Storms and unexpected power outages can disrupt more than just your evening, they can also affect the safety and security of your home. One of the most common problems homeowners face during severe weather is a non-functioning garage door. If your garage door fails when the lights go out or suffers damage from high winds and flying debris, it can create a stressful situation.
Knowing what to do next is crucial. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to handle garage door storm damage, use your garage door emergency release safely, and determine when to call for emergency garage door repair services.
Safety Comes First
Before trying to operate or inspect your garage door, check your surroundings. Storms can create hidden dangers that make the area unsafe.
Look for:
- Downed power lines near your garage or driveway
- Water intrusion that may make the floor slippery or damage electrical systems
- Broken glass, sharp edges, or fallen debris
- Warped or bent door panels caused by wind pressure
- Springs or cables hanging loose from the door system
If you notice any of these hazards, it’s best to avoid touching the door until a professional arrives. Garage doors weigh hundreds of pounds and rely on high-tension parts, which can be extremely dangerous when compromised.
Understanding Garage Door Storm Damage
Your garage door is one of the largest moving systems in your home and also one of the most vulnerable during severe weather. High winds, lightning, and heavy rain can leave lasting damage. Common problems include:
- Dented or cracked panels from flying objects
- Misaligned or bent tracks, making the door impossible to open or close
- Broken weather seals, which let water and debris inside the garage
- Damaged openers or sensors, often from electrical surges during lightning strikes
- Warped doors that no longer sit flush, leaving gaps for wind and water
Even if your door looks intact from the outside, storm damage may have weakened internal components. A professional inspection ensures that your system remains safe and reliable.
How to Open Garage Door Without Power
When the power is out, you may still need access to your garage. Most doors are equipped with an emergency garage door release that allows manual operation. Here’s how to use it safely:
- Confirm the door is closed before starting. Trying to release a door stuck halfway open can cause it to crash down suddenly.
- Locate the emergency release cord, usually a red handle hanging from the opener rail.
- Pull the cord firmly downward to disconnect the opener.
- Grasp the handle at the bottom of the door and lift straight up. Be prepared for extra weight, as the motor is no longer assisting.
Once power is restored, reconnect the door by pulling the cord again or using the opener’s control.
Important: If the door feels jammed, uneven, or unusually heavy, stop immediately. This could mean a broken spring or track damage, which can be dangerous to handle without professional help.
When to Call Emergency Garage Door Repair Services
Not every issue can, or should, be handled on your own. There are several situations where contacting a professional is the safest option:
- The door is stuck halfway open or closed
- You notice loose, broken, or stretched springs and cables
- The opener is making unusual noises, smoking, or smells like burning plastic after a power surge
- Severe storm damage leaves your garage exposed and unsecured
- The door appears off-track or uneven when you try to lift it manually
Emergency technicians are trained to restore safety quickly, often arriving the same day or even within hours. A prompt repair not only restores access but also protects your home from further storm exposure.
Preventing Future Garage Door Storm Damage
While you can’t stop storms from happening, you can prepare your garage door to withstand them better. Consider:
- Surge protection for your opener system to prevent electrical damage
- Reinforced garage doors rated for high winds, especially in storm-prone areas
- Annual maintenance inspections to keep springs, cables, and rollers in top condition
- Regular trimming of trees and branches near your garage
- Upgrading weather seals to prevent flooding and debris buildup
Proactive maintenance is a small investment compared to the cost of major storm repairs or emergency replacements.
Get Help Fast After a Storm
When your garage door fails during a storm or power outage, every minute counts. From securing your home against intruders to ensuring your family can safely get in and out, a quick response makes all the difference.
At Performance Building Products, we provide emergency garage door repair services throughout Oregon and Washington. Our skilled technicians can assess damage, safely repair or replace components, and restore your garage door to full operation—day or night.
Don’t wait until it’s too late, reach out to Performance Building Products now for fast, professional garage door emergency service.
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