Dangers of DIY Garage Door Repairs
What You Need to Know
At Overhead Door Company of Huntsville/North Alabama™, we’ve been in the garage door business since 1968 and have seen firsthand the catastrophic consequences of DIY garage door repairs.
While fixing things around the house yourself can be rewarding, garage door repairs require specialized knowledge, tools, and training. A single mistake can lead to:
✔ Severe injury or even death.
✔ Costly repairs from further damage.
✔ Legal issues due to safety violations.
If you’re considering a DIY garage door repair, think twice—and read this guide on why certain repairs should always be left to professionals.
1. Garage Door Springs
Are Extremely Dangerous
—And Can Be Fatal
One of the most common and deadly DIY garage door repair mistakes involves garage door springs. These springs hold enormous tension to counterbalance the hundreds of pounds that a garage door weighs.
A single mistake when working on garage door springs can lead to severe injuries or even death. Do not open a garage door with a broken spring. ⚠️
Why DIY Spring Repairs Are So Dangerous
✔ Springs Can Snap Suddenly. ⚠️
- Garage door springs store deadly force and can snap at high speeds, sending metal fragments flying.
- Many spring-related injuries include deep lacerations, broken bones, and concussions.
✔ A Broken Spring Means No Counterbalance⚠️
- Without properly functioning springs, the garage door is no longer supported and can fall suddenly.
- A garage door falling from full height can be fatal or cause devastating injuries.
✔ Manually Lifting a Door with a Broken Spring Is Extremely Risky ⚠️
- Many people assume they can simply lift the door if the spring is broken.
- However, without the counterbalance system, you’re lifting the entire weight of the door—which can fall instantly and crush anything below it.
What Happens When a Spring Fails? ⚠️
We’ve seen cases where:
✔ People suffered fatal injuries attempting to lift a garage door manually.
✔ DIY spring adjustments led to doors crashing down on vehicles, causing thousands in damage.
✔ Homeowners were injured when a spring snapped mid-repair, striking them at high velocity.
The Bottom Line
If your garage door spring breaks, do not attempt to fix , open or replace it yourself.
A professional technician has the right tools and experience to replace springs safely and correctly.
2. Bypassing Safety Sensors
Violates Federal Law (UL 325) ⚠️
Many DIYers attempt to disable or bypass their garage door’s safety sensors when the door isn’t closing properly. What they don’t realize is that doing so is illegal.
Federal Garage Door Safety Laws (UL 325)
- In 1990, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act mandated that all residential garage doors manufactured after January 1, 1993, must include an entrapment protection system—such as photoelectric safety sensors.
- Under UL 325, tampering with or disabling these safety features is a violation of federal safety regulations.
Why DIYers Bypass Safety Sensors
(And Why It’s a Huge Mistake) ⚠️
✔ Misalignment or dirt buildup – Instead of realigning them, some homeowners disconnect the sensors entirely to force the door to close.
✔ Frustration with an unresponsive door – Instead of diagnosing the problem, some remove the sensors completely.
✔ Lack of awareness – Many people don’t realize that these sensors are legally required.
What Happens When You Disable Safety Sensors? ⚠️
✔ The door loses its ability to detect obstacles, making it extremely dangerous for children, pets, or objects in its path.
✔ Homeowners may be held liable for injuries or damage caused by a malfunctioning door.
✔ Disabling safety sensors voids warranties and makes the door non-compliant with safety laws.
The Safe Solution
If your garage door sensors aren’t working, don’t bypass them—call a professional to fix the issue safely.
Understanding the History and Purpose of Garage Door Safety Sensors
3. Pulling the Red Emergency Release Cord Can Be Extremely Dangerous ⚠️
Many homeowners instinctively pull the red emergency release cord when their garage door isn’t working. However, in some situations, this can cause the door to collapse suddenly.
When the Emergency Release Can Be Deadly ⚠️
✔ A Broken Spring Means No Support
- If the spring is broken, the opener may have been the only thing holding the door up.
- Pulling the release disengages the opener, and the entire weight of the door can come crashing down.
✔ Disengaging a Door in the Open Position Can Cause a Free-Fall
- If the garage door is partially or fully open and you pull the release, it may slam shut without warning.
- This can cause severe injury or property damage.
- Untrained consumers pulling the release cord may unintentionally cause a serious or fatal accident.
✔ Commercial Garage Doors
- In commercial settings, garage doors are much larger and heavier than residential doors.
- Untrained workers pulling the release cord may unintentionally cause a serious or fatal accident.
How to Safely Use the Emergency Release
How to Release and Reset the Emergency Cord on a Garage Door
✔ Never pull the emergency release if the garage door is partially or fully open.
✔ If the spring is broken, do not attempt to disengage the door manually—call a professional.
✔ If the door is stuck, identify the cause before pulling the release.
✔ For commercial doors, only trained personnel should operate the release mechanism.
Instead of pulling the emergency release, call a professional to diagnose the issue.
Understanding Issues With the Red Garage Door Emergency Release
4. Unnoticed Structural Issues Can Lead to Expensive Repairs
Garage doors endure constant movement and wear, meaning small issues can quickly become major problems. While a DIY repair may fix the immediate issue, it often overlooks deeper concerns that a professional would catch.
Overlooked Structural Issues
✔ Cracked panels – A reinforcement strut can extend the door’s life, preventing costly replacements.
✔ Track misalignment – Bent or rusted tracks strain rollers and springs, leading to failure.
✔ Frayed cables and worn springs – Weak cables and springs can snap unexpectedly, causing the door to jam or drop.
✔ Weather seal deterioration – Poor insulation raises energy costs and allows moisture into the garage.
A professional inspection can prevent costly emergency repairs by catching these issues early.
Final Note on DIY Garage Door Work
Check Local Regulations
Laws regarding garage door repairs and installations vary by location. Some cities require permits, inspections, or licensed professionals for certain work.
Before attempting any DIY garage door project, check with your local building department to confirm:
✔ If a permit is required for your repair or installation.
✔ Whether local codes require a licensed professional.
✔ If your modifications could void warranties or violate safety laws.
If you’re unsure, hiring a licensed professional is always the safest option.
Final Thoughts
Garage Door Repairs Should Be Left to the Pros
Garage doors may seem simple, but they are heavy, complex, and extremely dangerous if not handled properly. From deadly spring failures to violating federal safety laws, DIY garage door repairs aren’t worth the risk.
📞 Call Overhead Door Company of Huntsville/North Alabama™ at 256-772-3674 for expert service today.
⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ Disclaimer: Overhead Door Company of Huntsville/North Alabama™ provides product information for general reference only. Proper installation and maintenance of garage doors and openers are essential for safe operation. We recommend professional installation and service to ensure compliance with safety standards, including UL 325 regulations. Overhead Door Company of Huntsville/North Alabama™ is not liable for damages, injuries, or malfunctions resulting from improper installation, misuse, or unauthorized repairs. Please contact us for professional assistance.
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