Should I disconnect my garage door opener before a hurricane?

Yes. When the storm is 12–18 hours away, pull the emergency release cord to disconnect the opener from the door, then engage the manual door lock. This allows the door panel to flex slightly under wind load without damaging the drive system.

My garage door opener stopped working after a hurricane. What happened?

Almost certainly a logic board failure from the power surge. The door itself is usually fine. We carry LiftMaster and Chamberlain boards on the truck for same-day replacement. Call (786) 891-5011.

What should I check on my garage door before hurricane season?

Verify NOA compliance (sticker inside upper corner), practice manual operation, test battery backup if installed, inspect bottom seal for cracking, check cables for fraying. Do all of this in May before the season starts.

Hurricane Season Garage Door Checklist | Miami Gardens 2026

What to do before, during, and after a named storm. Refresh this every May.

🗓 May: Before Season Starts

✓ Verify NOA compliance. Check the upper inside corner of your door for a rating sticker with a Miami-Dade NOA number. No sticker = likely non-compliant. Call us for a free assessment.
✓ Practice manual operation. Pull the red emergency release cord and lift the door manually. Know how to do this before you need to do it in the dark during a storm.
✓ Test battery backup (if installed). Unplug the opener. Confirm the door operates normally on battery. Recharge if sluggish.
✓ Inspect the bottom seal. A cracked seal lets water in during storm surge and rain bands. Replacement is $80–$160 and takes under an hour.
✓ Check cable condition. Any visible fraying means call now, before the storm that traps your car inside.

🌀 48 Hours Before a Named Storm

✓ Do not lock the opener to the door. Locking the opener engaged can prevent manual release during an emergency evacuation. Keep the door in its normal automatic mode until the storm is imminent.
✓ Disconnect the opener before the storm arrives. When the storm is within 12–18 hours: pull the emergency release cord and engage the door lock (the manual lock bar). This disconnects the opener from the door and allows the door panel to flex slightly under wind load without damaging the opener drive system.
✓ Verify the door is fully closed and latched. A door that is not fully seated in the weather seal is significantly weaker under wind load.

✅ After the Storm

✓ Inspect before operating. Walk around the outside. Look for panel damage, debris under the door, damaged tracks, or visible cable issues.
✓ Test the opener. Reconnect the emergency release (press the button or pull the cord toward the opener). Press the button and observe whether the door runs smoothly. Any grinding or unusual resistance means stop and call us.
✓ Check the sensors. Blow air or wipe the sensor lenses. Storm debris and humidity can coat them.
✓ If the opener is dead after the storm: Almost certainly a logic board failure from surge. We carry the most common boards on the truck. Call (786) 891-5011.

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