If You Cannot Open Or Close Your Garage Door, Don't Despair. Here's What To Do!

If your garage door ever goes out of whack, there are many reasons this could be happening. Some reasons are basic, and some are more complicated. But there’s still plenty you can do.

Issues and Solutions

If your garage door doesn’t open, the springs are probably failing, not staying contracted as they ought to. Adjustment is possible, by shortening the cables, to add more tension on the springs using a bracket. If your garage door has one or two torsion springs, one or both might be broken. Don’t ever try adjusting your garage door, unless you’re an engineer! If improperly managed, a garage door spring can cause injury, and even be deadly. The cables, bottom brackets, or drums may require adjustment. Or, it’s possible that the springs need replacement. In any case, it’s smart to hire a reliable professional. If you reside anywhere in Suffolk, Virginia, choose a reputable local garage door company such as Garage Door Repair Suffolk.

What if your garage door doesn’t shut? The garage door has a photo sensor eye on both sides. Between them is an invisible beam, which, when it’s broken, stops the door from closing. Check whether they’re misaligned or grimy. Depending on which style and brand of sensors you have, if the light’s blinking, there’s definitely something wrong. Or, if you have sensors with green and red lights, the red one normally means it’s not working right.

Another sensor problem is the wiring. Inspect the connections from the sensors, making sure the wires aren’t loose or hindered by corrosion. Another possibility is that a short exists in the wiring, which can result from a staple that was used during installation; vibrations over time can eventually cause a disconnect. Additionally, wires can get stretched, resulting in a disconnection.

Does the garage door opener run a few seconds, but then go off? This can arise when the door’s closed, while its motor attempts but fails to lift the door.

1 Examine the track for possible obstacles.

2 Inspect the springs.

3 See if your garage door is the type with a built-in lock, and perhaps it’s been accidentally engaging. This commonly occurs with older garage doors.

What if the garage door goes all the way down, yet opens again? It’s likely that the open-and-shut limit settings of the garage door opener are malfunctioning. The settings tell the garage door opener how far the garage door ought to move before it closes all the way. If set too high, the door will touch the floor before the opener thinks it should, assuming the door is hitting an object in its path. If so, it will reverse so it won’t smash it. Get out your operator’s manual for the steps to follow to set the open-and-shut limits.

Does your garage door opener run, but the garage door doesn’t move? If there’s a power outage, your garage door opener has a disconnect switch, so you can shut or open the garage door manually. The switch, attached to a rope or knob, can come unhooked inadvertently.

1 Open or close your garage door all the way.

2 Securely reattach the hook.

3 With the transmitter, try closing or opening the door again, and this time it ought to work.

It might be just low transmitter batteries. Maybe all you need is to replace them, and the door will open.

Is your garage door closing and opening randomly? If your garage door opens or shuts all by itself, even if you’re gone, it’s a security risk as well as a nuisance, but don’t fret. Try this:

1 Inspect the transmitter. Make sure it’s not wedged beneath an object that’s unintentionally pressing down on the control mechanism. For example, the transmitter could be underneath some item you left inside your car, or somewhere else nearby.

2 Test the transmitter’s frequency. It’s actually possible that a neighbor has your same exact frequency.

Does your garage door close part way, but open again? A garage door has a reversing mechanism so it won’t crush objects in its path. The reversing instruction is activated by any objects on the ground blocking the garage door’s path ~ a garbage can, bicycle, or box. You might see debris on the tracks ~ minute objects or grime ~ preventing the rollers from moving forward. This requires expert attention.

Maybe the garage door track is out of alignment. The metal track of your garage door has to be properly aligned, or it won’t move. Check for any bends in the rails, or gaps between rollers and the rail. As the years go by, the garage door’s weight can compound these issues, so don’t put off locating a garage door professional, because the door can become increasingly hazardous.

Does your garage door slam down with a loud bang? You could have a broken tension spring, which counters the weight of the garage door. The cables connected to the tension spring are likely broken. Either can be dangerous, so you’ll need to contact a garage door professional.

Preventing Future Issues

Maintaining your garage door is relatively easy. The little time required to keep your garage door in ideal condition means you won’t have to replace it for a good many years.

Schedule an inspection once a year with your local trusty garage door repair service. Springs, cables, pulleys, and wires call for professional attention.

Set up a routine maintenance schedule to prolong the life of your garage door. If your garage is also a shop, office, or game room, it’s vital to lubricate your garage door rollers, springs, and hinges ~ at least once a year, before winter arrives. Otherwise, the springs will eventually rust, and the coils will bind. Choose a top brand, so it won’t dry out. Only a light coating is needed.

Every two years, clean the garage door.

1 Wash each side using a sponge with mild dish soap and water. Rinse well.

2 Clean the sensor eyes with a dry, clean cloth.

3 Keep the area surrounding the sensors free of cobwebs and grime.

4 If your garage door is steel, for cold-weather protection apply car wax.

5 If you have a wooden garage door, if you see peeling or chipping, apply a fresh coat of paint.

Once per month, take a close look at your garage door system’s components.

1 Replace worn parts.

2 Tighten loose bolts.

3 Investigate if you hear any strange noises when your garage door closes and opens.