5 Common Garage Door Problems and How to Fix Them

Your garage door is one of the most frequently used entrances to your home, and when it malfunctions, it can disrupt your daily routine. Whether you are dealing with a stuck door, strange noises, or a remote that suddenly stops working, knowing how to troubleshoot garage door problems can save you time and money. In this guide, we'll cover five of the most common garage door issues homeowners face and provide you with tips on how to fix them.

If you are unsure about tackling these issues yourself or the problem persists, it may be time to call in a professional garage door service.

1. Garage Door Will Not Open or Close

One of the most frustrating problems homeowners encounter is a garage door that will not open or close. This issue can stem from several different causes:

• Misaligned Sensors: Modern garage doors come with safety sensors to prevent the door from closing on people or objects. If these sensors are misaligned, the door may not close properly.
• Remote Control Issues: The remote control might need new batteries or could be malfunctioning.
• Power Source Problems: The garage door opener might not be receiving power.

How to Fix:

• Check the Sensors: Make sure the sensors on either side of the door are aligned and free from debris. Clean the lenses and ensure nothing is obstructing them.
• Replace Remote Batteries: Replace the batteries in your remote control and see if that resolves the issue.
• Check Power Supply: Verify that the garage door opener is plugged in. If it is plugged in but still not working, check the circuit breaker to make sure it hasn't tripped.

If none of these fixes work, you may need to call a professional for garage door opener repairs.

2. Noisy Garage Door Operation

A garage door making loud or unusual noises can be a sign of underlying issues. Ignoring these sounds can lead to bigger problems down the line.

• Worn-Out Rollers: Over time, the rollers that help your garage door move up and down can wear out, causing noise.
• Loose Hardware: Vibrations from regular use can cause bolts, screws, or chains to loosen, leading to rattling or grinding sounds.
• Lack of Lubrication: Metal parts, such as rollers, hinges, and springs, require regular lubrication to function smoothly. Without it, they can produce squeaking or grinding noises.

How to Fix:

• Tighten Hardware: Check for any loose screws or bolts on your garage door's track and opener, and tighten them carefully.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Use a silicone-based lubricant or a special garage door lubricant to coat the rollers, hinges, springs, and tracks. Avoid WD-40, as it can attract dust and dirt, worsening the problem.
• Replace Worn Rollers: If the rollers appear cracked or worn out, consider replacing them with nylon rollers, which are quieter and require less maintenance.

3. Garage Door Moves Unevenly

If your garage door looks lopsided or jerks when moving up or down, it is a sign that something is off balance.

• Broken or Worn Springs: Torsion or extension springs help lift the door evenly. If one of them breaks or loses tension, the door can become unbalanced.
• Damaged Tracks: Bent or misaligned tracks can cause the door to move unevenly, and in some cases, it may even jump out of the track.

How to Fix:

• Inspect the Tracks: Check the tracks on either side of the garage door for bends or obstructions. Use a rubber mallet to gently straighten out any bends.
• Check the Springs: If you suspect a broken spring, do not attempt to fix or replace it yourself. Garage door springs are under significant tension and can cause serious injury. Call a professional for spring replacement.

4. Garage Door Remote or Wall Switch Is Not Working

When your garage door remote or wall-mounted switch suddenly stops working, it can be due to a simple issue or a larger malfunction.

• Dead Batteries: The most common reason a garage door remote stops working is dead batteries.
• Disrupted Signal: The remote signal could be disrupted due to interference from nearby devices or obstacles.
• Wiring Issues: In some cases, wiring inside the garage door opener or wall switch may be damaged.

How to Fix:

• Replace Remote Batteries: Always start by replacing the batteries in your garage door remote.
• Reposition Antenna: Check the garage door opener's antenna for damage and make sure it is hanging down freely. Remove any obstructions that might be blocking the signal.
• Inspect the Wall Switch: If the wall switch is not working, check for loose wires or connections. If wiring issues seem complex, call a professional electrician to ensure the job is done safely.

5. Garage Door Reverses Before Closing Fully

If your garage door starts to close but then reverses, it could indicate a safety feature is being triggered unnecessarily.

• Dirty or Misaligned Sensors: Safety sensors can become dirty or misaligned, causing the door to think there's an obstruction in its path.
• Issues with Limit Settings: The garage door opener's limit settings control how far the door needs to travel to fully close. Incorrect settings can cause the door to reverse prematurely.

How to Fix:

• Clean and Align Sensors: Wipe the sensor lenses with a clean cloth and ensure they are aligned properly. Make sure nothing is obstructing the sensor beams.
• Adjust Limit Settings: Consult your garage door opener's manual to adjust the travel limit settings. This should help the door close completely without reversing. If you're unsure how to do this, call a technician for assistance.

When to Call a Professional

While some garage door problems can be easily fixed with a little DIY, others require professional attention. If you are dealing with broken springs, major mechanical issues, or any situation where you feel unsafe attempting repairs, it is best to reach out to a professional garage door repair service. Not only can they resolve the issue quickly, but they also have the tools and expertise to prevent further damage.

Conclusion

A well-functioning garage door is key to the safety and convenience of your home. By identifying these five common garage door problems and addressing them early, you can save yourself from costly repairs down the line. Remember to perform regular maintenance, such as lubricating moving parts and checking for loose hardware, to keep your garage door in optimal condition.

For more complicated issues or if you are unsure how to proceed, do not hesitate to contact a professional garage door service for expert assistance.