Can you get yourself or your car out of the garage if we have a hurricane, an emergency or lose electricity?
We have a simple test to help you find out and check on the general condition of your garage door system.
Most modern garage door openers have an emergency release cord. The release cord is normally located on the mechanism that connects the door to the garage door opener. Popping the emergency release typically disconnects the two. To test your system you should:
- Understand how to reset your emergency release after it has been released. If you are not sure, you should consult the owner’s manual or the manufacturers’ web site.
- Make sure your garage door is closed and you are on the inside.
- Pop the emergency release cord. An average sized garage door can weigh approximately 400 pounds and should be closed for the test.
- A properly balanced and maintained door should open with minimal effort.
Attempt to manually open the garage door. A properly balanced door will stay at any point of travel while being supported entirely by its springs. Do not continue manually lifting the door if it feels heavy or requires more than minimal effort.
You should have your garage door inspected and serviced if your door does not easily open. A heavy door is not just a problem when you need to get out manually; it puts a daily strain on your garage door opener.
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