Door Won't Open Emergency
Get to Work - Fast Response
Stuck in garage? Can't get to work? Vehicle trapped? We respond within 60-90 minutes. Most won't-open issues: broken spring, opener failure, or cable broke. Same-day repair gets you mobile again.
Common Won't-Open Causes
Broken Spring (80%)
Symptoms: Loud bang heard, door extremely heavy to lift, opener runs but door doesn't move, gap in spring visible.
Emergency repair needed - do not attempt to force open.
Opener Disconnected
Symptoms: Opener runs but door doesn't move, emergency release cord pulled, disconnect arm visible.
Easy fix - can guide over phone or dispatch technician.
Power Failure
Symptoms: Opener light doesn't come on, wall button doesn't work, no sound when pressing remote.
Check breaker/outlet first - may not need service call.
Broken Cable
Symptoms: Cable hanging loose, door crooked when trying to open, one side lifts but other doesn't.
Emergency repair - door unstable and dangerous.
Opener Motor Failed
Symptoms: Clicking/humming sound but no movement, burning smell, opener sparking, motor completely silent.
Opener repair or replacement needed - same day available.
Manually Locked
Symptoms: Deadbolt visible on inside of door, opener runs but door doesn't move, no other issues.
Simple unlock - check for side lock before calling.
Diagnose Your "Won't Open" Problem
Answer these questions to identify your issue. Our technicians use this same diagnostic flow.
Did you hear a loud BANG recently?
YES - Loud bang/snap sound
80% likely: Broken torsion spring. Door extremely heavy, opener runs but door barely moves.
DO NOT attempt to manually open. Emergency repair needed.
NO - No unusual sounds
Continue to next diagnostic question below.
Opener runs but door doesn't move?
- 10%: Emergency release pulled (reconnect arm)
- 5%: Broken belt/chain (opener gear failure)
- 5%: Manual lock engaged (check side lock)
Phone guidance can often fix these issues.
Opener completely silent?
- Check: Power outlet (plug in lamp test)
- Check: Circuit breaker (garage circuit)
- If powered: Motor failure (service needed)
Power issues are often quick self-fixes.
Door crooked or one side higher?
- 5%: Broken cable (visible hanging)
- Danger: Door unbalanced, could collapse
DO NOT operate. Emergency service required.
Door stuck partially open?
- Possible: Track obstruction or bent track
- Possible: Roller jumped track
Security risk - call for same-day repair.
Phone Diagnostic Service
Before dispatching a technician, we offer FREE over-the-phone diagnostics. In 5-10 minutes, our expert can determine:
- Whether you can safely open the door yourself
- If emergency visit is needed vs. scheduled service
- Estimated repair cost range before we arrive
- Parts needed (so we bring them on first visit)
When Phone Guidance Works:
- Emergency release disconnected
- Power outage/tripped breaker
- Manual lock engaged
When Emergency Visit Needed:
- Broken spring (loud bang heard)
- Broken cable (door crooked)
- Motor failure (opener dead)
Emergency Response Timeline
We staff strategically for when "won't open" emergencies happen most - morning rush.
Morning Rush
6:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Extra technicians staffed for peak demand. Priority dispatch for vehicle-trapped emergencies.
Business Hours
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Standard response window. Same-day service guaranteed for calls before 3 PM.
After Hours
6:00 PM - 6:00 AM
On-call technicians available 24/7. Same rates as daytime - no premium charges.
Real Talk: If you call at 7:00 AM with a broken spring, typical arrival is 8:15-8:30 AM. Repair takes 45-60 minutes. You'll be mobile by 9:30 AM. Missing half a morning beats missing a whole day waiting for "sometime between 8 and 5."
Cost Expectations by Scenario
Transparent pricing. No surprise charges. Upfront quotes before any work begins.
Broken Spring
80% of "won't open" cases
- Includes both springs replaced
- High-cycle springs (25,000+ cycles)
- Lifetime warranty available
Broken Cable
5% of cases
- Both cables replaced
- Drum inspection included
- Balance adjustment
Opener Repair
10% of cases
- Motor/gear replacement
- Circuit board repair
- Belt/chain replacement
Simple Fix
5% of cases
- Emergency release reconnect
- Sensor realignment
- Limit adjustment
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my garage door open?
Most common causes: broken spring (80% - you heard loud bang), opener disconnected (emergency release pulled), power failure (check outlet/breaker), broken cable, broken gears in opener, locked manually, track obstruction. If door extremely heavy to lift manually = broken spring (call for emergency repair).
Can I manually open my garage door to get my car out?
Maybe - depends on cause. If opener issue (power out, disconnected): yes, pull emergency release and lift manually. If broken spring: NO - door weighs 200-400 lbs without spring, extremely dangerous. We can provide phone guidance to determine if safe to manually open based on your symptoms.
How fast can you get my door open?
60-90 minute emergency response for stuck-closed doors (we know you need to get to work). If broken spring: spring replacement takes 45-90 minutes after arrival (2-3 hours total from call). If opener issue: 30-60 minute repair typically. If cable broke: 30-60 minute repair.
What if I need to get to work right now?
Call immediately - we'll provide over-the-phone guidance to safely open door if possible (emergency release method). If unsafe to manually open (broken spring), we can dispatch technician for priority emergency service. Consider alternative transport if door cannot be safely opened before technician arrives.
How much does emergency door-won't-open repair cost?
Broken spring: $200-$350 (most common cause). Opener repair: $150-$400 depending on issue. Broken cable: $150-$300. Simple issues (disconnected opener, adjustment): $75-$150. Upfront quotes provided before work starts - no surprise charges.
Do you really respond that fast in the morning rush?
Yes - morning rush (6-9 AM) is our busiest time for stuck-closed emergencies. We staff extra technicians during peak hours. If you call at 7 AM, typical arrival by 8:15 AM. We understand the urgency - missing work costs money.
What if it's a weekend or holiday?
Same service, same rates. We don't charge premium prices for weekends, holidays, or after-hours calls. A stuck door at 6 AM Sunday costs the same as 2 PM Tuesday. Our technicians work rotating schedules so there's always emergency coverage.
Will you damage my door trying to get it open?
No - professional technicians never force doors open. We diagnose the root cause first, then repair properly. Forcing a stuck door causes additional damage (bent tracks, broken panels). Proper diagnosis and repair costs less than emergency hacks that cause secondary damage.
Can't Get Out of Garage? Call Now!
60-90 minute emergency response. Morning priority dispatch. Get to work on time. Same-day repair.
(405) 555-0365
