Common Garage Door Issues
If a garage door is not aligned correctly on the tracks, this can cause serious issues.
Garage doors are designed to operate for years, but this does not make them immune to problems along the way. Having to schedule mechanical repairs is never convenient, but regular maintenance can make these problems less frequent and less severe.
Homeowners should be informed on the most common issues that occur with garage doors so that they can take measures to prevent them before they happen, and possibly solve them without professional help.
Misaligned track
If a garage door is not aligned correctly on the tracks, this can cause serious issues. If a garage door is tilting or not running smoothly up and down the track, it may have alignment and balance issues. Look for gaps between the rails and the rollers, bends in the rails, or obstructions along the track to ensure the door is properly aligned. Contact a repair company to fix the issue before it worsens. The issue could be caused by simple misaligned or faulty garage door parts.
Remote control opener
A remote control garage door opener works off a broadcast signal that reaches an antenna. This means it only works correctly if used at a close enough distance. Try moving closer to see if something is blocking the antenna or if the antenna has been damaged. It's also possible that the battery in the remote needs replacing.
The motor runs, but the door does not open
If the motor runs for a few seconds and shuts off without opening the garage door, the door may be manually locked. Check to see if the door is locked, and if not, inspect the track for any obstructions and the garage door springs to see if they are still attached and in good shape.
This issue could also be caused if the disconnect switch is activated. The disconnect switch is present so that if the device loses power, it disconnects from the garage door so it can be opened manually. The disconnect switch is attached to a rope or knob that can be turned to reconnect the motor to the garage door. Open the door all the way and reattach the hook so the motor can connect to the garage door. A step ladder may be needed to reach the knob.
If there is still no apparent issue, it's best to contact a professional garage door repair company so they can send out a technician to find the problem.
Cold weather
If a garage door is not opening during the winter months, check the small screw located on the back or front of the opener, which adjusts the sensitivity of the motor. Garage door rollers can stiffen up because of cold temperatures, so the motor cannot push them to open or close the door unless the screw is adjusted to deliver more power. The garage door rollers may also need lubrication to make them less stiff in cold conditions. If these solutions don’t work, call a garage door repair company. They have expert knowledge, such as the effect of cold on materials such as steel, rubber, and plastic, and can find a solution to the issue.
Broken springs
Every garage door has either torsion springs or extension springs, depending on how the system is designed, that support the garage door's weight, allowing it to open and close automatically. When these springs break, they make a loud noise. If the door becomes heavy and difficult to lift, one or both springs could be broken. While it is too dangerous to repair the springs alone, homeowners can check both springs to see if there are any breaks or if they have come loose from the tension tube or hardware. If any issues are detected, a professional should be contacted immediately, as springs require expert care.
Garage door is not opening fully
If the garage door is not opening fully, it may be caused by an obstruction on the tracks or rollers that are damaged or not correctly aligned. If that doesn't appear to be the issue, check the limit switch on the motor to see if it needs to be readjusted.
Misaligned sensors
As a safety feature, garage door openers have two sensors on either side that detect any objects in the path of the garage door during operation. If not aligned properly, the garage door cannot close when the remote is pressed. Check each sensor to ensure they are clean and aligned correctly; the sensors should be aligned so the beams they emit are directed at each other. A laser level is recommended for precision, but a standard level is also a suitable option.
Obstruction
If the garage door is closing part-way and then opening back up, this may indicate an obstruction. If the sensors detect anything in the garage door’s path, the door either stops or retracts in order to not run into the object. An obstruction could be caused by toys, equipment, or even garbage cans. Be sure to remove all obstructions so that the space below the garage door is completely clear.
Reset the garage door opener
If the garage door closes all the way and suddenly opens again, the door opener may need to be reset. This is especially common in new garage door openers. Each garage door opener has settings that indicate to the device when the door is open and closed. The owner's manual should say how to reset the garage door opener so it opens and closes properly. If the owner’s manual is not available or helpful, a garage door technician can solve the issue.
Regular garage door maintenance can help prevent many of these issues from occurring. Or, a professional garage door repair company can do annual maintenance work on the garage door to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
Phoenician Garage Door & Repair offers full-service garage installation, repair and maintenance in Maricopa County. Emergency service available. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call (602) 610-0112.
