The purpose of garage doors, above all else, is to work effortlessly while considering safety. When a door fails to open or close properly, the temptation to force it can be great — especially when you’re in a hurry. To do so, you must either pull the release cord on your garage door or use a spring to allow entry on foot.

Here at Omega Garage Doors, we regularly witness the unnecessary damage and wear caused by manhandling garage doors. Here, we explain why it occurs, which parts of the door are most vulnerable, and how to prevent your door — and wallet! 

Why Homeowners Force Garage Doors

These are large mechanisms composed of springs, cables, rollers, tracks, and an opener that all have to work together. If something doesn’t work on the lock, some common causes of you having to force open the door are:

The door is stuck or out of line

The opener doesn’t work, or it stops during use

Power outages or opener malfunctions

Broken or worn-out springs

Track obstructions or misalignment

But forcing the door, whether by hand or with the opener in operation, puts intense stress on parts that were never intended to endure it.

Common Damage Caused by Forcing an Overhead Door

Broken Spring

Garage door springs are tightly wound and lift the weight of the door. When a spring is worn or broken, what will happen if you try to force the door open?

• Complete spring failure
• Dangerous snap-back injuries
• Costly emergency repairs

With other parts breaking during a spring replacement, it can end up costing much more.

Burned-Out Garage Door Opener

Your opener is not intended to bail you out if you have foul body language. Forcing the door can:

• Overheat the motor
• Strip internal gears
• Shorten the opener’s lifespan

What could have been an easy fix can become a new opener before you know it.

Bent Tracks and Rollers

If a door is being pushed or pulled against pressure:

• Tracks can bend or warp
• Rollers can pop out or crack
• The door could run completely off track

 

Repaving or replacing tracks becomes much more costly when structural damage occurs.

Snapped Cables

Cables ensure a balanced right and left lift and lower. Jamming a door open can result in:

• Frayed or broken cables
• Uneven door movement
• Risk of the Door Slamming Shut

A broken cable is catastrophic and should be repaired only by an experienced technician.

Panel and Door Section Damage

If you have to push or pull on a misaligned door, it can:

• Cracked or dented door panels
• Separate door sections
• Compromise the door’s structural integrity

Replacing the panel is usually more expensive than fixing the initial problem sooner rather than later.

Safety Threats You Should Not Overlook

 
In addition to repair costs, trying to push or lift an overhead door can be very risky. A door can plummet unexpectedly, springs can snap, and cables can whip under tension. These are dangerous situations for people, vehicles, and property.

What You Should Do Instead

When your garage door does not open easily:

Stop using it immediately

Check for obvious obstructions

Don’t try to force or use the opener manually

Hire a pro garage door technician

At Omega Garage Doors, we pride ourselves on addressing minor problems before they become major, expensive repairs. Fast service not only saves money but also keeps your garage door safe and operational.

Preserve Your Property with Omega Garage Doors

 
Your overhead door is the most significant piece of moving equipment in your home or business. Caring for it — and consulting experts when something doesn’t feel right — can prolong its life, saving you aggravation and expense.

If your garage door isn’t working as it should, whether it is stuck, noisy, or won’t open and close as evenly, contact Omega Garage Doors for quick, reliable service at an outstanding value.