Electric garage doors rely on motorised systems to open and close, which means they depend on power to operate. When there’s a power outage, your garage door’s automatic functions won’t work, leaving you without immediate access. Manually opening the garage door lets you regain entry without power, a crucial step if you need to access your vehicle or other stored items in an emergency. Our quick guide explains everything you need to know about opening your garage door during a power outage
Important Safety Tips Before You Begin
Opening a garage door manually is generally straightforward but following some essential precautions can keep you safe:
- Clear the Area: Ensure no one is standing underneath or near the door. A garage door can be heavy and could potentially fall if it’s not properly secured.
- Turn Off the Power: Even if there’s a power outage, switching off the power supply to the garage door motor is a good safety measure in case power unexpectedly returns.
- Handle with Care: Garage doors are weighty, and moving them manually may require some effort.
Steps for Safely Opening Your Garage Door Manually
Follow these simple steps to safely open your garage door when power is out:
1. Locate and Pull the Emergency Release Cord
The emergency release cord is typically a red rope hanging from the garage door’s track or motor. This cord disconnects the door from the motor, switching it to manual mode.
How to Use the Emergency Release Cord
Firmly pull down on the emergency release cord until you hear a click. This sound signals that your garage door has shifted to manual mode, so you can now open and close it by hand.
2. Lift the Door Carefully
Stand in front of the door, place your hands under the bottom edge, and lift it evenly. Keep a firm grip, and let your legs bear the load if the door feels heavy. Most residential garage doors have torsion springs to balance their weight, but you should still be cautious when lifting. If the door feels too heavy, stop and check for issues, or consider waiting until power is restored.
3. Ensure the Door Stays Open
Once you’ve lifted the door, make sure it stays in place. Some garage doors will remain in an open position on their own, but if it starts sliding down, secure it with a stable object. You don’t want it to close unexpectedly, especially if you’re going in and out.
4. Re-engage the Door After Power is Restored
Once power returns, reconnect the garage door to the opener by pulling the emergency release cord again. Pull the cord towards the door, which will re-engage the motor. Some doors may automatically re-engage the motor when you press the remote, but check your specific model for instructions.
Regular Garage Door Maintenance to Avoid Issues
Keeping your garage door in good shape is essential, especially for times when you might need to operate it manually. According to a survey by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, 23% of UK households reported experiencing power cuts annually.
Regular garage door maintenance helps you avoid surprises and keeps the door working smoothly.
Here are some tips to ensure it’s ready for emergencies:
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Torsion springs, hinges, and rollers need regular lubrication to operate smoothly. This maintenance reduces friction and makes manual operation easier.
- Check Door Balance: An imbalanced door can make manual operation difficult. Regularly check the balance by lifting it a few inches and seeing if it stays in place.
- Inspect the Emergency Release Mechanism: Test the release cord periodically. Familiarity with how it works can be helpful in an emergency.
Consider a Battery Backup System
If power cuts are frequent in your area, consider installing a battery backup for your electric garage door. This backup allows your door to operate normally for a short period during outages. A battery backup can be particularly helpful if you rely on your garage for daily access to your car or storage.
Manual Operation for Different Types of Garage Doors
Depending on the type of garage door you have, you might face different challenges when manually operating it. Below are some common types and tips for each:
Sectional Garage Doors
These doors open by sliding up and back into the garage. Sectional doors typically stay balanced thanks to torsion springs, making them easier to lift manually. However, if your sectional garage door feels too heavy or hard to lift, it may require a repair or a torsion spring adjustment.
Side-Hinged Garage Doors
Side-hinged garage doors open like regular doors, swinging outward on hinges. These doors are straightforward to operate manually but may require additional space outside the garage. They’re a good option if you want easy manual access and don’t want to rely solely on power.
Up and Over Garage Doors
This type of door swings out and then up to open. If operating it manually, make sure you have enough clearance in front of the garage. Up and over garage doors are extremely popular and they often stay open on their own when lifted.
Practical Tips for Garage Door Preparation
- Regular Inspections: Schedule regular inspections to identify any worn parts that may impact manual or automatic operation.
- Install High-Quality Parts: Choose high-quality springs, rollers, and tracks to extend the life of your garage door.
- Consider Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient garage doors provide insulation and can help lower heating and cooling costs. High-quality steel garage doors, for example, offer durability and energy benefits for your home in Colchester.
Affordable Garage Door Installations and Repairs at BFCC
Being able to open your garage door manually in a power cut is essential knowledge for any homeowner. Whether you have a sectional, side-hinged, or up and over garage door, knowing how to operate it safely and efficiently gives you peace of mind.
For professional assistance or routine maintenance, BFCC Garage Doors provides reliable garage door repair and installation services to keep your door functioning smoothly in all situations. For more information, please contact our team at 01255 863 815.
FAQs About Manually Opening Garage Doors
Can I Open My Garage Door if It’s Locked?
Yes, but you must first unlock any manual locks on the door. Automatic doors with lock features should be disengaged before manual operation. For safety, check for locks on the track or the door itself.
What if My Garage Door is Too Heavy to Lift?
A garage door that’s too heavy to lift might have a broken torsion spring. These springs counterbalance the door’s weight. Contact a garage door repair company if you notice any issues with the weight or balance of your door.
Is it Safe to Use the Emergency Release Cord?
Yes, using the emergency release cord is safe, provided you pull it correctly. However, frequent use can cause some wear. It’s best to use this feature only during genuine outages or emergencies.
Will My Door Automatically Reconnect After the Power Returns?
Most garage door openers will automatically reconnect when power returns, but it’s best to double-check. Pulling the release cord again toward the door can ensure it re-engages with the opener.
