DIY Tips to Try on a Stuck Garage Door

A stuck garage door can sometimes be a source of panic. It is not only a safety hazard but also a huge inconvenience. Even a garage door that is duly maintained can get stuck due to various circumstances.

Whether the garage door is stuck halfway or fails to open altogether, it is critical to identify the problem and fix it quickly. Given the gravity of the situation, the first step most people would consider is getting a garage door service and repair company on call. However, the issue behind a stuck garage door is not always serious, and homeowners can troubleshoot it without much hassle. Here are some DIY fixes to possible reasons why a garage door won't move.

Weather conditions

Extreme weather conditions hamper a garage door's smooth functioning. Ice build-up in winters can cause a garage door to stick. To resolve it, pour hot water buckets on the door to get rid of the ice and get it functional again. 

If ice is not the issue, check the door's settings. During changing weather conditions, adjust the opener's pressure with the force-adjustment mechanism to add extra strength and get it moving.

Check for dead remote batteries

Many homeowners tend to forget this straightforward and highly probable reason behind a stuck garage door. Replace the batteries and try to operate the door once again. 

Remote control failure can also cause a garage door to malfunction. If there is a spare remote control, use it to evaluate if the problem lies there, and consider replacing the broken one.

Operate the door manually

To check for any electrical issue at play, open the garage door manually. Pull the red emergency release cord to turn off the electricity. If the door moves by hand, look for the possible electric issues.

Power outage

An automatic garage door requires power to operate. Lack of an electricity supply can restrict its functioning. Check the home's or street's power to rule this cause out. If the power seems to be working, check the door opener's plug. Re-plug it if it is disconnected. Make sure to also check for blown fuses or tripped breakers. 

Check the sensors

Dust or other obstructions that block the eye of the garage door sensor may hamper the smooth transfer of signals that open the door. Ensure that the door's sensor areas on both sides are clear to solve the issue.

Inspect the hardware

Examine the garage door's rollers, tracks, hinges, cables, and other hardware for any obstruction, misalignment, or damage. Homeowners can perform minor tasks like lubricating the moving parts or removing small objects from the tracks. However, more complex solutions like roller replacement, repairing a broken cable or spring, and fixing a bent or damaged track are better left to a garage door professional.

A stuck, broken, or malfunctioning garage door can disrupt a homeowner's life. Don't hesitate to call a garage door repair and service company if these DIY tips fail to get the garage door moving. Their expert technicians are well-trained and equipped to deal with all garage door issues. 

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