A garage door that won’t open can be maddening — particularly when you’re in a hurry. Although you may be tempted to try to pry it open (for a “quick fix”), that can make matters worse or a repair more expensive. At Peel Garage Doors, we understand the dangers of trying to make a stuck garage door work and the additional damage that can result. In this post, we’re going to cover some of the potential hazards of making your overhead door open when it doesn’t want to and what you should do instead.
Risk of Injury
It can be dangerous to try to force an overhead door open. The doors themselves are heavy, and they can get stuck (with a broken spring, off-track, or bad cables), causing the force to push the door’s weight down (or back). This can lead to:
- Crushed fingers or limbs
- Head injuries
- Strained muscles or injuries to the back
Garage door parts are under extreme tension—especially the springs—and they can cause death if mishandled.
Worsening the Existing Damage
If a door is not opening smoothly, there is a story behind it. If you pry it open without addressing the cause, it can:
- Bend or break the tracks
- Damage the rollers or hinges
- Strip the opener motor gears
- The door panels can become misaligned
These kinds of damages can add up to repair bills, making a quick repair a more expensive service.
Void of Warranty
Now, most garage door manufacturers offer warranties — but some conditions apply. Trying to pry your door open or make untrained DIY repairs could void your warranty. If you do damage in this manner, you are likely on the hook for the entire repair or replacement cost.) As always, be sure to look up your warranty terms before taking any action.
Compromised Home Security
If the door is pried open and is unable to close properly afterward, your home is vulnerable. A broken overhead door will entice burglars to enter your property through that weak point. An unsecured garage can also provide entry to tools, vehicles, and even your main house — especially if there’s an internal door leading inside.
Increased Repair Costs
What might have been a simple tweak could become an expensive teardown. For example:
- A sensor out of alignment might cost $50–$100 to adjust
- But when it damages tracks as it is forced, the price can be more than $500.
- A damaged opener system can result in a complete replacement that could cost $1,000 or more
Not using force when it is not necessary can prevent you from incurring expensive repair costs.
Damage to the Garage Door Opener
Many homeowners assume that the opener is a powerful motor capable of “pushing through” a door that’s in trouble. The fact is that openers are designed to work in conjunction with door systems. Forcing the opener to do the heavy lifting on a jammed or heavy door can overheat the motor, strip gears, or break internal parts — usually resulting in a whole “You’re gonna need another new opener” situation.
What You Should Do Instead
If your overhead garage door doesn’t open:
Inspect Basic Issues: Inspect obstructions, power connection, and detached openers.
No Force: Never force the door up, down, or to either side.
Unplug the Opener: Unlock the garage and “operate the garage door manually” using the emergency release cord — in other words, have some faith and do it if you’re sure that’s the issue.
Rely on the Pros: Call a licensed technician at Peel Garage Doors. We can safely and effectively investigate, diagnose, and resolve the issue.
Conclusion
It is an inconvenience when an overhead door is stuck — but forcing it open is never the solution. The danger to you, your property, and your pocket is much too great. That’s where Peel Garage Doors comes in: we provide quick, reliable, and cost-effective garage door repair service that helps get your system working again – without the risk or damage of a DIY fix.
Need assistance with a garage door that won’t open? If you need help, be sure to call Peel Garage Doors.
