Accidentally backed into your garage door? Don’t panic! Many homeowners experience this frustrating situation, whether rushing out in the morning or misjudging the garage space. While it can be alarming, knowing the right steps can help minimize damage and reduce repair costs. This guide will walk you through backed into garage door repair, what to do immediately after hitting your garage door, and how to prevent it in the future.
1. Ensure Safety and Assess the Damage
The first step after you’ve backed into a garage door is to make sure everyone is safe.
- Check for injuries to yourself and passengers. Safety is the top priority.
- Inspect your vehicle and garage door for visible damage. Look for dents, misaligned tracks, or damage to the opener.
- If you hit the door from inside, carefully move the car forward and inspect for dents.
- If the impact occurred from outside, enter through a side door to inspect safely.
Pay close attention to any mechanical issues. Even minor damage can compromise the door’s function, increasing the potential garage door repair vehicle costs if left unaddressed.
2. Don’t Use the Garage Door Opener
After you’ve backed into your garage door, it’s important not to use the garage door opener until the door has been fully inspected. Forcing the opener to operate a damaged door can worsen the problem and lead to significantly higher repair costs.
Even minor dents or misaligned panels can put extra strain on the door’s motor and tracks. If the opener tries to lift a bent or obstructed door, it can overheat, fail, or even cause the torsion springs to snap. This can result in more expensive repairs, including full panel replacement, track realignment, or a new opener system.
Additionally, attempting to open a compromised door can be dangerous. A bent panel or misaligned track may cause the door to come off its rails or collapse, potentially injuring you or damaging your vehicle.
Instead, wait until you’ve assessed the damage safely, and consider disconnecting the opener before attempting any manual operation (if it’s safe to do so). This precaution reduces the risk of worsening the damage and ensures that any repair work—whether by a professional or yourself—is safer, faster, and less costly.
3. Manually Check Operability (If Safe)
- Disconnect the garage door opener, ensuring no visible frame damage.
- Carefully attempt to move the door by hand.
- Do not attempt manual operation if the door is misaligned or unstable, as this could lead to injury.
These precautions reduce the risk of worsening damage and help professionals identify the exact repairs needed.
4. Call a Professional Garage Door Repair Company
Trying DIY repairs after a backed into garage door incident can be dangerous. The best course of action is to contact trained technicians.
Benefits of Hiring Professionals
- Safety: Professional repair technicians prioritize safety and minimize accident risks.
- Expertise: They have the knowledge and tools to fix misaligned doors, dents, and opener issues efficiently.
- Efficiency: Professionals can quickly diagnose the problem and perform necessary repairs.
- Insurance: In case of unforeseen accidents during repair, professional companies carry insurance.
According to research, over 1,600 injuries occur annually from homeowners attempting garage door repairs themselves. By hiring a professional, you protect yourself and your property while ensuring the job is done correctly.
Preventing Future Garage Door Accidents
- Install safety sensors: Modern garage doors include sensors to detect obstacles.
- Mark your driveway: Visual cues like painted lines or cones help prevent misjudging distance.
- Park carefully: Take a few extra seconds to position your car before engaging the garage door opener.
- Regular maintenance: Keep your door tracks, springs, and opener in good condition to avoid surprises.
Taking these preventive measures minimizes the risk of hitting your garage door again and keeps your repair costs low.
The Garage Door Guy Corp: Your Reliable Solution
At The Garage Door Guy Corp, our experienced technicians handle all types of backed into garage door repairs. Serving Little Rock, Hot Springs Village, Cabot, and other Arkansas locations, we provide prompt and professional service to ensure your door functions safely and efficiently.
Contact us today at (501) 412-2475 to schedule an appointment. Don’t risk further damage or injury—let the professionals handle it.