We’ve all been there before. You got off to a late start, and you’re rushing through your morning routine. Maybe you have less than an hour to get the kids to daycare, or you’re in a hurry to avoid being late for work. Whatever the situation, it usually ends with a bang and a crash as you drop the car in reverse without waiting for the garage door to fully open, or even back into the door while it’s closed. It happens. Now’s the time to take a deep breath or two, and think about what comes next.
Is the damage extensive?
In most cases, the damage to the garage door is to the lower portion (you backed up without opening the door, or caught it with the back end of the car while it was rising). Generally, this means that you won’t have to worry about replacing the garage door opener.
If the door is currently raised, take a look at the situation before attempting to lower it. Is the door still in its track, or do you see rollers outside the track? Have the rollers been torn from the hinges? Do you see any damage or deformities to the lifting cables, or to the springs? Make sure not to touch any of the lifting equipment while you’re looking it over.
If you notice nothing more than damage to the door panels, and the door is raised high enough, back through the opening with the car quickly. Now, stand at least eight feet from the door and press the down button on the remote. If the door closes, you can go about your day (and make a few calls when you have the chance). If it doesn’t close, or you hear grinding sounds, you need to unplug the opener and leave the door alone. Never touch a damaged garage door.
If the door is off the track
Garage doors that have been torn off the track should not be used at all. If your car is still in the garage, leave it there. Unplug the opener and call someone to take you to work, or to get your children to the daycare facility. While you’re at it, put in a call to the professionals who installed your garage door.
Should I file an insurance claim?
You may or may not need to call your insurance company. It really depends on a few different things. First, check your deductibles (both auto and home insurance). If the deductible is high, it might be better just to pay for the repairs out of your pocket. If it’s not, or you suspect the repair costs will be high, you’ll need to contact both your homeowner’s insurance provider and your auto insurance company (if there’s damage to your car).
What’s this going to cost me?
Again, the answer here really depends on a few different factors. For instance, your garage door might only need to have a garage door section or two replaced. If that’s the case, then you will pay for the panel(s) plus at least two hours of labor. However, the door might be damaged enough that the entire thing will need to be replaced, or it could be so old that replacement parts aren’t available. In a worst‑case scenario, you might find that in addition to replacing the door, you need to replace the track and possibly the garage door opener.
If you need to replace the door
If you discover that you do need to replace the entire door, or this misadventure gives you the chance to replace an already ailing garage door, then contact us at any time. Call 506-450-3031, or request a free quote through email. We will come out to your home, inspect the garage and the damaged door, and go over your options in terms of style and insulation levels. We also offer a Design Centre that lets you see what the replacement door will look like on your home, as well as our image gallery to inspire you.
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