Common Garage Door Problems and How to Fix Them

Garage doors are essential for protecting our homes and ensuring secure, convenient access. However, like any mechanical system, they can encounter issues that disrupt their functionality. Fortunately, many common garage door problems can be diagnosed and fixed with basic knowledge and maintenance. In this blog, we’ll explore typical issues and provide practical DIY solutions for garage door problems to help you get your door back in working order.

1. Garage Door Won’t Open or Close

This is one of the most frustrating issues for homeowners. If your garage door is not working, check the following:

• Power Source: Sometimes, the door simply isn’t receiving power. Ensure the opener is plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
• Remote Control: Check the batteries in your remote. If the wall switch operates the door but the remote doesn’t, replace the batteries or try reprogramming the remote.
• Disconnect Switch: Your opener may have been accidentally set to manual mode. Pulling the red emergency release cord will re-engage it.

If these quick checks don’t resolve the issue, it may be time to consult a professional for garage door repairs.

2. Garage Door Reverses Before Hitting the Floor

When your door begins to reverse or fails to close completely, this could be a safety issue:

• Sensor Alignment: Garage doors are fitted with safety sensors near the floor. If these are misaligned or obstructed, the door will reverse. Make sure both sensors are aligned and free from debris.
• Sensitivity Settings: Adjust the sensitivity settings on your opener if the door reverses before touching the ground. Refer to your opener’s manual for guidance on adjusting these settings safely.

A routine check-up or garage door maintenance can help prevent this issue from recurring.

3. Noisy Operation

While some noise is normal, excessive or sudden changes in sound can indicate problems. Common causes include:

• Loose Hardware: Tighten any loose bolts, screws, or nuts. Over time, these can come loose due to vibrations.
• Worn Rollers or Tracks: If the rollers or tracks are worn or damaged, they can create a lot of noise. Lubricating the rollers and tracks with a silicone-based lubricant can often resolve the issue.
• Hinges and Springs: Ensure all moving parts are well-lubricated and not excessively worn.

Regular garage door maintenance tips include lubricating moving parts every six months and checking for wear to ensure a quieter operation.

4. The Door Moves Unevenly or Gets Stuck

An unevenly moving door could indicate problems with the tracks or springs:

• Track Alignment: Inspect the tracks on either side of the door. If they’re misaligned or have gaps, the door may stick or move unevenly. You can gently tap the tracks back into alignment, but avoid applying too much force, as this could damage the door.
• Spring Tension: If the springs are improperly balanced, it can affect the door’s movement. Adjusting the spring tension requires specialised knowledge and should be handled by a professional, as springs are under high tension and can be dangerous.

If DIY solutions for garage door problems don’t resolve this, a professional repair may be necessary.

5. Remote Control or Keypad Isn’t Responding

If your remote control or keypad is unresponsive:

• Check Battery Life: Weak or dead batteries are often the cause of remote issues. Replace the batteries and try again.
• Reprogram the Remote: If the door still doesn’t respond, reprogramming the remote or keypad can often fix the issue. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for reprogramming.
• Range Issue: Ensure you’re within the proper range of the door opener. Environmental factors, such as walls or other electronic devices, can interfere with the signal.

For persistent issues, professional garage door repairs might be the best solution.

6. Broken Springs or Cables

Broken springs or cables are a common issue and can be identified by loud noises or the door not lifting at all:

• Identifying Broken Parts: Check if the spring above the door or cables near the tracks are visibly damaged or broken.

• Professional Help Required: Springs and cables are high-tension parts and can be hazardous to handle. Attempting to repair or replace them without the right tools and expertise can lead to injury. For safety, always contact a professional to repair broken springs or cables.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your garage door in peak condition is essential for security and convenience. Regularly applying garage door maintenance tips—such as lubricating moving parts, checking alignments, and inspecting for damage—can prevent many issues. However, if your garage door encounters persistent or complex problems, it’s best to consult an expert for reliable repairs. At Quicklift Doors, we offer comprehensive garage door repairs and maintenance services to ensure your door operates smoothly year-round.

For more information on our repair and maintenance services, visit our page on garage doors repairs and servicing.