It’s amazing how automatic garage doors have made life easier. With a single click, you can keep your belongings safe and dry. It takes zero effort to open and close a big garage door. However, the advantages can quickly turn into a hassle when there is a power outage. Don’t worry; we have tips to open the garage door manually in case of a power outage. Let’s get rolling!
Opening From the Inside
If you’re inside the garage and need to get out, you’re in luck! It’s much easier than being trapped outside the door as long as you follow these steps.
1. Wait as Long as Possible
Even though you’re wondering, “How to open my garage door when power is out,” is it necessary for you to leave? If you’re not leaving for an emergency or important appointment, consider waiting as long as possible to open your door manually.
Without power, a garage door can exert deadly force. Opening the garage door manually is always a risk; only safety-conscious adults should do it. If you have reason to believe the utility company will restore power quickly, wait. When in doubt, call a professional for help.
2. Consider Safety First
Clear out all kids and pets. They should wait in the house or safely in the car. Clear any tripping hazards away from the door, and always be aware of your surroundings.
When possible, have another responsible adult help you. Although it’s on rollers, the door is heavy.
Even if you don’t need assistance, another person can help if something goes wrong.
R-W doors with heavy top-section windows feature the TrueBalance drum system that makes manually opening doors easier. Learn more about TruBalance here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=sS8nO84OwwA&t=7s
3. Stop if Something’s Not Right
If you encounter a safety problem while attempting to open the door, stop and wait until the power comes back on. This includes if the door is stuck midway through closing, you see a damaged spring, or the emergency cord won’t pull.
If you can’t figure out how to reattach the garage door emergency pull, or if anything else seems off, please don’t hesitate to contact your local R-W Dealer.
4. Unplug the Door
Why do you have to unplug the door if the power is out? Pulling the cord helps prevent electrocution if the power comes on while you’re manually opening the door.
It’s extremely unlikely, but it’s one small extra step that could save your life.
5. Reconnect the Opener
With the door opened and the trolley reconnected, reconnect the garage door opener to its power source. If you forget this step, you’ll wonder why your garage door opener won’t work after a power outage.
6. Once Power Is Restored
With power restored, safely test your garage door to make sure it’s working as expected. Stand a safe distance away and open it and close it once. If it’s working, congratulations; you did everything correctly!
From the Outside
Wondering how to open a garage door when power is out becomes more complicated when you’re locked outside the garage. To prevent this from happening, consider installing an access door or outside quick release.
Don’t have an access door or quick-release installed? Still locked out of your home? You’ll need to call a locksmith or wait until the utility company restores power.
Install an Access Door
Without an access door, you only have one way in or out of your garage. Not only is this a huge fire hazard, but it also prevents you from getting into your garage when the power is out. Having a separate access door for a garage door can be beneficial for a number of reasons. First, it can provide a convenient way to enter and exit the garage without opening the large garage door. This can be especially useful if you need to make frequent trips to the garage or if you have young children or pets who need to go outside frequently. An access door may be mandatory, depending on where you live. Please check with your local municipality or county for building code regulations to see if your garage meets these requirements.
Second, a separate access door can help to improve the security of your garage. If someone were to break into your garage, they would have to go through two doors in order to gain access to your home. This can make it more difficult for intruders to break into your home and steal your belongings.
Third, a separate access door can help to improve the energy efficiency of your home. When you open the large garage door, you are letting in all of the outside air. This can make your home less comfortable and can also increase your heating and cooling costs. A separate access door allows you to enter and exit the garage without letting in all of the outside air.
Finally, a separate access door can add value to your home. A well-maintained garage with a separate access door is more appealing to potential buyers and can increase the resale value of your home.
Regulatory Notice:
The regulatory requirements for separate access doors vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some jurisdictions, separate access doors are required on all new garage doors. In other jurisdictions, separate access doors are only required on new garage doors that are larger than a certain size. And in still other jurisdictions, separate access doors are not required at all. It is important to check with your local building department to determine the specific requirements for separate access doors in your jurisdiction.
Install an Outside Quick Release
When you have an outside quick release, you can easily follow these steps to get back inside.
- Insert the key into the socket.
- Turn the key to engage the release mechanism.
- Slowly lift the door until it’s completely open.
- Enter the garage and bring the door down.
- Use a broom to engage the release mechanism a second time. You can also pull the release cord upwards until you hear a click.
After the Storm
If a storm caused a power outage, carefully examine your door for the most common types of damage.
Dents
Both hail and debris can cause dents during a storm. While they may seem minor, large dents can make it harder to open the door or force it off its tracks. You can address minor dents by reinforcing your garage door with a strut.
Exposed Metal
Chipped paint and scratches leave your door vulnerable to moisture. Over time, your door will rust and corrode.
Weather Seal
The weather seal prevents water from getting into the garage and damaging your property or cracking your floor. A storm can damage it through strong winds and abuse. A strong sun after the storm can also crack or dry your weather seal. If the seal is falling off or damaged, call a professional to replace it. The Richards-Wilcox Weather Seal is different from other manufacturers’ weather seals in a number of ways. First, it is made from a high-quality EPDM rubber that is resistant to weathering and ozone cracking. This means that it will last longer and perform better than weather seals made from other materials.
Second, the Richards-Wilcox Weather Seal has a unique design that provides a superior seal. The seal features a double-lip design that creates a tight barrier against wind, rain, and snow. The seal also has a built-in flange that helps to keep it in place and prevents it from tearing or coming loose.
Finally, the Richards-Wilcox Weather Seal is easy to install and maintain. It comes with all of the necessary hardware and instructions, and it can be installed in minutes. The seal is also easy to clean and maintain, and it does not require any special tools or equipment.
Wind Damage
High winds can blow your garage door off its tracks or bend and distort it. It can also blow out windows. If the storm had high winds, thoroughly check your garage door for damage.
Alternatives to Fully Electric Openers
Want to avoid the stress of the power going out? Our team at Richards-Wilcox Garage Doors offers several Liftmaster opener alternatives that protect your access even without power.
Battery Backups
New technology enables battery back-ups for certain garage door openers:
- The 8500c mounts on the wall to free up ceiling space and reduce noise and vibration. It has industrial strength, power, and dependable performance.
- The 87504-267 model mounts traditionally on the ceiling. It has an ultra-quiet motor, a 2,000-lumen LED light, and a built-in camera that includes two-way audio. The myQ app allows complete control, security, and monitoring from your smartphone.
Smartphone-Enabled Doors
Do you always have your smartphone with you and hate carrying around a garage door opener? In addition to the battery backup, several openers can be controlled through your smartphone.
- The 8500W has built-in wifi and, for added security, automatically deadbolts your door after closing. It has a 1,500-lumen LED and mounts on the wall for increased ceiling availability.
- The 8155W is a standard opener, but you can control it with your smartphone. It also works with Amazon Key, enabling secure and convenient package delivery.
Need more help learning how to open your garage door when the power is out? Call our Richards-Wilcox Garage Doors team at 800-667-1572!
