When you experience common garage door problems, it can be extremely frustrating. Troubleshooting is one way to return things to normal. If the problems are beyond your ability to fix, though, you need the experts at Action Overhead Door to lend a helping hand.
Learn more about common garage door issues and fixes, helping you recognize when you can handle a problem yourself and when you need to call in the professionals.
1. Door Won’t Open or Doesn’t Open Fully
If the garage door won’t open when you press the opener’s button, check the wall outlet where the opener draws power. If it’s a GFCI outlet, ensure the breaker isn’t tripped.
Some garage doors may open partially before stopping abruptly. Look at the tracks and chain for any debris or blockages that could unexpectedly halt the door’s movement.
Loose rollers or broken hinges could also restrict the opener mechanism, necessitating professional repairs.
2. Door Stays Open and Won’t Properly Close
One of the most common garage door problems occurs when the garage door won’t close. When you engage the button, the door might start to close before the lights begin blinking, then rise again.
Check the sensors along the floor. These detect obstructions and force the garage door to rise if they sense an object in the way.
If the sensors are covered in dust, cobwebs, or other obstacles, they won’t allow the door to close. If sunlight is awkwardly shining on the sensors, the glare could cause them to malfunction. Clear any obstacles and use your body to block the sunlight. Then see if the garage door will close. If not, you may need help from repair professionals.
3. The Opener Stops Working
If you press buttons on the remote and the door doesn’t respond, the remote may need new batteries. Additionally, ensure the opener is receiving power. You might need to check the circuit breaker for the outlet serving the unit.
If those troubleshooting steps don’t fix the problem, either the remote or the opener may be broken, in which case a repair or replacement might be necessary.
4. The Rollers and Hinges Are Making Loud Noises
If you hear grinding or high-pitched squealing noises from the door as it opens and closes, you can try adding lubricant to the hinges, rollers, springs, and opener chain. If the noises continue, one of the unit’s parts is likely under stress and could be close to breaking. You may need repair experts to inspect the system and replace these parts.
5. The Door Springs Broken
Common garage door problems often relate to the springs. These springs support the door’s weight as it opens and closes, ensuring smooth movement.
Broken springs may cause the door to unexpectedly fall after opening, putting family members and pets in danger.
Any attempt to replace the springs is dangerous because of the high tension and stress they’re under. Homeowners should not attempt to repair or replace the springs themselves. The door might stop working if you make a mistake. Even worse, the springs could pop loose unexpectedly while you’re working on them, putting you in real danger.
You need experienced repair professionals to inspect and fix the springs. They have the equipment and skills necessary to safely repair the springs without damaging the garage door or risking injuries to people nearby.
6. You See a Gap at the Bottom of the Door
When the garage door closes, you might notice a gap along the bottom on one side. This indicates that the ground beneath is not level or that the door is misaligned.
Inspect the system’s parts and cables for any damage. Some screws or bolts may be loose, compromising the door’s integrity. A panel might be loose and sliding in and out of place ever so slightly as the door opens and closes.
Repair technicians can fix these and any other problems you find. They can also inspect the system in case you can’t pinpoint the issue yourself. They can find parts to fit almost any garage door design, restoring its operation to normal.
7. Door Panels and Windows Have Cracks
Some common garage door problems may appear cosmetic, but they can still affect the door’s performance. If something struck the door, you might have a cracked panel or window. Even if the crack seems minor, it could compromise the garage door’s integrity, leading to problems with its operation.
Repair professionals should visit your property and inspect the hardware. They might be able to replace damaged panels or windows. However, if the damage is significant, you might need to replace the entire door.
8. Parts Are Loose and Significantly Vibrating
Over many months and years of use, the parts in a garage door will likely loosen. As they do so, the entire system may begin vibrating. More parts may begin to loosen as a result. Loose parts are tough on the entire system, potentially leading to damage that could cause the garage door to fail.
It can be difficult for homeowners to spot problems with loose parts. You should contact trusted repair professionals who can inspect the system and determine whether tightening or replacing parts is necessary.
Contact Action Overhead Door for Your Garage Door Repair and Upkeep
If you notice problems with your garage door, you might be able to fix minor issues yourself. Other times, though, you’ll need help from the professionals at Action Overhead Door. We’ll inspect the situation and take steps to repair and prevent future malfunctions with the garage door. Our experts can provide homeowners with garage door maintenance tips to reduce the risk of a failing garage door in the future. We can also visit your home each year to perform a tune-up. For an appointment for any of our services or to fix common garage door problems, contact us today at (502) 955-7725.
