Are you locked out of the garage and struggling to figure out what to do next? No need to panic. A garage door lockout is a common problem, but it does not have to ruin your day. In this Fixxed Garage Doors guide, we will walk you through some sure and easy fixes to deal with garage door lockouts. So, take a deep breath, relax, and let us get you back inside in no time.
Why Garage Lockouts Happen
In life, things can be so strange sometimes—just like a garage door lockout. It always seems to happen at the worst possible times. There are several reasons a garage door lockout could happen. Maybe you lost your keys or remote. Perhaps the power in your area is out. One day, your garage door locked from the inside. Whatever the cause, we know how frustrating it is.
Garage Door Lockout: Quick Fixes You Can Try
Indeed, a garage door lockout is a stressful situation. However, take it easy and follow these tips, and you will be able to get into your garage in no time.
Check the Power Source
A power issue is one of the simplest reasons a garage door is locked from the inside. If your garage door opener does not work, make sure you have plugged it in. A power surge or a knocked-out plug could have tripped a breaker. If the opener has no power, there may be no power outage in your area. In that case, you might need to unlock the garage door manually.
Pro Tip: If you need to check the power during a blackout, keep a flashlight close by.
Use the Emergency Release Cord
If you cannot get into your garage because the door will not open, the emergency release cord could save your life. This cord, which is usually red, hangs from the middle rail of your garage door motor to back you up for situations like this one.
How to use it:
- First, pull the safety release cord down at once. It frees the door from its connection to the opener.
- After disengaging it, you can open the door by hand.
- Be careful when lifting the door. Lift the garage door slowly to keep yourself safe and avoid any accidents.
A Word of Advice: Avoid forcing your door open if it feels stuck to avoid injury or further damage.
Check the Garage Door Lock
Yes, some garage doors have manual locks. A garage door locked from the inside might just be a simple case of a locked handle or latch. So check for any accidentally engaged sliding bars or locks that you can just flip or turn to unlock a garage door.
At the same time, a little lubricant might help if you find a stuck garage door lock. Spray some WD-40 on the locking mechanism and try again. If the lock is old or rusty, it might take a few tries to get it moving.
Quick Fix: To see if the lock loosens, try jiggling the key or handle a bit.
Try a Different Entry Point
If your garage door is locked from the inside and you cannot get in, do not forget to check other entry points. Do you have a side door or a back door to your garage? These might provide access so that you can open the garage from the inside.
If you found another way in, you might just save yourself a lot of time and frustration. Once inside, you can figure out why your garage door is not working.
Pro Tip: In case there are other entry points, always keep a backup key in a safe place.
Inspect the Remote Control
Sometimes, it is not the door but the remote control that is the problem. If your garage door is not responding, check the batteries in your remote. A dead battery can make it seem like you get locked out of your garage when it is just a simple power issue. So before you panic, try to use new batteries and see if that fixes the issue. Yet, if the opener remote still does not work, it either needs reprogramming or has reached the end of its life.
Handy Tip: Always keep extra batteries for your remote in the house or car, just in case.
Check Your Garage Door for Any Obstructions
Your garage door might not open because something is blocking it. Check the tracks and door area for obstructions. Even a small piece of debris in your door track can cause the door to stop working.
Sometimes, the sensors near the bottom of the door can get blocked or misaligned, making it seem like you are facing a garage door lockout. Check the sensors to make sure they are clean and properly aligned.
Quick Fix: Use a soft cloth to clean the sensors and remove any obstructions from the door’s path.
Call a Professional Garage Door Expert
If none of the above fixes work, it might be time to call in the professionals. They can help in unlocking a stuck or locked garage door. They have the tools and expertise to handle tricky lockouts, and they can get you back inside quickly and safely.
If your lock has broken or needs a replacement, garage door professionals in Valley Village and the nearby places can also help. Remember that it is always better to get help from a professional than to risk more harm or damage.
Tip: In case of an emergency, keep the number of a reliable garage door expert on your phone.
Prevent Future Garage Door Lockouts
Once you have gotten back into your garage, it is time to take some steps to prevent future lockouts. Here are a few tips:
- Spare Keys: Keep an extra key in a secure place, like with a trusted neighbor or in a lockbox.
- Regular Maintenance: Have a regular garage door inspection to ensure everything is in working order.
- Smart Opener: Consider installing a smart garage door opener that you can access with your phone.
Remember, with these steps, you can save yourself from the stress of getting locked out of your garage again.
Never Get Locked Out Again
Finding yourself locked out of your garage can be annoying, but these easy fixes will get you back in no time. A simple fix is often available for problems like a power problem, a stuck lock, or a faulty sensor. If nothing else works, call a garage door repair professional.
Garage Door Service Near Me
Do not let a garage door lockout ruin your day. Trust the experts at Fixxed Garage Doors to get you back inside before long. Our professional team is ready to assist Valley Village and nearby areas, ensuring that your garage door operates smoothly and securely. Contact us today for fast, reliable service and expert care to prevent future lockouts.
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