Backing into your garage door is a common mishap that can leave homeowners feeling stressed and uncertain about what to do next. This unfortunate accident can happen to anyone, whether you’re in a rush, distracted, or simply misjudge the distance.
If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to stay calm and take the right steps to address the problem. However, by following the proper steps, you can effectively manage the situation and minimize potential damage. Here is a guide on what to do if you encounter an accident and the significance of calling the experts for Garage Door Repair Anne Arundel County.
Steps to Take After You’ve Backed into Your Garage Door
If you have an unfortunate accident and you’ve backed into your garage door, the following steps should be followed.
Assess the Damage
The first thing to do is to evaluate the situation to understand the extent of the potential problems.
- Look for any markings on the car and the garage door.
- Scratches or dents on the surface of the garage door panel.
- Displacement of the tracks of the garage.
- Problems with the garage door opener sensor.
- Hardware, such as rollers or hinges, is loose or broken.
Also, check the area around the garage door and the house frame, if any, for further damage.
Ensure Safety
Before making any repairs, it is essential to learn that the garage door is secure to operate. If the door is significantly harmed or seems inapplicable, it is better not to attempt to open it and immediately look out for some professionals.
Contact a Professional
Contacting a professional service center for garage doors may be helpful in severe damages. It is advisable to consult a professional garage door installation Columbia. They are qualified to install new garage doors or repair them when needed without causing any harm to residents.
Temporary Measures
While waiting for professional help, you can take some temporary measures to secure your home:
- If the garage door cannot be closed, cover the opening with a tarp or plywood to protect against weather and unauthorized access.
- Keep children and dogs away from the area to prevent accidents.
- It is recommended that all high-value items be removed and stored in a more secure place in the house.
- Ensure that children and pets do not accidentally step on the area or come anywhere near it.
Professional Inspection and Repair
Once professionals come in, they will assess the damage to the garage door. Depending on the door panels, tracks, springs, and opener’s condition, they will assess the necessary repair work. Depending on the damage, they might recommend:
Track Realignment or Replacement:
Any bend or misalignment of tracks should be rectified or corrected so that the rollers’ rolling motion is correct. The tracks are part of your garage door system and help direct the door’s movement when opening or closing.
Garage Door Opener Repair or Replacement:
If the opener is damaged, you’ll need to fix or replace it, depending on the extent of the damage. Contact the companies offering garage door repair Anne Arundel County to have your door repaired or replaced perfectly and at the lowest cost possible.
Complete Garage Door Replacement:
Sometimes, the damage is so high that professionals may ask you to replace a garage door completely since repair costs may be higher than replacement. Contact garage door openers Ellicott City to get the options that meet your requirements and cost.
Preventive Measures
After the repair or installation is complete, consider taking preventive measures to avoid future accidents:
- Install parking sensors or mats that can assist you in parking perfectly, even if you are too close to the garage door that you fear you might knock it down.
- It is also advised to service your garage door and opener at regular intervals to avoid breakdowns. Services such as minor repairs will help detect potential problems before they snowball into major issues in the future.
- This would be a good time to invest in a newer smart garage door opener with obstacle detection.
Ensuring Safety and Efficiency: Your Next Steps
It can be pretty shocking to go back into your garage door; however, it is possible to control the situation, as explained in this guide. This is important, especially when the accident was caused by poor driving skills or by the action of a reckless driver. Do not hesitate to get professional and efficient help from garage door repair in Anne Arundel County. They can give the necessary fixes and guarantee that your garage door is operating well.
If you need help with garage door installation Ellicott City, contact Horizon Garage Doors now. They have qualified personnel capable of repairing and installing your garage doors to make them as good as new. Contact Horizon Garage Doors for a free estimate and have your garage door restored safely and efficiently.
