What to Do If You’re Locked in a Garage

locked in your garage

Modern automatic garage doors are convenient. But for many reasons, a garage door can get stuck, and sometimes this is while you and your car are still in the garage. This isn’t fun when you need to get to work, have an appointment, or are on a tight schedule. If you get locked in the garage, here are some things you can do to escape this sticky situation.

Try to Open The Garage Door Manually

Check that the door is fully closed and disconnect the garage door opener from its power source. This ensures motorized components won’t suddenly activate and avoids any electrical hazards. Then pull the emergency cord, which is typically a red rope with a handle. This will release the trolley from the rail so the door won’t be connected to the garage door opener.

When the door is in manual mode, lift the door straight up with both arms. Make sure it stays put where you leave it, before letting go. The door should stay in place as long as its springs are properly balanced. If it becomes crooked or falls, there’s likely a damaged spring so call a professional to fix the issue and resolve any safety risks.

To restore automatic mode, close the door manually until the bottom is level with the floor. Lock the door by sliding the lock bar and reconnect the garage door opener. Release the manual lock to avoid damage when the electric opener is operating.

Troubleshoot the Problem

A garage door may not operate for simple reasons. If you’re locked in the garage, you can try the following steps:

  • Use the Wall Switch: Instead of the remote, try opening the door by flicking the wall switch.
  • Replace the Batteries: Install new batteries in the remote control and try opening the door again.
  • Check the Electrical Connection: If the opener is unplugged, put the plug back in the socket; if a breaker has tripped, reset it.
  • Check the Garage Door’s Sensors: The door won’t open if the safety sensors on its sides are dirty or not directly facing each other. Clean them or bend the units back into alignment.

What to Do If There Is a Mechanical Issue

You can get locked in a garage because the door is off the tracks. In this case, you may not even be able to lift it manually. Attempting to operate the door at this point can cause additional damage, such as broken door panels. 

To avoid costly repairs, check whether only one roller is slightly misaligned or multiple rollers have fallen off the track. If it’s only one roller, set the door in manual mode and bend the track open with pliers to fit the roller back in. Then bend the track back into place. Check that it works by opening and closing the door a couple of times.

If multiple rollers are affected, contact a garage door repair professional.

A broken spring can also cause the garage door to get stuck closed. Garage door springs endure intense pressure when moving the door and serve as a counterbalance. Attempting to adjust or fix the torsion springs yourself is way too dangerous. This can lead to severe injury. To play it safe, call a professional who can safely and quickly fix the problem.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

We repair garage door springs, openers, panels, cables, tracks, rollers, and any other component that needs to be fixed. Our qualified technicians service most makes and models of garage doors and garage door openers in the Los Angeles area. If you’re locked in your garage, you need a professional fast. Fortunately, you can count on Mesa Garage Doors. Contact us for a free repair estimate or call us 24/7 at (714) 364-4987.

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Best Ways to Insulate a Wood Garage Door

On their own, wood garage doors offer little thermal protection and are therefore poor insulators. Your garage may be too cold to be of any use. But you can add insulation, even to an older door, to make your garage more comfortable and energy efficient. We’ll explain how to insulate a wood garage door and what you need to consider.

What Is R-Value?

R-value measures the thermal resistance of a material or object. The higher the R-value the more resistant it is to heat flow and better it is at preventing heat loss. In many states, the minimum required R-value is R13, but a wood garage door often doesn’t have a rating of more than R2.17. A plywood garage door can be even lower. 

The R-value of an insulating material tells you its effectiveness. It’s determined by the type of insulation, its thickness, and its density. The right insulation will keep your garage warmer in the winter and cooler all summer long. 

Here’s a look at the optimal R-value depending on the type of garage:

  • Detached Garage: R0 to R6
  • Attached Garage: R7 to R9
  • Heated Garage: R10 to R13
  • Garage with Living Space Above: R14+

Is My Garage Door Insulated?

If your garage door has built-in insulation, look for white Styrofoam in between silver bars. Models with a thicker material often have a higher thermal resistance. Not all older doors are insulated as today’s standards are much stricter and more specific than those of the past.

Determine the Best Type of Insulation

There are different types of insulating materials. The best insulation for wooden frame-and-panel garage doors is foam board. The most common choices include:

  • Polystyrene: Expanded polystyrene foam boards can range from R2 to R10. They are usually simple and affordable to install.
  • Polyurethane: Polyurethane foam is versatile. It’s often used for kitchen sponges and is found in everything from medical dressings to sculptures. Ratings from R10 to R17.5 suit it for colder climates.

You can also purchase a new garage door that has built-in insulation. The purchase price, cost of materials, and professional installation are higher than standard units.

General Steps to Insulating a Wood Garage Door

Follow these steps if you’re updating an existing door:

  • Place a mark on both sides of each door panel, vertically centered and 12 inches from each side.
  • Stick double-sided tape to these pre-marked locations, and remove the front peel.
  • Press a retainer clip onto the front of each piece of tape on the panel.
  • Measure the panels, and write every measurement down as each panel may be a different size.
  • Cut each section of insulation individually for each panel; it should be an inch or two longer than the panel’s measurements.
  • Tuck the ends of the insulating material into the door panel. If the insulator is vinyl, face the vinyl side outward; if it is reflective, the reflective side should face outward.
  • Press the insulation to feel the retention clips; then cut ½ inch slits to fit the front parts of the clips and secure them to the back pieces.

Installing Foam Boards

When installing foam board insulation, take measurements and cut each foam board to size with a utility knife. At the back of each panel, apply the adhesive, creating an “X” mark, and then place the cut-to-fit boards into each panel. Using a rubber mallet, hit the material with enough pressure so it fits snuggly into the panel, and repeat for the rest of the panels on the door.

When insulating the door, be attentive to its design. Additional material may be needed if the panels are larger than average. If the door does not have panels, cut insulating boards to the full size of the door or cut multiple pieces that will cover its complete surface.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors for the Latest Options

We provide and install many types and styles of garage doors in the Los Angeles area. Whether you’re looking to improve the look of your exterior, the function of your garage, or your garage door’s insulation, our team can help. Our professionals can install an insulated wood garage door as well. For residents in Los Angeles and Orange County areas schedule a new door or repair estimate online or call us at (844) 473-2866 today.

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Top 7 Garage Entry Door Considerations

Most people don’t give much thought to a garage entry door. It’s simply a convenient way to get into your home from the garage, and vice versa. But investing in a higher quality door can have many benefits, including improved safety and efficiency. Therefore, it’s wise to weigh the following considerations when installing a garage entry door.

1. Type of Door

Your standards for a door leading from the garage to your home should be the same as for your main front door. A garage entry door should be well-built and sturdy. It should lock just as firmly as a front door while a solid core increases durability and safety.

2. Installation

Installing a door can be a challenging and time-consuming process. It requires accurate measuring and precise drilling. Safety is also a concern. You’ll need safety glasses, gloves, overalls, boots, and other items to protect yourself.

Most of the time, you can find a door that’s prehung on a frame with pre-drilled spaces for a doorknob and deadbolt lock. This can simplify matters. But unless you have some experience and knowledge, it’s best to leave door installation to a professional.

3. The International Residential Code (IRC)

Section R302.5.1 of the IRC provides guidelines and regulations for garage entry doors. Here are some of the requirements it specifies:

  • A solid wood door must be at least 1⅜ inches thick.
  • A solid core/steel door must be at least 1⅜ inches thick.
  • The door must have a 20-minute fire rating.
  • It cannot open directly to a bedroom/sleeping space.
  • Automatic/self-closure for safety and protection.

4. Steel vs. Fiberglass

Steel doors are relatively low in cost yet are weather-resistant and secure. Energy efficiency is another benefit, while little maintenance is needed unless the door is scratched. Scratches must be painted over quickly to avoid rust. Dents can be tough to fix.

Fiberglass is more resistant to wear and tear, although it can crack in an impact. Depending on your siding, a fiberglass entry door can fit aesthetically as it has a smooth surface. It can also be embossed to create a realistic grain texture. Fiberglass can also be easily painted or stained.

Wood entry doors are common as well. While steel or fiberglass can mimic their appearance, solid wood doors are notably wear-resistant, albeit more expensive. With regular painting or varnishing, they can retain their look and durability.

5. Use of Glass

Glass can be incorporated into a garage entry door if IRC guidelines are met. The material used isn’t so much of a concern as is the door’s fire rating. Therefore, the unit must be tested at an authorized laboratory before glass panes are installed.

6. Swing In or Out

An entry door for a garage can swing in or out. For safety, it’s best if the door swings out of the garage, assuming you’d have to leave the space quickly if there’s a fire. A self-closing door protects you as well, as fire and smoke will be contained inside the garage and won’t spread to the rest of your home.

7. Insulation/Energy Efficiency

Steel and fiberglass are more insulating than wood. Frame design affects efficiency as well; Energy Star-rated frames are tighter-fitting and have more insulating cores. Insulated glass panes are effective at reducing heat transfer. Insulating a door (during or after installation) will add to the cost, so it’s better to invest in a higher-quality product.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

As the nation’s largest garage door installation and repair company, Mesa Garage Doors can provide advice and assistance if you’re considering a new garage entry door. Our technicians are factory trained to provide any type of garage door service. For residents in Los Angeles and Orange County areas schedule a new door or repair estimate online or call us at (844) 473-2866 today.

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Benefits of Custom Wood Garage Door Installation

Wooden garage doors can be customized specifically to your needs. That’s one of the reasons they are so appealing. No material is quite as customizable as wood while maximizing form and function. If you’re considering a replacement or update, here’s a look at the perks of custom wood garage door installation.

Lots of Stylistic Options to Choose From

You can keep a natural wood color if you prefer, or use a light stain to create the shade you want. The door can also be painted in any color. Wood is the easiest garage door material to paint. Numerous types of finishes are available as well. You can therefore match the exterior of your home or spruce up your facade to improve curb appeal.

Flexibility in Size and Shape

A custom wood garage door suits a garage with a non-standard size or shape. It can be easily crafted to perfectly fit the dimensions. If you need extra storage space or have a recreational vehicle, a wood garage door is a good choice. Custom sizing any other type of door is much more difficult and costly.

Different Types of Wood to Pick From

Plywood, while the least expensive type of wood door, can be made to look more upscale with a hardwood veneer. Other common types of wood garage doors include cedar, which is highly resistant to decay, and redwood, which resists rot and warping when built in thinner layers. Composite wood (which is recycled) is often as solid as steel and resistant to rotting and cracking.

Wood Garage Doors Are Well-Insulated

Wood is a natural insulator so helps protect your home against heat or cold. It can contribute to greater energy efficiency as well. Manufacturers can add more insulating layers and materials if necessary, depending on the needs of your home, further adding to the value that wood provides.

A Custom Garage Door Can Fit Any Budget

Custom wood garage door installation is budget-friendly. If you’re looking to save, a lighter-weight door can be installed. You can go for a simpler design as well. But if you have the budget, custom wood garage doors can feature a toughened design, polished wood, and a range of functional and decorative features to meet your wants and needs. Either way, your garage door will be high-quality and extremely durable.

Installation and Labor Warranty

Custom garage door manufacturers and dealers usually provide a generous warranty and guarantee on their labor and workmanship. You can save significantly if repairs are needed later. Oftentimes, you’ll receive years of protection, although every warranty differs in terms of what is covered. Always read the fine print.

Wood Garage Doors Are Durable

When protected against weather and moisture, wooden doors hold up well. It’s not easy to dent a wood garage door. Also, scratches, dings, and scuffs are not as common as with other materials. You can reduce wear and tear by taking the right steps early on and by keeping up with regular maintenance.

Wood Is a Renewable Material

Wood is a natural, renewable material. Therefore, customizing and owning a garage door made of wood can have a positive impact on the environment. Your carbon footprint is reduced by having a wood garage door built and installed in your home.

Schedule Custom Wood Garage Door Installation Today

Mesa Garage Doors is an experienced builder of custom wood garage doors and can meet any design criteria. We provide wood sectional garage doors that look like older swing doors, so there’s no compromise in style vs. functionality. Each product is expertly crafted, beautiful, and low-maintenance. To request assistance in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura County, or receive a new wood garage door estimate, contact us online or call 714-989-7421.

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Best Features and Options for Custom Garage Doors in Los Angeles

When installing a garage door, homeowners often select custom features and options. The garage door is a prominent element of a home’s exterior. Customizing it can improve visual appeal, durability, and security. There are many choices for custom garage doors in Los Angeles, so we’ll break down some of the options and important decisions to make.

Style/Design of the Garage Door

First, you need to pick a style that you prefer. Styles can be selected based on your home’s architecture, and include:

  • Victorian/Georgian/Colonial: Provides a stable or farmhouse look, with decorative hardware and windows that match those of your home.
  • 1950s Ranch Style: Doors with a plain finish and banding, wood slats, or other horizontal features; no hardware provides a streamlined look.
  • Edwardian: Raised panels or sections with arch-top or divided-light windows.
  • Modern/Contemporary: Often making a statement, this style uses an aluminum frame, stained wood, frosted or pebbled glass, and/or a horizontal or V-ribbed banded design.

You’ll also find common designs to customize your garage door, such as:

  • Raised-Panel: A popular choice among homeowners, a raised-panel design can be achieved with different materials; it suits most home styles and provides a high insulating value.
  • Roll-Up: Doors that roll up are more compact, which is beneficial for smaller garages and homes.
  • Sectional: Sectional doors are well-insulated against wind and water and are suited for a homeowner who prefers more garage space.
  • Sliding: Horizontally moving garage doors are quieter and easier to maintain. They can be operated remotely or manually.
  • Swing: Swing garage doors have one or two steel panels. They have a classic design and will fit so long as there’s enough horizontal space. Our Carriage House Style garage doors simulate the look of a swing-style model.

Materials

  • Wood: While wood requires more maintenance than other materials, many people prefer its classic look. Wood is easy to customize with overlays, painting, or staining.
  • Aluminum: Aluminum is rustproof, durable, and requires little or no maintenance. Its low weight reduces the stress on the garage door opener. Many custom options are available.
  • Steel: A stronger option than aluminum, steel can accommodate a wide range of styles, finishes, and colors.

Windows

Windows are popular for garage doors because of their aesthetic appeal. They come in all shapes and sizes too. Adding windows can make a garage look fresh and your home seem larger. Letting in natural light, garage door windows can also increase visibility and efficiency inside your garage (the brightness and warmth reduce the need for electric lighting and heating). To boost privacy and security, windows can be tinted or frosted.

Colors

You can choose from practically any color or combination of colors. It’s generally advised to complement the color of your home. Tan or beige is more visually pleasing when the siding is made of red brick. Some suggest matching the garage door color with that of the front door; others say to match it with the window trim. But if you plan on selling your home soon, a neutral color is the safest choice.

Decorative Elements

There’s a nearly infinite range of possibilities when it comes to hinges and handles. Hardware can be showcased out in the open or hidden, depending on the garage door’s overall style and your preferences. The size, shape, and material of these elements are also up to you. Wrought iron hardware is popular, especially for rustic homes. Decorative strapping in an “X” or “Z” shape is another option.

Insulation

Not all options for custom garage doors in Los Angeles are about the look. For example, you can often choose the type of insulating core that’s built-in. It can make your garage more comfortable, your home more energy efficient, and contribute to lower energy bills. Insulation shields against hot and cold as well as noise. The higher the R-value of an insulating material, the more effective it is.

Security

Garage door security features have gotten more diverse and smarter. You can often select from keyless entry, remotes that easily switch frequencies, and garage door openers that provide each user with a unique access code. Proximity sensors, which detect when someone is using an app to operate the garage door, are available as well.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

We are a leading installer of custom garage doors in Los Angeles and Southern California. Our catalog consists of numerous styles, from traditional to contemporary, and our specialists can provide any type of garage door repair. Browse our inventory and brochure and choose from a selection of garage doors, garage door openers, decorative hardware, and window designs. For award-winning service and a free new door estimate, book an appointment online or call 714-844-5741.

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Is There a Garage Locksmith?

Locksmiths can offer a wide range of services. While these come at a cost ($158 on average in 2022, according to HomeAdvisor)1, a locksmith can have different types of specialties. A garage door locksmith can help when your garage door opener won’t work. Now that we’ve answered the question, here’s a look at what a garage locksmith can do.

There are ways you can open a locked door from the outside, but it might not always be the best idea. You risk doing more harm than good. A skilled locksmith has the knowledge and tools to avoid damage that may require expensive repairs.

How a Garage Locksmith Can Help

Many people envision a locksmith as someone who can open a traditional lock without a key. Today’s garage doors have more advanced systems. But a garage door locksmith can repair a keypad that isn’t working. Issues with garage door remotes, from replacing batteries, to setting up a universal remote, can also be managed. Resetting a keypad or remote is also something they can do, as it’s something homeowners often find themselves dealing with.

In addition, a locksmith can:

Check Garage Door Sensors: Whether a photo eye sensor isn’t working or a sensor that detects when your car approaches the garage malfunctions, a locksmith can fix the problem, adjust the sensor, or help replace a faulty device.

Repair/Maintain Your Garage Door Opener: A garage door opener problem is one of the most common reasons to be locked out of your garage. Equipped with professional tools and machinery, a locksmith can gain access via any garage door opener. They can also evaluate it and provide any maintenance needed to get it working smoothly again.

Minor Garage Door Repairs: Some garage locksmiths have the skills to replace broken springs in addition to repairing or replacing locks. Depending on their skill level, they may even be able to replace hinges or service and repair panels.

Garage Locksmiths Can Have Many Skills

As you can see, garage door locksmiths can possess a wide range of skills and specialties. Some can help maintain garage doors and even install newer technologies to make them more secure. Many locksmiths are now familiar with how to reprogram a keypad or other electronic lock, whether it uses Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or biometric technologies. High-tech security features such as card readers, fingerprint locks, security cameras, alarms, and motion sensors can be installed. Some security devices use Wi-Fi so you can view footage from your garage using your cell phone.

For traditional-style locks, a garage locksmith can change them or even rekey a lock. Rekeying is less expensive than replacing a lock; it can be done if the locksmith can rearrange the pins in the lock’s cylinder. Common locks used in garages include slide locks, T-handle locks with cables that release two bolts as the handle is turned, and J-arm locks with an operator arm that locks on the trolley.

Contact Us for Garage Door Help

Mesa Garage Doors specializes in installing and servicing many styles of garage doors. We have a full line of automatic garage door openers as well. Our installers and repair technicians are factory trained and provide high-quality service every time. They can handle all your garage needs, so call whether your garage door doesn’t close properly or you are locked out. For immediate help and award-winning service, contact us online or call 714-975-5951.

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What to Do If a Detached Garage Door Is Stuck Closed

There are many advantages to having a detached garage. A garage door that’s stuck closed is not one of them. But the best thing is not to panic. You can manually unlock it if your detached garage door is stuck closed, with the following steps:

  • Open the locks or latches needed to open the door manually.
  • Unplug the motor, which cuts electricity to the garage door opener.
  • Locate the red emergency release cord, pull it down, and continue until the door has reached the top.

Where to Look If Your Detached Garage Door Is Stuck Closed

How you proceed next depends on the exact cause of the issue. If the garage door isn’t opening, here are the best things to check:

Photo-Eye Sensors

The garage door won’t activate if the photo sensor isn’t receiving a signal. To address this issue, clean any dirt and dust from the sensor, remove any obstructions, and check whether the transmitter and receiver are misaligned. Make sure they’re installed at the same height and they face one another from each side of the door. If necessary, turn the photo-eye to align it. Also, check for wiring damage or a blinking LED; these indicate the sensor needs to be replaced.

Transmitter Batteries

If the remote transmitter has a dead battery, a signal won’t be sent when you press the button. Check the receiver on the interior wall. When you press the button here and the door works, the problem is with the remote. Swap out the batteries to get the remote working again; if this doesn’t do the trick, something may be blocking the remote signal, the antenna may be dirty or misaligned, or the device may need to be replaced.

Power Supply

A disconnected power supply is a common reason for a detached garage door to be stuck closed. Check if the operator has been unplugged or a circuit breaker has tripped. Plugging the garage door opener back in or resetting the breaker should get the door working again. Otherwise, an electrician should check for a defective outlet or faulty wiring.

Garage Door Tracks

The tracks must be straight for a garage door to move. If the door is stuck closed, check whether it’s crooked or makes grinding noises when you try to operate it. Don’t force the door to open, as this can cause more damage. Look for objects blocking the track. You can realign it by loosening the screws securing it to the frame, tapping the track back into position, and re-tightening the screws. Call a technician if there’s damage you can’t fix.

Torsion or Extension Springs

Inspect the springs if the garage door won’t open. Torsion springs run horizontally across the top of the door while extension springs are mounted on the sides. The springs support the garage door’s weight and will eventually wear out. A breaking or snapped spring is extremely dangerous to handle, so call a professional to replace it.

Garage Door Cable

Aligned with the tension springs, the cables provide the work needed to operate the door. They also slow a garage door’s descent when the spring breaks. Otherwise, severe damage can occur. After the spring has broken, operating the door risks breaking a cable, which can be extremely dangerous, so have it fixed by a contractor quickly.

Sensitivity Settings

The system may not have been programmed correctly at the factory. You’ll need to contact a provider to obtain the proper settings, so there’s the right amount of force to open or close the door. Even if everything else is working, the opener won’t respond if the sensitivity controls aren’t set correctly.

Other Things You Can Do

There can be many reasons your detached garage door is stuck closed. If none of the above issues seem to be the cause, here are some other steps you can take:

  • Clear Any Obstructions: Check all moving parts to see if something is stuck and remove it; if you can’t find anything, try applying some silicone-based grease or oil lubricant.
  • Install a New Trolley Carriage: This requires turning off the power at the breaker, making sure the door is fully closed, and placing a ladder in a safe location. First, install the rail to the wall bracket. Then slide the new carriage onto the rail and restore power to test the door.
  • Check for Installation Issues: An error during installation can cause a garage door to not open. In this case, you should contact the installer, who can come and correct the issue so your garage door works properly.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

If your detached garage door is stuck closed, our qualified technicians can troubleshoot it and provide any adjustment or repair necessary. They can work with any type of garage door. We are available 24/7 so book your free estimate or call 714-975-5951 any time.

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Should I Install a Roll-Up or a Sliding Garage Door?

Installing a new garage door can improve curb appeal, security, and energy efficiency. It also allows you to take advantage of different styles and options. One of the choices homeowners have is to pick between a roll-up or a sliding garage door. The advantages of each type will be explained below to help with your purchasing decision:

Why Should I Install a Roll-Up Garage Door?

A roll-up door, or overhead rolling door, retracts into a compact coil as it opens. It is made of numerous steel or aluminum slats. Similar to sectional garage doors familiar to many homeowners, roll-up garage doors can be manually or electronically operated.

Although more often used in commercial settings, roll-up garage doors have advantages including:

  • Small Footprint: The slats coil around a single axle contained in a drum above the door opening. This drum requires about 14 to 29 inches of headroom; aside from guide tracks on the frame, no bulky equipment is required.
  • Security: A rolling garage door uses high-strength materials and secure locking mechanisms. These make it more difficult to break into, improving home security and peace of mind.
  • Durability: A rolling door is resistant to wear and tear, even over years of heavy usage. It resists corrosion, rust, and severe weather while containing fewer parts compared to a sectional/sliding door.
  • Weather Protection: Compared to other garage doors, a roll-up door is better at keeping out wind, rain, and dust. Temperature control in your garage can be improved, and storage, furnishings, and belongings will be more protected.
  • Energy Savings: Foam insulation prevents air leakage, heat transfer, and noise. Another perk is that roll-up doors leave no space under them for air transfer; you won’t need additional air conditioners or fans.

Why Should I Install a Sliding Garage Door?

Traditionally used for commercial and agricultural spaces, sliding garage doors are becoming more common in residential applications. A sliding door can be installed in homes as either a large paneled door or a bi-parting set of doors. Steel, aluminum, or wood panels retract up along the ceiling as the door opens; this requires a vertical track along the side and one along the ceiling.

You can see the following benefits of installing a sliding garage door:

  • Compact Design: While they don’t roll up into a coil, sliding garage doors are relatively compact. They are well-suited for garages that aren’t too small, but sliding models can accommodate lower ceilings than traditional garage doors.
  • Ease of Installation: Ceiling support is needed, but a sliding door comes in standard and custom sizes. Installing the upper and lower rails may require a professional, who can complete the job relatively quickly.
  • Quiet Motor: Less force is needed to open or close a sliding garage door, compared to a traditional model, so the motor is less noisy. Occupants of rooms that share walls with the garage won’t be disturbed when the door is being operated.
  • Easy to Operate and Maintain: The door glides easily along the wall, even if you need to operate it manually, for example, during a power outage. As for maintenance, it’s easy to deal with anything from a squeaky wheel or jammed track to replacing panels and components.
  • Design Options: Sliding garage doors can accommodate various design options and add-ons, from your preferred colors and materials to the inclusion of windows, woodwork, and decorative hinges or other elements.

Should I Install a Roll-Up or Sliding Garage Door?

The right garage door usually depends on the application. If you can choose between either, it’s important to consider the cost vs. durability. A garage door professional can help select the ideal garage door for your home.

Are you still weighing whether to install a traditional, roll-up, or sliding garage door? Mesa Garage Doors has many types of garage doors and options to choose from. Continue browsing to see the various series of high-quality garage doors that we offer. For assistance or to get a new door estimate, contact us online or call (714) 646-1596.

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How to Open a Locked Garage Door from the Outside Without a Key

Forgetting, losing, or misplacing your keys is never a pleasant situation. Neither is being locked out of your garage. But you can still get inside. After all, burglars have many ways to do it; some of these methods exploit the vulnerabilities of your garage door. But it just goes to show not all is lost. Here’s how to open a locked garage door from the outside without a key:

Pull the Emergency Latch

Unless you have built-in precautions against this, you can straighten out a wire hanger and insert it through the top of the garage door. Feel around until you reach the emergency latch. If you can hook the cord, slowly pull on it. Once the safety release is disengaged, you can roll the door up manually.

Create a Makeshift Key

Older garage door locks sometimes don’t use the familiar keys that have a lot of grooves. The mechanism is much simpler than in today’s locking systems. If you’re this lucky, just look for a piece of metal similarly sized to the key and jiggle it into the lock until it engages. Your garage door will be unlocked so you can use it as normal (and hopefully find your old key).

Use Your Credit Card

No, not to pay a locksmith or buy another lock. This works on an older traditional garage door with a spring-loaded locking bolt. The card presses back the bolt so the door will open. Another variation of this trick is to slide a flathead screwdriver into the gap on top of the door to push on the bolt. You should then be able to slide the door open.

Pick the Lock

If your garage door features an exterior handle, you can use a diamond pick and an L-key to open it. To do this, place the L-key at the bottom of the lock hold, and then insert the diamond pick at the top. Move it to lift the tumblers. The lock should rotate so you can open it. Similar tools can be used if you don’t have an L-key and diamond pick.

Destroy the Lock

This may lead to needing costly repairs, so should be a last resort. Depending on the lock, you can drill into the hole the key would normally go in. Drill in quick bursts. The locking pins will be destroyed. Wriggle the lock until it comes free; you can even spray some WD-40 to speed up the process. Don’t drill with too much force or the door may not open.

Contact a Professional

If you’ve secured the emergency release with a zip tie, have a deadbolt, or installed motion sensors and alarms, opening a locked garage door from the outside without a key may be fruitless. You may not be able to solve the problem yourself. But a locksmith has the tools to get your garage door open without causing much damage. It’s best not to put yourself at risk of injury or an expensive repair job later.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

Our team is available 24/7. We can provide any type of garage door repair and know how to open a locked garage door from the outside without a key. Throughout much of Southern California, we install all types of garage doors and garage door openers. Get answers to frequently asked questions, request a spring repair or new door estimate, or call (714) 462-3645 for prompt service.

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