The Triage Decision
Not every garage door problem is an emergency. Emergency service costs more (typically $85-$150 more for after-hours DFW rates). Here's the honest tech triage guide — when to call now, when it's safe to wait until tomorrow, and when it can wait a week.
CALL NOW (Same Hour)
Door stuck open, house exposed
If your garage door is stuck in the open position and you have valuables (car, tools, kayaks) inside, this is a real emergency — you're one bad-actor drive-by from a burglary. Call the same hour, especially at night.
Car trapped inside
If you can't get out and have a job, medical appointment, or child pickup, this is an emergency. We can usually be on-site within 90 minutes anywhere in DFW.
Door partially fallen off track
A door hanging off its track can fall completely and injure someone or damage a car. Don't try to force it back — call same-hour and don't run the opener again until we're there.
Snapped cable with door still up
If the cable snapped while the door was in the open position, the door is being held only by the other cable and the spring. It could crash without warning. Emergency call.
TOMORROW IS FINE
Snapped spring, door down
A broken spring with the door closed is safe — the door isn't going anywhere. Don't try to force it open with the opener (you'll burn out the motor). Book for the next business day at regular rates.
Opener not working, door manually operable
If you can manually raise the door (using the red release cord), your house isn't exposed and the car can get in and out. Wait for next-day service.
Loud noise but door still working
Grinding, banging, or squealing that's new — but the door still opens and closes — means something is wearing out (rollers, hinges, or a spring nearing end of life). Book for this week, not this hour.
Remote or keypad not working
If the wall button still works, you're not stranded. Try our 10 remote fixes and book regular service if none work.
WAIT A WEEK OR TWO
Cosmetic panel dent, door still functional
Hail dent, backing-in scratch, or scuff mark — if the door still cycles smoothly, this is aesthetic. Get an estimate and file insurance if applicable, but no rush.
Weatherstrip torn or missing
A torn bottom seal lets rain, bugs, and heat in — but doesn't affect the door's function. Fix within a month before summer heat wastes AC or a storm floods the garage.
Squeaky hinges
White lithium grease and 5 minutes fixes this yourself. If you'd rather have a pro, book it with your next tune-up.
How Steward Handles Emergencies
We answer the phone 24/7 and dispatch same-hour for genuine emergencies across DFW. After-hours rate is $95 above daytime. If you're unsure whether your situation is a real emergency, call us — we'll ask a few questions and give you honest guidance. We never talk anyone into an emergency call they don't need.