Storm season on the Gold Coast brings power outages, and every time it does, people find their car stuck behind an automatic garage door. Here is how to get it out safely.
Before you start
Close the door completely if you can, and check that nothing looks broken. If a spring has snapped or a cable is hanging loose, do not lift the door by hand. Call us instead.
Sectional doors
- Find the release cord hanging from the motor carriage on the ceiling rail. It usually has a red handle.
- Pull it down firmly. You may hear a click as the door disengages from the motor.
- Lift the door by hand from the handle or bottom rail. A balanced door should lift smoothly.
Roller doors
- Find the release on the motor beside the drum. It may be a cord, a lever or a knob.
- Pull or turn it to disengage the motor.
- Lift the door from the centre handle.
When power comes back
Reverse the release, then open the door with the remote. The motor may need to run one full cycle to find its limits again.
Avoid it next time
A battery backup unit keeps most modern openers running for a number of cycles during a blackout. We fit them to new and many existing garage door motors. If you cannot lift the door by hand, the springs are likely worn and need replacement.