How an after-hours garage door service can save the day

It's all too easy to take a remote-controlled garage door for granted, but when it stops working, we realise just what an asset it is and how difficult it is to do without it. Fortunately, there are after-hours garage door services available, essential for when you experience unexpected breakdowns or emergencies at all hours of the day or night.

Even with diligent garage door maintenance and using a brand that emphasises reliability and efficiency, an emergency can still happen. The opener can wear out, springs or cables can give way, the tracks can seize or outside events can cause damage to both the structure and systems of the door. Getting access to your garage from the outside becomes an impossibility, and without a car, in Australia, many places can quickly become inaccessible.

The convenience of a garage door means that when things go wrong, we need a garage door repair immediately. Not only is there this time pressure, but the work often requires the expert skills of an industry professional who can also provide parts if a replacement or repair is required.

1. Lockout Situations

It's not uncommon to have the garage door opener clipped to the car's sun visor without thinking of bringing a backup front door key. After all, openers are usually incredibly reliable, and we don't often think we need a backup until we do. If you're a homeowner locked out late at night or a business that finds themselves stuck outside when it's time to open, you need an emergency solution.

2. Malfunction Risk

If you experience a malfunction and try to force it or continue using the door, the situation can become worse. Broken components can interrupt its workings and if a chain comes loose and the door slams shut, or a loose wire starts a fire, an inconvenience can become a disaster.

3. Severe Weather Events

Severe weather events, such as severe thunderstorms, cyclones, or flooding can impact garage doors unexpectedly, necessitating urgent repairs. High winds can also cause impact damage, affecting the shape of the door and its capacity for rolling into its housing. Cyclone winds can even warp the metal if it batters the door hard enough.

4. Damage from Impact or Accidents

Accidents happen, and it is a common enough occurrence that someone accidentally hits the accelerator instead of the brake and crashes into the roller door. This sort of issue may require the door to be worked back into shape or, if the damage is severe, a new installation might be required. Either way, you will want a prompt repair to keep the weather out and get your vehicle back in.

There are several benefits to an after-hours garage door service, not least of which is knowing that you can always pick up the phone and resolve the matter before any additional problems can occur. The availability of an after-hours garage door service brings peace of mind for both homeowners and business owners alike. Whatever the emergency and whenever it occurs, there is a solution at hand.

Having an after-hours garage door service ready to call also means the protection of your garage or shop from weather or wildlife. The last thing anyone wants is for their garage to be soaked by rain or for their merchandise and assets to be blown over by high winds. Quick assistance and resolution minimise any chance of further damage. This saves you both time and money, as there will be less of a need to replace stock, clean the area of debris, or close the business while waiting for a daytime service to arrive.

Professional expertise available at all hours is just a short phone call away. But, how do you know which company to call?

Searching for "after-hours garage door service" in your favourite search engine will likely bring up a long list of services out there claiming they can do the job.

So, how do you decide between them all? First of all, it's important to check their website, including checking that they are licenced contractors with a legal (and fair) warranty on their work.

Next, check their Google reviews and ensure that most of their previous customers are happy with their service. Pay particular attention to comments that refer to response times, a fair quote or cost (it's best not to go too low or too high), and that the team can give you fair options and offer the products required to remedy your situation.

At Steel-Line, we work with a select few 24-hour garage door service providers that we know will always get the job done. Check out our website to view our trusted local providers for your area.

When should I consider using an after-hours service?

Most Steel-Line branches are open from 8 am to 4 pm, from Monday to Friday. If you experience an emergency outside these hours, contact one of our trusted 24-hour service providers to fix your garage door malfunction.

How quickly can a technician arrive?

If a technician is free at the time of your call-out, they can usually arrive within the travel time required from their depot to your house or business.

What types of emergencies do they handle?

After-hours services can fix mechanical malfunctions with the motor, realign chains, or replace remotes or other components. Due to noise restrictions, larger fixes must wait until daylight hours if in residential zones, but this may be possible in more remote or industrial areas where nighttime noise is less of an issue.

Are there additional costs for after-hours service?

There is an additional price for after-hours services, but this will depend on the travel times required and the rates of the individual contractor. Even in any emergency, don't be afraid to call around to find the right service for you.

Can I schedule regular maintenance at night?

Yes! If your door requires regular maintenance, you can easily organise a regular call-out to make sure that your door systems are running smoothly. Depending on the contractor, they may also offer you a discount for regular work, even after hours.

What are common issues fixed by after-hours services?

Common fixes include replacing motor components, realigning chains, fixing springs, replacing remotes, and assessing the track that the door runs on.

What should I do if my garage door won’t open at night?

If you desperately need to get your vehicle out of or into your garage at night and the door just won't open, call one of our trusted 24-hour service providers to attend to the problem. If you can wait until the following day, call Steel-Line to get our technicians out first thing in the morning to fix your malfunction.

If you're concerned about your garage door, don't wait for it to break down. Call Steel-Line for a service today or consider booking in for one of our affordable service plans to make sure you're never in an emergency situation.

It's always a hassle when things break down, but if you're proactive about your garage door health, you can save yourself a lot in terms of time and money (not to mention the massive headache of nighttime garage door repairs).

Get in touch with Steel-Line today to keep your garage door running at its best.