A garage door that is automatic or electronic opens with the press of a button and provides convenience and protection. When your door needs manual opening, you must be ready for it. One morning, you may find yourself rushing to work or getting the kids off to school, but there is a power outage. You come to the conclusion that because you don't have a battery backup, your garage door will not open automatically.
You pull into your driveway near the garage after a long day at work only to discover that your automatic opener isn't working or you've misplaced your remote control. Knowing how to garage door manually is crucial in case of an emergency. Here are some simple methods that you can take to open a garage door manually without power.
Five steps: How to open the garage door manually.
Step 1: If your garage door is powered by a spring, use the emergency release cord and cut it to keep yourself from getting hurt. Locate the cord with a red handle on it and pull it downward with all your might until the garage door springs open. This particular cord will break away from the track so you will not get hurt.
Step 2: If your garage door has a manual release bar attached to it, simply use the bar and lift the door upward until it is open enough to drive through. This is less dangerous than using the emergency cord because there is no risk of getting injured by the springs that power the door. Another option for manual release bars is to use the bar and push or pull upward until you can get out of your own garage.
Step 3: If the door only opens halfway and needs more clearance, carefully lift up on the bottom section. You may find it easier to drive through this way, then slowly roll down the door once you are out into the street. If you are unable to drive through the gap, use your car to bump the garage door down while standing away from it.
Step 4: Another consideration is whether or not your opener will work in this situation. It could be possible that when the power goes out, so does your automatic release system. The following steps should help you determine if you have a manual release system.
•With the power off to your garage door, press and hold down the push bar until the door begins to move downward. This will be slower than usual, so wait patiently for your door to lower fully. If the door begins to slow as you watch it move downward, this means that there is a manual release system.
•If your door doesn't move downward with the push of the bar, you will need to use the emergency cord method or go through the door manually, as described above. You may also find it beneficial to readjust your opener so that it can be activated by wireless technology allowing for motorized opening in times of power outages.
Step 5: If you are unable to locate the emergency cord or have an automatic opener that doesn't work in times of outage, call a trusted garage door company for assistance. A professional technician should be able to perform all minor repairs and replacements, saving you time and money while being safe with access to your home.
Safety Tips for How to open garage door manually.
When manually opening a garage door, keep yourself safe.
1.If you want to manually open or reconnect your garage door, unplugging the garage door opener first will keep you safe. If the electricity returns after being shut off, the opener may attempt to open the door while it is disconnected, making it more difficult to reconnect.
2.If you can't move the garage door after disengaging the trolley and it's difficult, your springs may be faulty. Garage door springs are hazardous to work with; therefore, you'll need expert assistance such as an elite garage door.
3.If your garage door is open, you might be wondering how to shut it after a power outage. When the door is open, please don't use the emergency release because it could cause the weight of the door to collapse. It's a good idea to hold off on closing the door or calling a garage door technician door until your power is restored, such as Elite garage, who helps you in this regard.
4.There is nothing in place to keep the door from slamming shut when the electricity goes out, and your garage door disconnects from the automatic opener. Even the slightest wind might be enough to cause the door to shut. Maintain a clear path in front of the entrance and keep children at a safe distance away. Make sure you close the garage door as soon as feasible.
5.There should be a metal manual lock next to your garage door. Your garage door's automatic lock is disabled when the power goes out. To keep your house secure during an outage, install the manual lock.
Final Words
The garage is a vital part of any home. If you have an automatic opener, it is extremely useful and convenient. Knowing how to open your garage door manually will be crucial for your safety and convenience when there is no power or your opener malfunctions. Use these steps as general guidelines when attempting to open a garage door in times of power outage.
When you pull the cord, gently but quickly lift up on the door or use your car to bump it down if able. The cords are dangerous and should only be used as a last resort when all else fails. Garage doors can also open automatically in a power outage with a battery backup system that turns them into an automated system.