If you have an automatic garage door, there are times you may need to open it manually. A power outage can disable the opener. Or, the motor may stop working. Nonetheless, you can still operate your garage door. At Mesa Garage Doors, we can fix any problem with the system. We’ll also tell you how to manually open your garage door, so you have access to your garage, your vehicle, and other contents.

Before using the built-in emergency device, make sure your garage door is closed. Then check the springs. If they’re worn out or broken, you won’t be able to lift the door. Trying to will be extremely dangerous. When it seems safe to proceed, follow these steps to open your garage door manually:

Unplug the Garage Door Opener

Make sure there’s no power to the mechanism. Even if the power is out, unplug the opener because, if the motor engages while the garage door is disconnected, significant damage could occur. Keep the garage door opener unplugged until the garage door is reconnected.

Use the Red Emergency Release Cord

The red rope near your garage door is attached to the trolley. When the door is closed, the rope should be at the front. Pulling firmly on the emergency release cord disconnects the trolley from the garage door opener carriage, which moves the door along the boom attached to the opener. Therefore, pulling the cord prevents the opener from moving the carriage, so the garage door can’t automatically open or close.

Lift the Garage Door

To raise the door, grab it from the bottom with both hands; lift it with your legs and not your back to avoid injury. The door should roll up with little effort. When lifting it, don’t be too forceful or the door can open too quickly, hit the top, and then spring back, hit the ground, and break apart. If the garage door feels too heavy or won’t move, there might be a broken spring, so call a professional immediately.

Close the Garage Door

Once you park your car inside or have left the garage, close the garage door by pulling it down, making sure it doesn’t slam against the ground. Closing it is strongly recommended. An open garage door is a security risk as it’s an easy access point for burglars. Safety is another concern. A strong wind can pull it down hard enough to cause damage and injure people nearby.

Reconnect the Garage Door Opener

Now that you understand how to open your garage door manually, here’s how to reconnect it. Once the power is restored or the issue is resolved, reconnect the trolley, enter the garage, and fully close the garage door. Then pull the emergency release cord down and toward the garage door opener (or, you may have to reach up and pull a lever atop the cord).

To reconnect the trolley, activate the garage door opener and let the trolley and carriage run a complete cycle. Both mechanisms will reconnect when they pass one another. You’ll hear a loud click when this happens. If the system still hasn’t reconnected, manually lift the door about one foot until you hear a click. 

To ensure the garage door is connected, use the remote control to open and close it.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

Knowing how to open your garage door manually can help in a few situations. In some cases, your garage door may need to be repaired. Mesa Garage Doors fixes all types and brands of residential garage doors in Southern California. We also specialize in installation, replacement, and maintenance. To request a repair or schedule a free estimate, contact us online or call (714) 586-8943.

Finding rats in your garage, or evidence of them such as droppings, signs of gnawing, nesting materials, foul odors, or scratching/light thumbing sounds is never a delightful experience. Dead or alive, rats can carry diseases and be destructive. They can damage cardboard boxes, machinery, wiring, and vehicles. If you have rats in the garage, you must get rid of them and prevent them from coming back.

How to Get Rid of Rats

If your garage is already infested, here are some ways you can deal with the problem:

• Set Traps: A snap trap captures a rat with a heavy-gauge steel bar as it steps on a trigger plate. When a rat steps on a glue trap, a strong adhesive prevents it from getting away. If there’s a single entry point, you can place a one-way exclusion funnel that prevents a rat from getting back in. You can also set traps outside the garage where they can lure rats outside or control them before they get inside.
• Use Rat Poison: While it’s highly effective at killing and repelling rats, poison is not the best solution if you have kids or pets. Carefully consider if rat poison is the right option for your home and use it only out of reach of children and pets.
• Get a Cat: Cats love to capture rats and are great at it. A cat or two will find a few. And being the intelligent creatures they are, rats will leave an area where they are in danger. But don’t leave out other methods of deterrence, prevention, or cleanup; nests, odors, and droppings will remain, increasing the risk of future infestations.

Calling a professional rat exterminator is another option. Their expertise and equipment can help fight off any type of infestation. An exterminator will determine how to eliminate the problem and avoid future issues. They’ll also clean up debris from rats and any residue from the extermination process.

Keeping Rats Away for Good

After you find rats in the garage and eliminate them, it’s time to take steps to keep them out. These are the most effective strategies for permanently rat-proofing your garage:

• Seal Holes: Rats usually get inside through holes. Inspect the walls and garage door for these holes, fill them, and place caulking around the edges. If necessary, contact a local garage door repair company to seal any holes or cracks in door panels or spaces around the edges. 
• Keep Food and Water Out: No food should be stored in the garage. No matter how well it’s sealed and packaged, rats can smell it anyway. They’re also always searching for water, which they need to survive. Avoid storing water here and fix any leaks right away.
• Don’t Clutter the Garage: Clutter provides rats with shelter and hiding spots. If you have a lot of debris and unused belongings lying around, clean up your garage and store items neatly. This will make the environment unattractive to rats.
• Use an Electronic Rat Deterrent: An ultrasonic device emits sound at a frequency humans can’t hear but that rats find irritating. It will make your garage an intolerable place to be for them.
• Fill Holes: Rats may have used or created holes in the past. If you find new holes dug near your garage, fill them quickly. But make sure no rats remain. They won’t be able to leave and may die and decompose inside your garage.
• Inspect the Attic: Many infestations start in the attic, especially if tree branches touch the structure. Trimming branches back can help prevent rats from reaching your home. Also, do what it takes to address the problem inside your garage.
• Fix the Garage Door: Rats can chew through the rubber seal that weatherizes your garage door. This should be intact for many reasons. But if it’s degraded, rats can squeeze through it, so schedule garage door repairs whenever you find any issues.

Call Mesa Garage Doors If You Have Rats in the Garage

We can fix your garage door fast, whether it’s stuck, has a broken spring, or is off the track. Our team can also repair holes, cracks, and worn weatherstrips. Rats in garages often get there due to issues with your garage door system. We can resolve any damage and rat-proof your garage permanently. To schedule a free repair estimate, book service online or call (714) 613-0646.

When your garage door doesn’t close, your home will be vulnerable to intruders, water entry, and other threats. But not every reason for the issue requires calling a professional. Some causes are easy to fix; others are not. Here are 12 reasons a garage door won’t close to help you decide what to do.

1. Something Is In the Way

An obstruction can block the path of the photo-eye sensor, preventing the door from closing. This is a built-in safety feature to avoid damage or injury. It’s included in most garage doors built in the early 1990s and later. If the door doesn’t close, look around for furniture, a toy, debris, or anything else in the way.

2. A Sensor Is Misaligned or Malfunctioning

The photo-eye consists of a transmitter and receiver that face each other from opposite sides. If the beam is blocked by dirt or a sensor is out of alignment, the signal won’t be received, and the door will stop midway or fully reverse and open again. It’s also possible a sensor has been damaged by moisture or its mounting is broken.

3. The Operator Isn’t Powered

If the power is disconnected from the garage door operator, the garage door won’t close or open. The operator may have been unplugged accidentally. In this case, plugging it back in should get the door to close. However, a tripped circuit breaker, overloaded circuit, or faulty outlet can also prevent the operator from working.

4. The Keypad Isn’t Synced 

Sometimes, the garage door opener remote needs to be reset. But when the remote works fine and you have trouble with the keypad, resetting the code can sync it with the opener system. Check the user’s manual or a troubleshooting guide for steps on addressing the issue.

5. A Disconnected Motor

A disconnected motor is another reason a garage door won’t close. The motor has a disconnect switch that lets you open the door without the opener (if this is activated, the door won’t close but the motor may still run). This feature is useful during power outages. Or, the cord can get caught and become unplugged from the socket. Check the switch or the cord before calling a professional.

6. An Extension or Torsion Spring Is Damaged

A torsion spring helps the door open and close smoothly and runs horizontally between the two cable drums. The extension springs are mounted on the sides of the track and extend and contract as the door moves.  Both of these store tension when the door is closed and release it as the door opens. A broken spring can prevent the garage door from closing and must be replaced by a trained technician.

7. A Garage Door Cable Broke

If you have torsion springs, the cables connect to the drum and rotate a winding cone to lift the door. Extension springs have cables inside them to prevent damage if a spring fails. Over time, these cables can wear out and break due to age, rust, impacts, or poor installation; the door won’t close or may fall to the ground. The door should close again after the cable is replaced.

8. The Garage Door Track Is Bent

A damaged track can prevent the door from moving. If it’s bent or misaligned, it will put pressure on the garage door and stop it from closing. Pressure and wear and tear contribute to the problem, and when one track is not aligned, it puts pressure on the other and can cause additional damage. Contact a specialist since handling a garage door track can be dangerous.

9. The Remote Transmitter Needs a Battery

Here’s a simple reason a garage door won’t close that you can fix yourself. If the transmitter’s batteries have expired, it won’t send a signal to the garage door opener. To determine if this is the issue, press the button on the wall receiver. If the door works, replacing the dead battery should resolve the issue. Depending on the remote model, slide off the back cover or unscrew the locking component to access the batteries.

10. The Signal Is Blocked

Even if the battery is good, a blocked signal or remote that’s out of range can prevent the garage door from closing. Check whether the opener’s remote antenna is obstructed and clean it off if necessary. Dirt, objects, or tree branches can block the signal. Trim any interfering branches away but call for help if the antenna appears damaged.

11. Lock Mode Is Turned On

Check whether you accidentally locked the garage door. If so, the motor may run momentarily and shut off. Disengage the lock to get your garage door to close. If manual locks are installed, turn the handle until the horizontal bar is disengaged (you’ll hear an audible snap). The door should now operate normally.

12. The Opener Has a Stripped Gear

The garage door opener can be strained by daily use. A stripped gear will prevent the opener from functioning so, if the door is open, closing it won’t be possible. Unfortunately, the only solution is to replace the garage door opener. Call for help if the door won’t move but the opener makes a humming sound.

Contact Us for Garage Door Repairs

Based in Anaheim, CA, Mesa Garage Doors has installation and service teams across the region to address customers’ needs. Our technicians are factory trained and insured and provide any type of repair on most garage door makes and models. They promptly address common issues and fix them quickly. Whatever the reason your garage door won’t close, call us 24/7 at (714) 844-5741 to schedule your free repair estimate.

The weather can significantly affect your garage door. You might not think rain would cause issues with a well-maintained door, but that’s not always the case. A garage door is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home to water damage. If it’s compromised, your garage, the belongings you store there, and the rest of your home are not safe from the elements. When your garage door won’t close in the rain, call for help right away. 

Why Your Garage Door Won’t Close

If your area recently had heavy rain, here are some reasons you may be having garage door trouble:

The Garage Door Has Soaked Up a Lot of Moisture

Some materials, especially wood, are effective at absorbing moisture. The more water your garage door absorbs, the heavier it becomes. Excess weight can strain various components and put more force on the garage door opener than it was designed to handle. Attempting to operate the door manually may be dangerous.

Your Garage Door’s Material Has Warped

Water damage can change the size or shape of a garage door’s panels or frame. The door can then get stuck as it can no longer move smoothly along its tracks. If your garage door won’t close in the rain, continuing to operate it can cause more damage. Misshapen parts can break or cause the entire door to fail.

Metal Components Have Rusted

In heavy rain, water can reach any part of your garage door and garage door opener. Exposure to moisture can cause metal parts to rust. When parts and components corrode, mechanical issues can occur and the garage door can get stuck. 

Fallen Rainwater Has Frozen

If the temperature drops below freezing after a rainstorm, any water that’s fallen can become ice. It’s common for rainwater to pool around the rubber seals. When ice forms, it can prevent your garage door from opening (melting it with salt or heat can fix the problem). But if other parts of the system are affected, call a professional right away.

Rainwater Has Caused an Electrical Malfunction

Water can seep anywhere. If you can’t close your garage door, check whether the wall switch or its wires are damaged. Other wires that run to the garage door opener can also be affected. When this is the case, you’ll need not only a garage door repair professional but also a licensed electrician.

Your Garage Door Isn’t Well-Protected

Rain will seep through if the weather stripping has worn out. Replace the seal on the bottom and sides of the door to protect it against heavy rain. Aside from checking the weatherstripping, check your garage door’s condition. Any cracks, holes, warped panels, or alignment issues should be quickly addressed if your garage door won’t close or you find any damage. Check your door often and schedule routine maintenance or repairs to avoid such an issue.

Other ways to protect your garage door include adding a trench drain to direct rainwater away. Also, remember to clean the rain gutters above the garage so water can flow away instead of onto your garage door.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors for Garage Door Repair

Unless there’s a simple reason your garage door won’t close, such as a dead remote battery or dirty photo eye sensor, you’ll need a technician to troubleshoot and fix the problem. One wrong move can lead to more serious damage or being injured by heavy or high-tension components. We are available in Los Angeles and Orange, Riverside, Ventura, and San Bernardino Counties. If your garage door has been affected by heavy rain, call (714) 844-5741 to schedule your free garage door repair estimate.

It’s not uncommon to see glass garage doors in Los Angeles. Sleek and modern, they are desirable to homeowners who want to modernize their properties. Glass garage doors typically have an aluminum frame, which is durable, lightweight, and rust- and corrosion-resistant. If you are considering installing one in your garage, here’s a guide to help make important decisions.

What Is a Glass Garage Door?

A glass garage door functions the same as any other garage door. It is opened and closed by a standard garage door opener. A metal frame serves as the main structural component. However, glass panels determine the overall look and feel of the finished product. Glass doors can be installed in residential or commercial garages.

Glass Garage Door Options

Glass garage doors are highly customizable. For that reason, there are many considerations when purchasing one, including:

• Glass Type: Tempered glass is often standard. It is heat-treated to make it four times stronger than standard glass and won’t break into large dangerous shards. Insulated glass is thicker and increases energy efficiency if you want to keep your garage warmer. For even greater shatter-resistance and soundproofing qualities, laminated glass is available.
• Glass Thickness: The standard thickness for garage door glass is ⅛ inch. However, it’s more common for people to choose ¼-inch thick tempered glass. Insulated glass is typically available in 7/16-inch, ⅝-inch, and 1-inch thick options.
• Opacity: Frosted glass allows less light in and increases privacy. It can also have aesthetic advantages depending on the design you prefer. Window glass can be tinted, mirrored, or shaded black for the most privacy.

Cost of Glass Garage Doors

As of June 2022, installing a residential glass garage door costs $4,500 on average.1 But the actual installation cost varies. Glass garage doors in Los Angeles are found in a range of sizes, materials, finishes, and designs. Tempered glass garage doors tend to cost less than insulated or laminated units. And, generally, the larger the door, the higher the price. Common sizes include 8’ x 7’, 8’ x 8’, 9’ x 8’, 10’ x 8’, 16’ x 8’, and others.

Door style is another cost factor. Rollup doors are usually more costly than swing-up garage doors but have fewer maintenance requirements. Anodized aluminum frames are often standard, but many manufacturers offer a choice of colored powdered coatings that can add to the price. Filling the frame, rails, and stiles with an insulative layer also increases the cost. The cost of replacing or upgrading your existing garage door opener may be a factor as well.

Benefits of Glass Garage Doors

In addition to boosting your home’s curb appeal and modernizing its exterior, installing a glass garage door allows you to enjoy these perks:

• Resistance to the Elements: Unlike wood and other sensitive materials, glass doors won’t decay, rot, or warp due to weather conditions. They are also moisture- and insect-resistant.
• Durability: Most people think of glass as fragile and easily breakable. But tempered glass is much stronger. It does not wear out and is as durable as wood or aluminum panels.
• Energy Efficiency: Glass garage doors allow natural light into your garage, reducing the need for artificial light. Insulating materials keep your garage cooler in summer and warmer in winter, so your HVAC system doesn’t work as hard.
• Privacy: You can choose opaque glass that allows enough light to enter. Meanwhile, it protects your privacy inside and prevents potential intruders from taking a peek to see your valuables.
• Low Maintenance: A glass garage door doesn’t need to be re-painted or re-stained. You can remove dirt and grime with a glass cleaning solution and towel. However, you will need to clean the glass panels frequently. The aluminum frame can be cleaned with mild detergent and rinsed with a garden hose.

Accessories for Glass Garage Doors

You can add latches, pull handles, or ring pulls to your garage door. Strap hinges can also be included. There are custom door stops and seals as well. If you desire, you can install faux handles that match the style of the door. Contact your garage door installer to learn about all your options. 

Contact Us About Glass Garage Doors in Los Angeles

Mesa Garage Doors provides high-quality products and services at unbeatable prices. We install and repair all types of garage doors. Our installers and repair technicians are factory trained and covered by full liability and workers comp insurance. Conveniently located in Anaheim, we serve Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernadino County, and Ventura County. To learn more about installing a glass garage door or request repair service, call (714) 613-0646 today.