A garage door that suddenly comes crashing down is more than startling or an inconvenience, it is a serious safety hazard. Whether it slams shut during operation or collapses unexpectedly while stationary, this kind of malfunction can result in injuries, vehicle damage, and even structural issues with your home. If your garage door has dropped suddenly, don’t panic. AAA Action Garage Doors would like to share what you should do immediately, what likely caused the problem, and how to prevent it from happening again.
Step 1: Stay Calm & Prioritize Safety
The moment your garage door crashes down, do not try to lift, move, or force it open. These doors weigh hundreds of pounds and may be unstable. Take a few steps back and make sure that no one is trapped under or near the door. Keep children and pets away from the garage door area. You should avoid using the garage until a professional inspects it. If someone is injured or stuck, call 911 right away.
Step 2: Visually Inspect Garage Door
Without touching the door, take a look at its components. You may notice snapped or loose cables hanging down, broken or gapped springs. The door could be resting unevenly or off its tracks. You may see dents, cracks, or visible damage to the panels or hardware. These are all signs that a mechanical failure has occurred most likely in the springs or cables.
Step 3: Call a Professional Garage Door Technician
A door that crashes down is almost always the result of a major mechanical failure. This is not a DIY repair. Call a licensed garage door repair specialist to diagnose the problem safely, they will also secure or remove the damaged door. Next they may need to replace broken springs, cables, or hardware. They will also inspect for additional issues like track damage or motor strain. Many reputable garage door companies offer emergency repair services. Don’t wait getting repairs as it can make the situation worse.
What Causes Garage Doors to Suddenly Fall?
There are a few common culprits behind this scary situation:
• Broken Torsion or Extension Springs: Springs are what counterbalance the weight of your door. If a spring breaks, the door can fall suddenly under its own weight.
• Snapped Lift Cables: Lift cables support the door during movement. If they fray or snap, the door may drop unevenly or crash down entirely.
• Off-Track Rollers: If a roller comes off the track, especially during opening or closing, it can destabilize the door and cause it to fall.
• Garage Door Opener Failure: Sometimes, the opener’s internal mechanism fails, especially if it’s an older model. A disengaged or faulty opener won’t support the door properly.
How to Prevent this from Happening Again
A sudden garage door collapse may be dramatic but it’s often preventable with regular maintenance. Here’s how to keep your door safe and reliable:
• Schedule Annual Inspections: Have a technician inspect springs, cables, rollers, and the opener at least once a year.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Use a silicone-based spray on rollers, hinges, and springs every few months to reduce wear.
• Replace Worn Parts Promptly: If a part looks worn or damaged, don’t wait for it to fail. Replacing it early can save you from a more dangerous and costly breakdown later.
Garage Door Services in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
A crashing garage door is frightening but with the right steps, it doesn’t have to lead to disaster. If your garage door is damaged or unsafe contact AAA Action Garage Doors today.
