t align despite cleaning and adjustment

•Auto-reverse feature not working properly

•Door doesn’t stop when hitting obstruction

•Emergency release doesn’t work

Performance Problems:

•Door opens or closes very slowly

•Opener struggles to lift door

•Remote control range significantly decreased

•Door doesn’t seal properly when closed

What to Expect from Our Emergency Service

24/7 Availability:

•Emergency service available around the clock

•Same-day service for urgent repairs

•Experienced technicians with fully stocked trucks

•Upfront pricing with no hidden fees

Our Emergency Response Process:

1.Safety Assessment – We prioritize making your door safe

2.Diagnosis – Complete evaluation of the problem

3.Repair Options – Clear explanation of solutions and costs

4.Professional Repair – Using quality parts and proper tools

5.Testing – Thorough testing of all safety features

6.Prevention Advice – Tips to avoid future emergencies

Emergency Service Areas: We provide emergency garage door service throughout the Denver metro area, including:

•Highland Ranch

•Littleton

•Centennial

•Englewood

•And surrounding communities

Step 6: Temporary Security Measures

If your garage door is stuck open or cannot be properly secured, take these steps to protect your home and belongings.

Securing an Open Garage Door

Immediate Security Steps:

1.Remove valuable items from garage if possible

2.Close and lock the door between garage and house

3.Activate home security system if you have one

4.Inform trusted neighbors about the situation

5.Document valuable items remaining in garage with photos

Temporary Barriers:

•Use a tarp or sheet to block view into garage

•Position a vehicle to partially block the opening (if safe to do so)

•Install temporary lighting to deter intruders

•Consider a portable security camera for monitoring

If Door Won’t Stay Closed

Manual Securing Methods:

1.Use C-clamps on tracks to prevent door from opening

2.Disconnect opener and manually lock door if possible

3.Block door from inside with heavy objects (temporary only)

4.Engage manual locks if your door has them

⚠️ Safety Warning: These are temporary measures only. Do not rely on makeshift security for extended periods.

Weather Protection

For Colorado Weather Emergencies:

Snow and Ice:

•Clear snow from door area to prevent additional damage

•Avoid using salt near metal components

•Protect opener motor from moisture

High Winds:

•Secure any loose door panels

•Remove items that could blow around garage

•Consider boarding up opening if door is severely damaged

Hail Protection:

•Move vehicles out of garage if door won’t close

•Cover valuable items with tarps or blankets

•Document any hail damage for insurance claims

Step 7: Prevention and Emergency Preparedness

The best way to handle garage door emergencies is to prevent them. Here’s how to prepare your home and family for potential garage door issues.

Monthly Prevention Checklist

Visual Inspection:

•Check springs for signs of wear or rust

•Inspect cables for fraying or damage

•Look at tracks for alignment and debris

•Test safety sensors by placing object in door path

•Examine weather stripping for cracks or gaps

Functional Testing:

•Test auto-reverse by placing 2×4 under closing door

•Check manual release to ensure it works smoothly

•Test remote controls from various distances

•Operate door manually to check balance

•Listen for unusual sounds during operation

Maintenance Tasks:

•Lubricate moving parts with garage door lubricant

•Tighten loose bolts and hardware

•Clean tracks of debris and buildup

•Replace remote batteries annually

•Clean safety sensor lenses monthly

Emergency Preparedness Kit

Keep These Items Accessible:

•Flashlight with fresh batteries (power outages often accompany emergencies)

•Basic tools (screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench)

•Garage door lubricant for quick fixes

•Emergency contact numbers including Metro Denver Garage Door

•Manual for your garage door opener with troubleshooting guide

•First aid kit in case of minor injuries

Important Information to Keep Handy:

•Garage door model and serial numbers

•Opener brand and model information

•Installation date and warranty information

•Previous service records

•Insurance policy information

Family Emergency Plan

Educate Family Members:

•Show everyone how to use manual release

•Teach children never to play near garage door

•Establish meeting point away from garage during emergencies

•Practice manual operation when door is working properly

•Review safety rules regularly

Emergency Contacts:

•Metro Denver Garage Door Emergency: (303) 988-4801

•Backup Number: (720) 201-6624

•Local Emergency Services: 911

•Insurance Company: [Your insurance contact]

•Trusted Neighbor: [Neighbor’s contact]

Seasonal Preparation

Winter Preparation:

•Test door operation in cold weather

•Check weather stripping before first freeze

•Clear ice and snow from tracks regularly

•Keep de-icer safe for garage door use

Spring Maintenance:

•Schedule professional tune-up after winter

•Check for winter damage from ice and snow

•Test all safety features before heavy use season

•Update emergency kit with fresh batteries

Summer Considerations:

•Check door balance in heat (metal expands)

•Ensure adequate ventilation around opener motor

•Inspect for storm damage after severe weather

•Prepare for vacation with security measures

Conclusion: Stay Safe and Prepared

Garage door emergencies can be stressful, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can handle most situations safely and effectively. Remember that your safety and that of your family is always the top priority. When in doubt, it’s better to call professionals than risk injury or further damage to your garage door system.

Key Takeaways

Safety First:

•Never attempt repairs on springs, cables, or other high-tension components

•Clear the area of people and pets before troubleshooting

•Stop immediately if you encounter any dangerous conditions

•Document problems for insurance and service purposes

Know Your Limits:

•Simple troubleshooting like checking batteries and cleaning sensors is usually safe

•Manual operation can be done safely if springs are intact

•Complex mechanical and electrical issues require professional service

•Emergency situations need immediate professional attention

Be Prepared:

•Conduct monthly inspections and maintenance

•Keep emergency supplies and contact information accessible

•Educate family members about garage door safety

•Schedule regular professional maintenance to prevent emergencies

Why Choose Metro Denver Garage Door for Emergencies

With over 40 years of experience serving the Denver metro area, Metro Denver Garage Door understands the unique challenges Colorado homeowners face. Our family-owned business, operated by a retired police officer, brings the same commitment to safety and service that first responders value.

Our Emergency Service Advantages:

•24/7 availability for true emergencies

•Same-day service throughout Highland Ranch, Littleton, Centennial, Englewood, and surrounding areas

•Experienced technicians with 55+ years of combined expertise

•Fully stocked service trucks for most repairs on the first visit

•Upfront pricing with no hidden fees or surprises

•Safety-focused approach that protects your family and property

Special Discounts Available: As a business owned by a retired police officer, we’re proud to offer special discounts to:

•First Responders (Police, Fire, EMT)

•Active Military and Veterans

•Teachers and Educators

Emergency Contact Information

For Garage Door Emergencies:

•Primary: (303) 988-4801

•Backup: (720) 201-6624

•Available 24/7 for emergency service calls

For Non-Emergency Service:

•Schedule online at metrodenvergaragedoor.com

•Free estimates for repairs and replacements

•Preventive maintenance programs available

Service Areas:

•Highland Ranch

•Littleton

•Centennial

•Englewood

•And throughout the Denver metro area

Quick Reference Emergency Checklist

Print and keep this garage door emergency checklist in your garage for quick reference:

☐ Step 1: Ensure safety – clear area, identify dangers ☐ Step 2: Identify your emergency scenario ☐ Step 3: Try basic troubleshooting (if safe) ☐ Step 4: Use manual operation if necessary ☐ Step 5: Call professionals when needed: (303) 988-4801 ☐ Step 6: Secure your home temporarily ☐ Step 7: Plan prevention for the future

Remember: When in doubt, call Metro Denver Garage Door. We’re here to help keep your family safe and your garage door working properly, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Metro Denver Garage Door has been serving Denver area families since 1984. Our commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction has made us the trusted choice for garage door service throughout Highland Ranch, Littleton, Centennial, Englewood, and surrounding communities. Contact us today for all your garage door needs. We’ll even help you make your own garage door emergency checklist.