Garage Door Repair Parker CO While it may seem like a daunting task, with the right technique and precautions, you can safely lift a garage door by hand.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to lift a garage door manually:
1. Prepare for Manual Operation: Before attempting to lift the garage door manually, ensure that the area around the door is clear of any obstructions, vehicles, or objects that may interfere with the door’s movement. Also, disconnect the automatic garage door opener from the door to prevent accidental activation while you’re lifting it manually. You can usually do this by pulling the emergency release cord or lever hanging from the opener mechanism.
2. Release the Emergency Release Mechanism: Locate the emergency release mechanism on the garage door opener. This is typically a red cord or lever hanging from the opener rail or motor unit. Pull down on the cord or lever to disengage the garage door opener from the door. You should hear a clicking sound when the release mechanism is activated, indicating that the opener is now disengaged.
3. Unlock the Door (If Necessary): If your garage door is equipped with a manual locking mechanism, such as a slide lock or T-handle lock, unlock it before attempting to lift the door manually. Use a key or turn the handle to release the lock mechanism and allow the door to move freely.
4. Stand Inside the Garage: Position yourself inside the garage, facing the closed garage door. Stand in the center of the door opening, with your feet shoulder-width apart and firmly planted on the ground. This will give you a stable base and leverage to lift the door.
5. Grasp the Bottom Edge of the Door: Reach down and grip the bottom edge of the garage door firmly with both hands. Your palms should be facing upwards, and your fingers should be wrapped around the edge of the door. If the door has handles or handholds, use them to get a better grip.
6. Lift the Door: Using your leg muscles and body weight, begin to lift the garage door upward. Keep your back straight and use your legs to power the lift, rather than relying solely on your arms. Lift the door smoothly and steadily, keeping it balanced and level as you raise it.
7. Watch for Resistance: As you lift the garage door, pay attention to any resistance or difficulty in movement. If the door feels excessively heavy or if it doesn’t move smoothly, stop lifting immediately. This could indicate a problem with the door springs or tracks that requires professional attention.
8. Secure the Door in the Open Position: Once you’ve lifted the garage door to the fully open position, hold it securely in place with your hands or by propping it open with a sturdy object, such as a broom handle or piece of wood. Make sure the door is fully open and stable before releasing it.
9. Close the Door Carefully: To close the garage door manually, reverse the lifting process. Lower the door slowly and carefully, using your legs to control the descent. Keep your hands on the door at all times to guide it down smoothly and prevent it from slamming shut.
10. Re-engage the Garage Door Opener: After manually closing the garage door, re-engage the automatic garage door opener by pulling the emergency release cord or lever back towards the opener mechanism. You should hear a click indicating that the opener is now re-engaged and ready for automatic operation.
11. Test the Garage Door Opener: Once the opener is re-engaged, test it to ensure that it operates correctly. Use the remote control or wall-mounted button to open and close the garage door automatically. If the opener doesn’t function properly, check for any issues with the door or opener mechanism that may require further attention.
12. Regular Maintenance and Inspection: To keep your garage door operating smoothly and safely, perform regular maintenance and inspection tasks. Lubricate moving parts, such as hinges, rollers, and tracks, regularly to prevent rust and corrosion. Inspect the door springs, cables, and hardware for signs of wear or damage, and replace any worn or damaged components as needed.
Garage Door Repair Parker CO However, if you encounter any problems or difficulties, or if the door is too heavy to lift, it’s best to seek professional assistance from a qualified garage door technician. They can diagnose any issues with the door or opener and provide the necessary repairs or adjustments to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Martin Garage Door
10411 S Parker Rd, Parker, CO 80134
1-303-663-1310