Backed Into Your Garage Door? Here's What to Do Next
You rush out of the house, already running late for work, and jump into your car. As you reverse out of the garage, you hear that dreaded sound. A loud crunch followed by the scraping of metal and wood. Your heart sinks as you realize you’ve backed up into garage door, and now you’re dealing with damaged panels, bent tracks, or worse.
If this scenario sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Garage door accidents happen more frequently than you might think, and they can occur to even the most careful drivers. The good news? These situations are completely fixable with the right professional help.
Whether you’re dealing with minor dents or significant structural damage, understanding your options and taking the right steps can save you time, money, and stress. Let’s explore everything you need to know about garage door accidents and how to get your door back to perfect working condition.
Common Causes of Garage Door Damage
Garage door accidents don’t just happen out of nowhere. Understanding the most frequent causes can help you recognize potential risks and take preventive measures.
Vehicle-Related Incidents
The most common garage door accidents involve vehicles. Backing into your garage door while distracted, misjudging distances, or dealing with malfunctioning remote controls can result in significant damage. Sometimes, the door doesn’t fully open before you start backing out, or you might forget to open it entirely.
Weather-Related Damage
Severe weather conditions pose another major threat to garage doors. High winds can slam doors shut with tremendous force, while hail can dent panels beyond repair. Heavy snow loads can strain the door’s mechanisms, and extreme temperature fluctuations can cause materials to expand and contract, leading to warping or cracking.
Mechanical Failures
Over time, garage door components naturally wear out. Springs can snap without warning, cables may fray and break, and track alignment can shift. These mechanical issues often result in doors falling unexpectedly or operating erratically, potentially causing damage to the door itself or surrounding structures.
Accidental Impacts
Beyond vehicle collisions, garage doors can suffer damage from flying debris during storms, children’s sports equipment, or even overly enthusiastic pets. These unexpected impacts can range from minor cosmetic issues to serious structural problems.
DIY vs. Professional Garage Door Repair
When faced with garage door damage, many homeowners wonder whether they should attempt repairs themselves or call in professionals. This decision can significantly impact both your safety and your wallet.
The Risks of DIY Garage Door Repair
Garage door systems involve high-tension springs, heavy panels, and complex mechanical components that can be extremely dangerous to work with. Springs alone can store enough energy to cause serious injury or death if handled improperly. Additionally, improper repairs often lead to more extensive damage, ultimately costing more than professional service would have initially.
DIY repairs also void most manufacturer warranties and may not comply with local building codes. Insurance companies may refuse to cover damages resulting from improper repairs, leaving you financially responsible for any additional problems.
Benefits of Professional Repair Services
Professional garage door repair offers numerous advantages that far outweigh the perceived cost savings of DIY approaches. Experienced technicians have the proper tools, knowledge, and safety equipment to handle repairs efficiently and safely.
Professional services also come with warranties on both parts and labor, giving you peace of mind that the job is done right. Technicians can identify underlying issues that might not be immediately apparent, preventing future problems and extending your door’s lifespan.
Moreover, professional repairs maintain your door’s warranty coverage and ensure compliance with safety standards and local building codes. This protection is especially important if you plan to sell your home in the future.
Veteran Overhead Garage Doors: Your Trusted Repair Partner
When garage door accidents strike, choosing the right repair company makes all the difference in getting your life back to normal quickly and safely.
At Veteran Overhead Garage Doors we offer complete garage door repair and garage door replacement services to handle any level of damage. Our experienced team can address everything from minor panel dents to complete door replacement, ensuring your garage returns to full functionality.
We specializes in all types of garage door systems, including residential and commercial applications. Whether you have a traditional swing-out door, a modern sectional door, or a roll-up commercial door, their technicians have the expertise to restore it properly.
Expertise You Can Trust
What sets us apart is our commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. Our technicians undergo continuous training to stay current with the latest garage door technologies and repair techniques.
Veteran Overhead Garage Doors uses only high-quality replacement parts and materials, ensuring that repairs last for years to come. This commitment to quality means fewer callback visits and long-term reliability for your garage door system.
Emergency Services
Garage door accidents don’t follow convenient schedules, which is why Veteran Overhead Garage Doors offers emergency repair services. When you’re dealing with a damaged door that compromises your home’s security or prevents you from accessing your garage, fast response times become crucial.
Our emergency garage door services ensure that you won’t be left vulnerable with a broken garage door for extended periods, providing both security and peace of mind when you need it most.
Preventing Future Garage Door Accidents
While accidents can happen to anyone, taking proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk of garage door damage and improve your overall safety.
Vehicle Safety Practices
Always ensure your garage door is completely open before backing out of your garage. Take a moment to visually confirm the door’s position, especially if you’re in a hurry or distracted. Consider installing parking guides or mirrors to help judge distances more accurately.
Regular maintenance of your garage door remote control can prevent malfunctioning that might cause the door to close unexpectedly. Replace batteries promptly and keep spare remotes in good working condition.
Routine Maintenance
Schedule regular professional inspections to identify potential problems before they lead to accidents. Professional maintenance includes lubricating moving parts, adjusting spring tension, and ensuring proper track alignment.
Monthly visual inspections can help you spot warning signs like unusual noises, slow operation, or visible wear on cables and springs. Address these issues promptly to prevent more serious problems.
Weather Preparedness
During severe weather warnings, secure your garage door and avoid unnecessary operation. High winds can catch partially open doors and cause significant damage. If you know severe weather is approaching, consider disconnecting the automatic opener to prevent wind from forcing the door open.
Keep trees and landscaping properly trimmed to prevent branches from falling on your garage door during storms. Regular property maintenance reduces the risk of weather-related damage.
Ready to Restore Your Garage Door?
Garage door accidents can be frustrating and stressful, but they don’t have to disrupt your life for long. With professional repair services from our team, you can restore your garage door to perfect working condition quickly and safely.
Don’t let a damaged garage door compromise your home’s security or your daily routine. Whether you’ve recently backed up into garage door or you’re dealing with any other type of garage door damage, professional help is just a phone call away.
Contact us today to schedule your repair service and get back to normal life. Our experienced team is ready to assess your damage, provide honest recommendations, and complete repairs that will last for years to come. Your garage door accident doesn’t have to become a long-term problem when you have the right professionals on your side.