After a long day at work, it can be frustrating for the garage door to suddenly malfunction. If the mechanism doesn’t respond and the door doesn’t budge, don’t panic. There are a few steps you can take to resolve the situation. Follow these four do’s and don’ts before calling a professional.

Do:

Check the power.

Power issues are one of the most common causes of garage door malfunctions. Check that the garage has power by going in the side door and turning on a light. If it doesn’t come on, check the circuit breaker and flip it if necessary. Wait a few seconds, return the breaker to its normal position, and try the door opener again. 

Assess the garage door opener.

The second most common cause of an issue is the remote. Install a new battery and see if that works. If not, assess the manual lock and disconnect switch, as they may also prevent the door from opening.

Don’t:

Manually open the door.

Garage doors are often quite heavy. Trying to lift or pry one open can result in injuries. The options are also dangerous, as the door could fall on you. 

Try DIY repairs.

If the above tips don’t work, call a technician. Professionals have the knowledge and tools to safely correct the issue. They’ll inspect the power and mechanics of the part before offering a diagnosis and plan to fix the problem. By calling an expert, you’ll save money on potential repairs caused by inexperienced DIY attempts.

Felluca Overhead Door in Rochester, NY, offers a wide selection of residential and commercial garage doors and parts. The family-owned company has 100 years of industry experience features highly knowledgeable technicians who provide installations, repairs, and maintenance to ensure your garage door operates smoothly. To schedule an appointment, call (585) 467-2391 today. Visit the website for information on their emergency repair services.