What to Do If Your Garage Door Breaks Late at Night or on the Weekend

Garage door failure may occur at any time, sometimes even on weekend or late at night. The moment your roll-up garage door, sectional garage door, tilt-up garage door, or automatic garage door that may be stuck and malfunctioning, you should place the safety and security of your property above all and call a qualified professional. This guide is intended to provide Orange County homeowners with an overview of typical failures and problems with garage doors, what to do in the immediate aftermath of a breakdown, and how to find a qualified repair professional that is available 24/7. It also offers hope for those who wish to find out what repair costs to expect for a garage door emergency, whether your insurance may cover it, and preventative maintenance to keep it from happening in the future.

Common Garage Door Failures

Garage doors have a lot of moving parts, so garage door failures can be mechanical or electrical. The most common failures include:

• Broken springs or cables - torsion (top) or extension (side) springs can snap after years of heavy use; cables can fray or disconnect. If has a broken spring, it will typically be completely stopped. The total cost to replace a broken spring usually runs about $150 - $350+ (for the record, springs are under extreme tension - never attempt to fix or replace them yourself).

• Misaligned or bent tracks - metal tracks serve to guide the rollers that are connected to the garage door itself. When metal gets warped or loose, it can cause the door to bind, and even derail. It's important to correct and align the track to prevent the door rolling unevenly.

• Frayed or broken cables - cables are the mechanism that lifts the door and if one should break or come off, the door may slam shut, or may not open. Replacing or repairing a cable typically costs around $150 - $350+.

• Damaged rollers or hinges - if your door has torqued for too long, you might have a damaged roller or a broken hinge. Damaged rollers and hinges are inexpensive, however a service call could be upwards of $100.

• Garage door opener/motor issues - electric garage door openers (LiftMaster, Genie, etc.) can experience opener issues from burnt out motors, worn gears, or electrical issues. Opener repairs are generally $100–$200+; replacement units are typically even more ($300–$500+).

• Sensor or remote problems - Safety sensors (the “eyes” located on either side of the door), can be out of alignment or become dirty which results in your door stopping prior to closing completely. Sensors are typically about $85–$100+ to replace. Remote controls/transmitters can also malfunction (usually due to dead batteries or needing programming) leaving the door inoperable.

• Power or wiring issues - Power outages, blown fuses, and broke wiring to the opener can leave you with a door that is inoperable. Be sure to check the breakers, and call an electrician if you suspect a wiring issue.

• Panel or frame damage - If an impact has occurred (car, storm, etc.), it can cause a dent, crack, or damage (panel or frame). Panel replacements tend to be more costly (typically $300–$900+). If there is settlement, severe damage, or if your door is very old you may end up having to replace the entire door ($750–$1,700+).

All styles of doors can have these problems (roll-up commercial doors, residential sectional doors, tilt up panels). Automatic doors also add the complication of electrical components. Regardless, anytime you have a malfunction, it presents a safety and security environment. For example, a door stuck in an “open” position may be an invitation for a burglar and a door that unexpectedly closes or slams can cause serious injury. Always treat a garage door that is broken as a possible emergency.

As soon as you experience a breakdown

If your garage door has become inoperable, make sure you:

• Think about safety. Keep people and pets away from the door. If the door spring or a cable broke, the heavy sectional door could fall quickly and without warning.If you have determined that the door is jammed or broken spring do not try to open or close the door yourself.

• Make the house secure. If the door is open or partially open, lock the interior door to the house if you have one and close any side doors. Put your car or an trash bin in front of the garage door as a temporary block. If you see any signs or suspect forced entry or vandalism, contact the police. If the door is stuck in the open position, think about temporarily strapping or tying off the emergency release cord, so that an intruder cannot pull it down (such as a heavy-duty zip tie) and stay in place that seems safe.

• Disconnect electric power. With the door open (or sometimes in the up position), unplug the garage opener or the circuit breaker. This disconnects the opener from power, which eliminates a chance of the opener unexpectedly moving the door, and it will also protect the motor from further damage.

• Look for visible signs. If it is safe to do so, check for visually obvious problems, (snapped spring, cable hanging down, sensor misaligned (a blinking red light on the opener usually indicates sensor misalignment), etc.). Don’t try to unbend tracks or restring cables- these items require special tools and training to perform.

• Document the issue. Take a quick picture of the issue (broken spring, dent, etc.) for your records, or for insurance. If needed, make a note of the time of day and any circumstances (e.g. “door failed while opening at 11:30pm”).

• Call a professional. Contact an emergency garage door repair service.

Make sure that you hire a licensed technician.

Clarify your symptoms (door won’t close, opener beeping, etc.) and ask if they are 24/7. OC Garage Door Guys company provides same-day or emergency dispatch support. (Tip: If you use a smart garage opener or digital lock, get rid of the keys or the digital codes when not home. If you must leave the keys, stay within a reasonable distance of it, or have someone remain with you at the location while also waiting for the technician to arrive, especially, if the door is open).

Finding and evaluating emergency repair company professionals in Orange County

The following are some things to think about when looking for an emergency garage door company in Orange County:

• 24/7 Availability: Make sure the company says they provide 24-hour emergency service. Inquire how long it will be before they can send a technician after hours.

• Licensing & Insurance: In the State of California, if you encounter a legitimate garage door contractor, they typically hold the CSLB license of $300,000 for $1,000.00. This is typically a C-61 (limited specialty) that has a D-28 – "Doors, Gates and Activating Devices" endorsement. This lets you know they are authorized to work on garage doors. You can also check any company's license and complaint history on the CSLB's site. Also, verify any company you are calling is insured/bonded for liability. Many of the companies in OC to make a big deal about that too, saying they are "licensed & insured" on their material, etc.

• Reputation & Reviews: Check out reviews of garage door. Look for OC Garage Door Guys reviews here: YELP | GOOGLE | TRUSTPILOT | BIRDEYE

• Clarity in Pricing: Before any work is done, get an estimate or at least check the minimum service call fee and any emergency service surcharges.

• Assessing Response, Preparedness, and Equipment: A good emergency company will arrive with a stocked truck prepared to fix most areas of difficulty on their first visit. Nice companies will be able to diagnose in a timely manner, show you the damage (after showing you the ample amount of damage their product caused), and explain what is required to correct the identified problems, or parts necessary for your garage door opener.

What Does Emergency Repair Cost?

As expected, emergency services have a slight premium attached. However, you should expect even after hours repairs to still be in a normal range. Ultimately, price depends on the issue at hand but to help set some expectations for those who live in Orange County, here is what your basic pricing could look like:

• Service Call (Trip) Fee: Most will charge a diagnostic or trip fee for any visit (typically $50 - $100+). This fee may be waived if you get the repairs done. Labor Rates: technicians charge $75–$150+ per hour (and possibly more for weekends) depending on skill level and overhead;

• Broken Spring: torsion springs (commonly used on single doors) range in replacement costs from $150–$350+ which includes parts and labor. Tip: you should never just purchase one replacement spring; if the other is older, you can expect it to fail as well! Typically, people will replace both springs on the same door;

• Cables: a repair or replacement of a cable price is from $150–$350+;

• Opener Repair: the average price for basic opener repairs (motor plus gears) is about $100–$200+ dollars; other repairs (i.e. new motor, circuit board, etc.) may reach several hundred;

• Sensors: the average price for fixing or replacing a safety sensor is about $85–$100+;

• Track/Hardware: the average price for aligning a track or repairing bent hardware is about $200–$350+. Many track/ hardware severities vary, and sometimes the entire track segment will need replacement (and this may be about $300+).

• Panels and Hardware: the average price for repairing a damaged panel or the panel hinges/ rollers is about $100- $900+ (door panels are expensive).

Insurance and Warranty Coverage

Routine garage door breakdowns may not be covered by most homeowner's insurance policies. Coverage for home insurance only applies if the damage is the result of a "covered peril" such as a fire, storm, vandalism, or car accident. For example, if your garage door is damaged by a tree falling from a windstorm or smashed by an intruder, your homeowner's insurance should cover the damage, but if it is a case of normal wear-and-tear failures such as rusty springs, bu, exposed wires, etc. (Insurance may cover some emergency situation wear and tear but these are very rare and generally only if they can be physically documented by some third party other than the service provider who sells you the emergency repair.)

If a car backs into your garage door, your auto insurance can cover that specific damage instead (for the garage door, damage would be included in comprehensive or collision coverage). Always check your own policy to determine whether you are covered under the specific condition. If you think a claim should be covered, you should initiate the process with your insurance as soon as possible. If you do have to file a claim, it's best practice to take photos of the damage right after it happens.

Home Warranty Plans: Perhaps a home warranty (or service contract) might cover components of your garage door but usually only offers coverage for the opener, and necessary electrical components. For example, American Home Shield mentions in its warranty plans that components of garage door systems - they might cover the opener, but your association membership does not cover the garage door, springs, or tracks. Other home warranty companies are fairly similar. If your warranty is valid, you should check if "garage door opener" is listed, and if springs/doors have exclusions. For example, AHS plan would cover malfunctioning of openers (repair or replace) but if a spring breaks, that would not be covered.

In Orange County or California the bottom line is: you will be paying for normal repairs and emergency service out of pocket. It is best to use insurance/warranty only for unexpected damage from disasters, or opener failures, if it is covered.

Preventative Maintenance

It is good practice to schedule preventative maintenance with a garage door professional to avoid emergencies. Several issues can be caught or slowed down by periodic inspections:

• Schedule annual or biannual tune ups. A garage doors professional will inspect your garage door & system every year or two which will save you money in the long run. If you have a tune-up every year or so the professional will test safety features, adjust spring tension, balance the door and identify where wear and tear is occurring on the system.

• Lubricate moving parts. The moving parts of the garage door system (springs, rollers, hinges, and the opener chain/sprocket) should be lubricated with garage door lubricant or lithium grease at least two times a year. Lubrication will reduce friction on metal parts and decrease the rusting of parts, which can ultimately make your opener work harder and wear out or break sooner. If you live in a humid climate or coastal Orange County there is a higher chance of rust on the moving metal system of the garage door, so more frequent lubrication is recommended.

• Inspect and tighten hardware. Bolts and brackets may loosen over time or come out of the wood framing on occasion. We recommend at least once or twice a year a professional inspect, and possibly retighten nuts, screws and brackets on the door panels, tracks and opener. Loose hardware may create wobbling and noise.

• Test auto-reverse and sensors.

Each month, place a block or 2" x 4" on the ground and try to close the door. The door must reverse when it hits the object (or the photo-eyes somehow detect it). If it doesn't call a professional right away. Also be sure the safety sensors are aligned and free from debris.

• Check balance.

With power disconnected, raise the door halfway, and let go. The door must stay in that position if your springs are balanced. If not (it is drifting up or down), your springs are incorrectly compensating. This is placing additional strain on the opener, and should be addressed by a professional.

• Inspect weather stripping and condition of the door.

Look at the bottom seal and thresholds for cracks or gaps. Replace weather stripping if old to prevent pests, and maintain pressure off the opener. Visually check the door panels and frame for rust, warping or other damage. Address any cracks or rust spots in your paint as quickly as possible to prevent corrosion.

By keeping the door clean, and adjusted/serviced consistently, you minimize the opportunities for surprise failures.

Staying safe and prepared is important to you. When an OC garage door breaks down after hours, don't panic and ignore the situation by forcefully trying a DIY method. Instead secure the area, and forget about using brute force, and call OC Garage Doors Guys. Keep in mind, waiting to fix a minor issue can result in a major issue - schedule the maintenance visit and protect the primary security of your home.